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Fresh admissions in Kendriya Vidyalayas dropped to a five-year low in 2024–25, with the overall student strength declining to 13.5 lakh from nearly 13.9 lakh the previous year.
Kendriya Vidyalayas’ Enrolment Lowest in Five Years; Only 1.39 Lakh New Admissions in 2024-25.
Fresh enrolments in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) have dropped to a five-year low in the 2024–25 academic session, with only 1,39,660 new admissions registered across the country, the Ministry of Education informed the Lok Sabha on Monday. The overall student strength in KVs has also seen a decline, dropping to 13,50,518 in 2024–25, compared to 13,89,560 in 2023–24 and 14,24,147 in 2022–23.
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shared year-wise enrolment data, revealing that new admissions stood at 1,95,081 in 2020–21, 1,82,846 in 2021–22, 1,57,914 in 2022–23, 1,75,386 in 2023–24, and 1,39,660 in 2024–25. Corresponding total student strength in these years was recorded at 13,87,763; 14,29,434; 14,24,147; 13,89,560; and 13,50,518, respectively.
Currently, 1,280 Kendriya Vidyalayas are operational across the country, including 125 in Uttar Pradesh, 78 in Rajasthan, 41 in Jharkhand, and 37 in Andhra Pradesh. The government has also approved the establishment of 85 new KVs under the Civil/Defence Sector.
“Setting up new KVs is an ongoing process,” the minister stated, adding that the primary objective is to serve the educational needs of children of transferable Central Government employees, including those in Defence, Paramilitary forces, Central PSUs, autonomous bodies, and higher education institutes.
In December 2024, the Centre sanctioned the establishment of 85 new KVs and approved the expansion of the existing KV in Shivamogga, Karnataka by adding two additional sections in every class. The total estimated cost for this initiative is approximately Rs 5,872.08 crore, including Rs 2,862.71 crore earmarked for capital expenditure and Rs 3,009.37 crore for operational costs.
Construction of permanent school buildings, the minister clarified, depends on several factors such as land availability and transfer, preparation of drawings and estimates, fund availability, and necessary approvals.
The government’s financial support to KVS has seen a consistent rise over the past five years. Budget allocations have increased from Rs 6,437.68 crore in 2020–21 to Rs 8,727 crore in 2024–25.
Additionally, under the PM SHRI scheme aimed at enhancing school infrastructure, allocations have been made for ICT labs, science laboratories, smart classrooms, and LED lighting. In 2023–24, Rs 590.71 crore was approved, with Rs 295.36 crore released. For 2024–25, Rs 817.78 crore has been sanctioned and Rs 656.29 crore disbursed so far. Another Rs 399.93 crore has been approved for 2025–26 but is yet to be released.
(With inputs from ANI)
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