Delhi is rewriting the future of education with a bold ₹900 crore investment to transform its government schools into modern learning hubs. Announced on July 8, 2025, by Education Minister Ashish Sood, the initiative prioritizes CM Shri Schools, kicking off with 2,446 smart blackboards across 75 schools. By 2029-30, Delhi aims to establish 21,412 smart classrooms for Classes 9 to 12, equipped with interactive panels, audiovisual aids, and AI-powered tools. This isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a revolution to bring world-class education to every corner of the capital, from Najafgarh to Kirari.
- Delhi Cabinet approves ₹900 crore for education infrastructure upgrade.
- 21,412 smart classrooms to be rolled out by 2029-30, starting with 2,446 smart blackboards in 75 CM Shri Schools.
- Aligns with NEP 2020 for a learner-centric, tech-driven education system.
CM Shri Schools: The Heart of the Overhaul
Key Points:
- 75 CM Shri Schools to lead with advanced tech like AI, AR/VR, and robotics labs.
- Inspired by the PM Shri Schools model, aligned with National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023.
- Features sustainable, zero-waste campuses with solar power and digital libraries.
The CM Shri Schools initiative, first unveiled in the 2025-26 Delhi Budget with a ₹100 crore allocation, is the cornerstone of this transformation. These 75 schools, handpicked from Delhi’s 1,060 government schools, will boast AI-enabled libraries, robotics labs, and smart classrooms with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) tools. Modeled after the Centre’s PM Shri Schools, they aim to create sustainable, tech-savvy campuses that foster 21st-century skills like coding and data science. Education Minister Ashish Sood emphasized, “This is a complete shift, not a token reform,” taking a dig at the previous AAP government’s limited efforts.
Smart Classrooms: Learning Redefined
Key Points:
- 18,966 additional smart classrooms to be added in five phases by 2029-30.
- Only 799 smart blackboards existed before 2024, mostly via CSR donations.
- Tenders already floated for 2,446 smart blackboards to kickstart the project.
Imagine classrooms where lessons come alive through interactive smart blackboards and audiovisual aids. Delhi’s plan to create 21,412 smart classrooms by 2029-30 is a massive leap from the mere 799 smart blackboards installed between 2014 and 2024, all funded through corporate donations. The new smart classrooms will integrate digital pedagogy, making learning more experiential and personalized, as envisioned by NEP 2020. Tenders for the initial 2,446 smart blackboards are already in progress, signaling a fast-tracked rollout.
Empowering Teachers and Students
Key Points:
- Recruitment drive for PGTs, TGTs, PRTs, and school leaders for CM Shri Schools.
- Teacher training to master digital tools and NEP-aligned teaching methods.
- 1,200 free laptops for Class 10 students transitioning to Class 11.
Great infrastructure needs great teachers. The Delhi government launched a recruitment drive in June 2025, inviting applications for Postgraduate Teachers (PGTs), Trained Graduate Teachers (TGTs), and Primary Teachers (PRTs) with at least five years until retirement. These educators will receive specialized training in digital pedagogy to leverage tools like AI and robotics effectively. Students aren’t left out either—1,200 high-performing Class 10 students will receive free laptops under a ₹7.5 crore scheme, boosting digital literacy and preparing them for higher education.
Beyond Classrooms: A Holistic Education Ecosystem
Key Points:
- ₹500 crore for an education hub in Narela with 160 acres for university campuses.
- 100 language labs named after Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to teach French, German, Sanskrit, and more.
- 175 computer labs and 11 startup incubation centers to foster innovation.
Delhi’s vision extends beyond classrooms. A ₹500 crore education hub in Narela will house campuses for universities like Delhi Technological University (DTU) and Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW). Additionally, 100 AI-powered language labs will offer courses in global languages, while 175 new computer labs will equip students with tech skills. The NEEEV program (New Era of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Vision), backed by ₹20 crore, will introduce entrepreneurship skills from Class 8, turning students into job creators.
Aligning with NEP 2020 for Future-Ready Education
Key Points:
- CM Shri Schools to follow National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023.
- Emphasis on experiential learning, coding, and STEM education.
- Phasing out Delhi Board of School Education (DBSE) for CBSE alignment.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is the backbone of this overhaul. CM Shri Schools will adopt the NCF 2023, focusing on holistic, inquiry-driven learning. The curriculum will include coding, robotics, and data science, preparing students for a tech-driven world. To align with national standards, the Delhi Board of School Education (DBSE) will be phased out, with CM Shri Schools transitioning to CBSE. This ensures consistency and competitiveness for Delhi’s students.
Addressing Past Shortcomings
Key Points:
- Previous AAP government criticized for focusing only on Central Delhi schools.
- CAG report flags ₹2,000 crore irregularities in past classroom constructions.
- New BJP government vows transparency and citywide reach.
Education Minister Ashish Sood didn’t hold back, slamming the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for its “artificial” education model, limited to select schools in Central Delhi. A CAG report revealed ₹2,000 crore irregularities in classroom constructions, with some buildings deteriorating within two years. The new BJP government promises to deliver quality education to underserved areas like Najafgarh, Seemapuri, and Kirari, ensuring no student is left behind.
How Students and Parents Benefit
Key Points:
- Access to modern, sustainable schools with AI and AR/VR tools.
- Free laptops and language labs enhance digital and linguistic skills.
- Smart classrooms create engaging, inclusive learning environments.
For students, this means learning in zero-waste, solar-powered schools with cutting-edge technology. Parents can expect affordable, high-quality education in government schools that rival private institutions. The focus on digital literacy, multilingual skills, and entrepreneurship ensures students are ready for global opportunities. With smart classrooms and robotics labs, learning becomes fun, interactive, and future-focused.
What’s Next for Delhi’s Education?
Key Points:
- 75 CM Shri Schools to be operational within a year.
- Recruitment and infrastructure upgrades in full swing.
- Stay updated via Directorate of Education announcements.
The rollout is already underway, with tenders floated and teacher recruitment in progress. The 75 CM Shri Schools are expected to be fully operational within a year, setting a new standard for public education. Parents and students can stay informed through the Directorate of Education website or local announcements. This is Delhi’s chance to lead India’s education transformation—don’t miss out on this exciting journey!
Join the Education Revolution
Delhi’s ₹900 crore education overhaul is more than an upgrade—it’s a commitment to empowering students and teachers with world-class facilities. From smart classrooms to AI-driven learning, the CM Shri Schools initiative is set to redefine education in the capital. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to witness a new era of learning that’s inclusive, innovative, and future-ready!
