Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the establishment of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) under the civil sector across India with a total outlay of over ₹5,862 crore. The expansion aims to meet the rising educational needs of children of Central Government employees, while reinforcing the role of KVs as model schools under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, responding to proposals from ministries, departments, and state/UT authorities for new schools in underserved and strategically important areas.
The project, spread across nine years from 2026–27, will require a capital expenditure of ₹2,585.52 crore and operational expenditure of ₹3,277.03 crore. For the first time, all 57 new schools will include Balvatikas (pre-primary foundational stage), making them exemplar schools aligned with NEP 2020.
Cabinet approved the plan on October 1, 2025. The new Kendriya Vidyalayas will be set up across 17 states and union territories, with special focus on aspirational districts, Left Wing Extremism-affected regions, North Eastern states, and hilly areas.
Kendriya Vidyalayas remain among the most sought-after schools for their quality teaching, innovative pedagogy, and consistent academic excellence in CBSE board results. The move strengthens inclusivity by reaching states not covered in earlier approvals since 2019. Of the 57 schools, 20 will be in districts without an existing KV, 14 in aspirational districts, 4 in LWE-affected areas, and 5 in NER/hilly regions.
Each KV will cater to around 1,520 students, with the new proposal benefitting an estimated 86,640 students. As per norms, a full-fledged KV generates 81 direct employment opportunities; thus, 4,617 permanent jobs will be created. Additionally, construction and allied activities are expected to generate large-scale employment for skilled and unskilled workers.
Currently, there are 1,288 functional Kendriya Vidyalayas, including three abroad in Moscow, Kathmandu, and Tehran, with a student strength of about 13.62 lakh. Together with the sanction of 85 KVs in December 2024, this new approval reflects the government’s strong commitment to balanced regional expansion, inclusivity, and national integration.
