Top Government Schemes for Education in India

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India’s education sector has seen transformative developments over recent years, particularly with the introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The government has implemented various initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality, inclusivity, and accessibility of education across the nation. From foundational literacy programs to teacher training and employability support, these schemes address diverse educational needs and prepare students for a progressive, globally competitive India.

Here, we discuss the key government schemes in education, shedding light on how they contribute to the holistic development of students, educators, and the educational ecosystem at large.

Key Government Education Schemes in India

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

NEP 2020, introduced on July 29, 2020, marks a milestone in India’s education reform. Aimed at transforming the education system to meet 21st-century needs, it emphasizes inclusivity, accessibility, and global competitiveness. NEP 2020 introduces changes across various stages of education, from school to higher education, encouraging an interdisciplinary approach and focusing on skills relevant to modern careers.

PM SHRI Schools

Launched on September 7, 2022, by Prime Minister Modi, PM SHRI Schools (PM Schools for Rising India) is set to enhance educational infrastructure across over 14,500 schools. Aligned with NEP 2020’s goals, this initiative promotes quality education, cognitive development, and essential 21st-century skills, focusing on foundational literacy and cognitive development to create a new generation of empowered learners.

Samagra Shiksha

Launched on April 1, 2021, Samagra Shiksha emphasizes inclusive, equitable quality education across diverse classroom settings. Extending until March 31, 2026, it aligns with NEP 2020 to enhance academic abilities and foster active student participation. This scheme targets student demographics with varied needs, ensuring that every child receives quality education in an inclusive environment.

PRERNA Program

The PRERNA program, piloted in January 2024, is a week-long residential program in Vadnagar, Gujarat. It offers selected students in classes 9 to 12 an experiential learning journey that blends heritage and modern technology. Designed to instill cognitive skills and modern education values, PRERNA aims to inspire students to excel academically while staying rooted in Indian culture.

ULLAS (New India Literacy Programme - NILP)

ULLAS, launched in the fiscal year 2022-2027, targets adult literacy, especially for individuals aged 15 and above who missed formal schooling. Aligned with NEP 2020, ULLAS focuses on equipping adults with basic literacy skills, empowering them to participate meaningfully in society and contribute to national progress.

NIPUN Bharat

Initiated on July 5, 2021, NIPUN Bharat focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy. By ensuring that every child achieves these skills by Grade 3, it aims to create a strong base for lifelong learning. This scheme is expected to reach its completion by 2026-27, addressing a critical gap in early education and ensuring that all students acquire the skills needed for academic success.

Vidya Pravesh

Vidya Pravesh, introduced on July 29, 2021, offers a three-month play-based school preparation program for Grade 1 students. It aims to ease the transition into formal schooling, creating a positive learning environment that encourages early academic and social development. This initiative recognizes the importance of the early years in setting a strong foundation for future education.

Vidyanjali (School Volunteer Management Program)

Launched on September 7, 2021, Vidyanjali encourages community involvement and private sector participation in enhancing school education. It invites professionals, retired teachers, and volunteers to engage with schools, share their expertise, and contribute to improving educational quality across the nation. This collaborative approach strengthens the education system with community support.

DIKSHA

Introduced on September 5, 2017, DIKSHA provides a platform for teacher training and professional development. Teachers and educators can access resources, training materials, and technology-based learning modules on this platform, fostering continuous skill improvement and ensuring a high-quality education system aligned with modern teaching methods.

SWAYAM Plus

Launched on February 27, 2024, SWAYAM Plus focuses on enhancing higher education and employability by integrating a credit recognition system for industry-relevant courses. It provides skill development opportunities and builds industry connections, ensuring that students are prepared for the job market. SWAYAM Plus aligns with NEP 2020's goal of making higher education more relevant and impactful.

NISHTHA (National Initiative for School Heads' and Teachers' Holistic Advancement)

The NISHTHA program, launched on August 21, 2019, provides professional development for school heads and teachers. Transitioning to an online platform, NISHTHA 2.0 and 3.0 focus on elementary and secondary teachers, respectively, enhancing their teaching skills, foundational literacy, and overall school leadership.

PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme

Approved by the Union Cabinet, the PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme provides financial support for higher education, benefiting over 22 lakh students annually. With a significant budget allocation, this scheme offers educational loans to students in India’s top institutions, empowering them to pursue academic aspirations without financial barriers.

The Indian government’s education schemes are pivotal in creating an inclusive, equitable, and progressive education system. Through initiatives like NEP 2020, PM SHRI, and Samagra Shiksha, the focus is on foundational literacy, employability, skill development, and adult literacy. These schemes are essential steps toward realizing the vision of a skilled, empowered, and globally competitive India, where every individual has access to quality education.

Top Government Schemes for Education in India FAQs

What is the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020?

NEP 2020 is a comprehensive framework introduced by the Indian government on July 29, 2020, aimed at transforming India’s education system to be more inclusive, holistic, and skill-oriented. It focuses on foundational literacy, interdisciplinary studies, and aligning with global education standards.

What is the purpose of the PM SHRI Schools initiative?

The PM SHRI Schools initiative, launched in 2022, aims to enhance over 14,500 schools across India. It focuses on providing quality education, cognitive development, and essential 21st-century skills, aligning with NEP 2020 goals.

How does the Samagra Shiksha scheme support inclusive education?

Samagra Shiksha, launched in 2021, focuses on providing inclusive, equitable, and quality education across diverse classroom settings. It targets enhancing academic abilities and encouraging active participation in classrooms, aiming for completion by 2026.

What is the PRERNA program, and who does it benefit?

The PRERNA program is a week-long residential program for select students in classes 9 to 12, focusing on experiential learning that blends heritage with modern technology. It aims to inspire students through cognitive skills and cultural understanding.

Who is eligible for the ULLAS (New India Literacy Programme - NILP) scheme?

The ULLAS scheme targets adults aged 15 and above who missed formal schooling. Launched in 2022, it promotes adult literacy to empower individuals to contribute to national progress.

What is NIPUN Bharat, and how does it help young students?

NIPUN Bharat, introduced in 2021, aims to ensure foundational literacy and numeracy for all children by the end of Grade 3. It focuses on creating a strong educational base to support lifelong learning.

What does the Vidya Pravesh initiative provide for young learners?

Vidya Pravesh is a three-month play-based preparation program for Grade 1 students, designed to make the transition into formal schooling smooth and welcoming, fostering early academic and social skills.

How does DIKSHA support teachers and educators?

DIKSHA is an online platform launched in 2017 that provides teacher training and professional development resources. It offers a variety of tools to help educators improve their teaching skills and stay updated with modern teaching methodologies.

What is the objective of SWAYAM Plus, and who can benefit from it?

SWAYAM Plus, launched in 2024, enhances employability by integrating credit recognition for industry-relevant courses. It focuses on skill development, making higher education more relevant and industry-connected, benefiting students in higher education.

What kind of financial support does the PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme offer?

The PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme provides financial assistance to meritorious students, offering education loans for higher studies. This scheme supports over 22 lakh students annually and aims to reduce financial barriers in higher education.

For students, parents, and educators, staying informed about these schemes can open up numerous opportunities and resources for academic and personal growth. As these programs continue to evolve, they promise a brighter future for India’s education sector and for the generations to come.

Top Government Schemes for Education in India FAQ's:

What is the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020?

The NEP 2020 is a comprehensive policy framework introduced by the Indian government on July 29, 2020, aiming to transform India’s education system with a focus on inclusivity, skill development, and global competitiveness.

How does PM SHRI Schools initiative support the education sector?

PM SHRI Schools, launched in 2022, aims to improve over 14,500 schools by providing quality education, cognitive development, and 21st-century skills aligned with NEP 2020, enhancing the overall educational experience for students.

What is the purpose of the Samagra Shiksha scheme?

Samagra Shiksha, launched in 2021, focuses on delivering inclusive and equitable quality education across diverse classroom settings, aiming to enhance academic abilities and promote active student engagement, with completion expected by 202

Who benefits from the PRERNA program?

The PRERNA program is a week-long residential initiative for select students in classes 9 to 12, offering experiential learning that combines heritage and modern technology, aiming to inspire and equip students with cognitive skills.

Who is eligible for the ULLAS (New India Literacy Programme - NILP) scheme?

ULLAS is designed for individuals aged 15 and above who missed formal schooling. It promotes adult literacy to empower people to contribute to national progress, focusing on aligning with NEP 2020’s goals for inclusive education.

How does NIPUN Bharat help young students?

NIPUN Bharat, launched in 2021, ensures foundational literacy and numeracy for children by the end of Grade This scheme is vital for building a strong educational foundation and supports lifelong learning.

What does the Vidya Pravesh program offer to young learners?

Vidya Pravesh is a three-month play-based program for Grade 1 students, aimed at creating a positive and welcoming transition into formal schooling. It fosters early academic and social development in a supportive environment.

How does DIKSHA support teachers?

DIKSHA, launched in 2017, provides an online platform for teacher training and professional development, offering resources and tools for educators to enhance their teaching skills and stay updated with modern methodologies.

What is SWAYAM Plus, and how does it benefit students?

SWAYAM Plus, introduced in 2024, enhances higher education and employability by integrating a credit recognition system for industry-relevant courses, helping students build skills and make connections with the job market.

What kind of financial assistance does the PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme provide?

The PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme offers financial support through educational loans to over 22 lakh students annually, helping them pursue higher education without financial barriers, especially for students in India’s top institutions.