The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) in districts currently lacking these premier institutions under the Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme. The initiative aims to expand access to quality modern education for talented students, predominantly from rural areas.
The project, with an estimated budget of ₹2,359.82 crore, will be implemented over five years from 2024-25 to 2028-29. The plan includes ₹1,944.19 crore for capital expenditure and ₹415.63 crore for operational costs. The new NVs, each with a capacity to accommodate 560 students, will collectively benefit 15,680 students.
Each NV will employ 47 staff members, creating 1,316 permanent jobs. Additionally, the construction and establishment phase is expected to generate significant employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers. The residential nature of these schools will also foster local economic growth by creating demand for supplies, services, and essential commodities.
Currently, there are 661 sanctioned NVs nationwide, of which 653 are operational. The newly approved schools will further strengthen the network of these co-educational, fully residential institutions, which admit students from Class VI to XII through a selection test. Annually, approximately 49,640 students are enrolled in Class VI across NVs.
Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, most Navodaya Vidyalayas have been designated as PM SHRI schools, serving as exemplary institutions for implementing the policy. These schools have become a beacon of inclusivity, with 42% of their students being girls, and substantial representation from Scheduled Castes (24%), Scheduled Tribes (20%), and Other Backward Classes (39%).
Navodaya Vidyalayas continue to excel academically, consistently achieving top results in CBSE board examinations. Their alumni are making significant strides in diverse fields such as engineering, medicine, civil services, and the armed forces, on par with the best talent from urban India.
The list of districts where these new schools will be established includes several underserved areas across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and West Bengal. These additions reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to high-quality education for all.