The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) across India under the civil sector to meet the educational needs of children of Central Government employees. The total estimated outlay is Rs 58.6 billion over nine years from 2026–27, including Rs 25.9 billion for capital expenditure and Rs 32.8 billion for operational costs.

For the first time, these schools will include Balvatikas (three years of foundational pre-primary stage) as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework.

India currently has 1,288 functional KVs, including three abroad in Moscow, Kathmandu and Tehran, with a student enrolment of about 1.36 million. The new approval comes alongside the earlier sanction of 85 KVs in December 2024. Together, they address rising demand and ensure wider regional coverage, particularly in underserved areas.

Of the 57 new KVs, seven are sponsored by the Ministry of Home Affairs and 50 by State/UT authorities. They will cover 17 states and UTs, including 20 districts where no KV currently exists, 14 in aspirational districts, four in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) districts and five in North-Eastern/hilly regions.

Each KV, with a student capacity of 1,520, will generate direct employment for 81 staff members. The 57 schools will thus benefit 86,640 students and create 4,617 permanent jobs, along with additional employment during construction.

KVs, already recognised as PM Shri Schools under NEP 2020, are regarded as model institutions for their quality education, innovative teaching methods and strong performance in CBSE examinations. This expansion will spread quality education to previously uncovered states and high-demand areas with large numbers of Central Government employees, aspirational districts and geographically challenging regions.