Union Cabinet Approves Expansion of Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas
The Union Cabinet has given the green light to establish 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and 28 Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs), aiming to enhance access to quality education across the country. The decision, announced on Friday, includes a significant financial outlay and promises to benefit thousands of students and create numerous employment opportunities.
The Ministry of Education has outlined an expenditure of ₹5,872.08 crore over eight years (2025-26 to 2032-33) for the new KVs. This budget includes a capital expenditure of ₹2,862.71 crore and operational costs amounting to ₹3,009.37 crore. Additionally, the expansion of the existing KV in Shivamogga is part of this initiative. Each KV, designed to accommodate up to 960 students, is expected to extend its benefits to 82,560 more students upon completion.
Furthermore, this move will generate substantial employment, with each KV requiring a staff of 63 individuals. The establishment of the new schools will result in the creation of 5,388 permanent job opportunities. Currently, the Kendriya Vidyalaya network comprises 1,256 schools, including international branches in Moscow, Kathmandu, and Tehran, catering to around 13.56 lakh students.
In addition to the Kendriya Vidyalayas, the Cabinet has approved the establishment of 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas in districts that currently lack these institutions. This initiative is expected to involve an expenditure of ₹2,359.82 crore over five years, from 2024-25 to 2028-29. With a capacity of 560 students per school, these NVs will provide educational opportunities for an additional 15,680 students. Moreover, the new schools will create permanent employment for 1,316 individuals.
Presently, there are 661 sanctioned Navodaya Vidyalayas, of which 653 are operational, serving a total of 49,640 students. The newly approved schools aim to bridge regional gaps in access to quality education.
This expansion reflects the government’s commitment to improving education infrastructure and providing equitable opportunities for students nationwide. The establishment of these schools is expected to uplift educational standards and enhance employment prospects, particularly in underserved areas.