Context: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a consultative meeting with representatives of State governments and experts on the next phase of the Centre’s Samagra Shiksha school education programme, with the Minister noting that it was “essential to once again entrust schools to society” so that the holistic development of students can be promoted and their access to knowledge expanded through “meaningful integration of technology”.
- At the meeting held in Delhi, which was co-chaired by Skills Development Minister Jayant Chaudhary, discussions focused on best practices, emerging challenges, and priority interventions needed to strengthen school governance, infrastructure, teacher training, and student entitlements.
- Union Education Ministry suggested to increase public participation in school management committees, whereas State representatives sought additional support for teacher training and capacity building. Mr. Pradhan said that while salaries of teachers and systems must be the responsibility of the government, operation of the schools themselves must be the responsibility of society.
- Mr. Pradhan said that the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 can be achieved only when every child in India has access to quality education, and the country achieves a 100% school enrolment ratio up to Class 12.
Samagra Shiksha 3.0
Samagra Shiksha 3.0 is the next phase of India’s flagship school education programme, set to begin in the 2026–27 academic cycle. It focuses on outcome-based reforms, curriculum modernization, digital learning, and governance overhaul to align with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
🏛️ Background & Evolution
Launched in 2018 as an integrated scheme by subsuming Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE).
Samagra Shiksha 1.0 & 2.0 focused on access, equity, and infrastructure.
Samagra Shiksha 3.0 (2026–27 onwards) aims to reimagine school education with quality, innovation, and accountability at its core
🎯 Key Features of Samagra Shiksha 3.0
| Focus Area | Key Initiatives | Expected Impact |
| Curriculum & Pedagogy | Equivalence across State boards; integration of AI, coding, and emerging tech. | Uniform standards and a future-ready workforce. |
| Learning Outcomes | Shift from input-based to outcome-based monitoring. | Accurate measurement of student competencies. |
| Digital Learning | Expansion of DIKSHA, smart classrooms, and AR/VR tools. | Personalized learning and bridging the digital divide. |
| Teacher Development | Continuous professional development; AI-enabled training. | A skilled and adaptive teaching workforce. |
| Governance | Data-driven decision-making and stronger monitoring. | Increased transparency and implementation efficiency. |
| Equity & Inclusion | Targeted support for tribal, rural, and disadvantaged groups. | Inclusive education and reduced learning gaps. |
| Vocational Education | Integration of vocational subjects from middle school. | Higher employability and career readiness. |
⚖️ Challenges Ahead
Implementation across diverse States: Ensuring uniform standards while respecting local contexts.
Digital Divide: Rural and marginalized students may lag without adequate infrastructure.
Teacher Preparedness: Large-scale training needed for AI and tech-enabled pedagogy.
Monitoring Outcomes: Requires robust data systems and independent evaluation.
✨ Significance
Aligns with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Supports India’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by creating a skilled, innovative, and inclusive education system.
Marks a shift from quantity (enrolment, infrastructure) to quality (learning outcomes, skills, innovation).