229 Schools, One Vision: Himachal’s Leap Toward National-Level Education
In a bold stride toward educational reform, the Himachal Pradesh government has greenlit the affiliation of 229 government schools with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)—a move that promises to reshape the academic future of thousands of students across the state.
This isn’t just a policy update—it’s a vision to bring national-level learning to the doorsteps of children in both urban and remote Himalayan regions.
A State-Wide Transformation Begins
From the lush valleys of Kangra to the high-altitude villages of Lahaul-Spiti, schools are preparing to make the transition. Kangra leads the way with 41 schools, followed by Shimla (34), Mandi (29), and others spread across all districts. These include PM Shri Schools, Excellence Schools, and other institutions selected for their potential to lead the change.
The deadline is set: February 26, 2026. By then, all formalities must be completed so that the CBSE curriculum can be rolled out in the 2026–27 academic session.
What’s Changing on the Ground
This shift isn’t just about textbooks—it’s about transformation. Schools will need to:
- Upgrade infrastructure
- Train teachers to meet CBSE standards
- Align with national academic benchmarks
The Education Department is already drafting a roadmap, and while the journey ahead is ambitious, the goal is clear: empower students with quality education that prepares them for competitive exams like NEET and JEE.
Bringing Equity to Education
“This move will especially benefit children in rural and remote areas,” said an official from the department. “They’ll now have access to CBSE-level education without relying on expensive private schools.”
For many families, this means better opportunities without financial strain—a chance for their children to compete on equal footing with peers across the country.
The Cost of Progress
Of course, progress comes with a price. Each school will require around ₹70,000 for CBSE registration, inspection, and other formalities—adding up to several crores for all 229 institutions. Additional funds will be needed for repairs, renovations, and upgrades to meet CBSE norms.
The Education Department has made it clear: schools that fail to meet the requirements on time may be dropped from the list.
