New Delhi, August 3: Kendriya Vidyalayas across India have recorded their lowest student enrolment in five years for the 2024-25 academic session. According to data presented in the Lok Sabha, new admissions dropped to 1,39,660 students, marking a significant decline from previous years.
The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), which operates these central government schools, saw total student strength fall to 13,50,518 in 2024-25 from 13,89,560 in the previous academic year. This represents the steepest drop in enrolments despite government efforts to expand the KV network across the country.
The declining trend has been consistent over the past five years, with new admissions falling from a high of 1,95,081 in 2020-21 to the current low of 1,39,660. The data reveals changing parental preferences and growing competition from private schools as key factors behind this trend.
Key Enrolment Figures Over Five Years
- 2020-21: 1,95,081 new admissions, 13,87,763 total strength
- 2021-22: 1,82,846 new admissions, 14,29,434 total strength
- 2022-23: 1,57,914 new admissions, 14,24,147 total strength
- 2023-24: 1,75,386 new admissions, 13,89,560 total strength
- 2024-25: 1,39,660 new admissions, 13,50,518 total strength
Reasons Behind the Decline
The Ministry of Education has identified several factors contributing to the drop in KV enrolments. These include shifting parental preferences toward alternative schooling options, increased competition from private institutions, and broader policy changes affecting government school admissions.
Despite the declining enrolments, the government has increased both the number of Kendriya Vidyalayas and budget allocations. In late 2023, approval was given for 85 new KV schools, indicating the government’s continued commitment to expanding central education infrastructure.
Government Response and Future Action
The Ministry of Education has called for detailed state-wise reports to assess the nationwide drop in government school enrolments. This comprehensive review could lead to new policies and initiatives aimed at improving the appeal and accessibility of central government educational institutions.
The decline in KV admissions reflects broader challenges facing government-run schools across India, particularly at primary and upper-primary levels. Education officials are working to understand regional variations and develop targeted strategies to reverse this trend.
Students and parents seeking admission to Kendriya Vidyalayas are advised to visit the official KVS website at kvsangathan.nic.in for the latest updates on admission guidelines and procedures for the upcoming academic sessions