Uttar Pradesh is undertaking a significant overhaul of its basic and secondary education system, focusing on foundational learning, teacher development, and integrated school models. Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, Principal Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, outlined the state’s commitment to improving educational quality across its 2.62 lakh schools.
Learning Overhaul Focus
Sharma emphasized that the government is committed to providing education for all children aged 8 to 14. He stated that no schools have been closed due to mergers, countering activist claims. The department’s immediate priorities include strengthening foundational reading and numeracy skills through the NIPUN Bharat Mission . This initiative aims to ensure children in Classes 1 and 2 are proficient in basic literacy and numeracy to prevent future learning difficulties.
A key goal is to shift the focus from mere access to education to improving its quality. This includes introducing competency-based learning across all levels, particularly in secondary education. The government is also prioritizing vocational education and expanding learning opportunities to the secondary level.
CM Composite Schools Initiative
Launched last year, the CM Composite School scheme aims to create integrated schools from pre-primary to Class 12. The state has begun with 150 such schools and plans to expand to one per cluster or panchayat. This model is designed to address student dropouts, particularly in Classes 5, 6-8, and 9-10, by providing a continuous learning environment similar to Kendriya Vidyalayas.
Currently, two composite schools are being established per district. The long-term vision is to create well-resourced, integrated schools accessible through improved transport and communication, fostering better learning environments for students and more comfortable working conditions for teachers.
NIPUN School Assessment Underway
Approximately 1.3 lakh primary schools are undergoing the NIPUN School assessment , which began in January and concludes on February 14. This assessment, made mandatory for all government and municipal schools, aims to evaluate progress under the NIPUN mission. The findings will help schools develop their own improvement plans.
The assessment is conducted by teams of two D.EL.Ed trainees from District Institutes of Education and Training (DIET). Results are expected by March. Sharma noted this is the largest-scale assessment of its kind in the state.
Addressing Teacher Vacancies
Uttar Pradesh faces a significant number of teacher vacancies, with 1.94 lakh positions in primary and secondary schools. To streamline recruitment, the government established the Uttar Pradesh Shiksha Sewa Chayan Aayog in 2024. This commission will now handle all teacher recruitment for basic and secondary education.
Requisitions for government inter-college vacancies have been sent to the Public Service Commission, with exams already advertised. For other positions, requisitions are being forwarded to the new Aayog to consolidate recruitment processes.
Dropout Rate and Quality Education
While Uttar Pradesh does not have the highest dropout rate nationally, the government acknowledges the issue and links improved quality education to reduced dropouts. Parent involvement is also considered crucial to monitor student learning.
Dropout rates are generally higher at the secondary level. The state plans to expand secondary education outreach and focus recruitment efforts for Classes 6, 9, and 11 in the upcoming ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’. This includes engaging Class 5 teachers to ensure all students transition to Class 6 and Class 8 teachers to ensure Class 9 enrollment.
Vocational Education Expansion
A “learning by doing” program, introduced for Classes 6-8 in select schools in partnership with IIT Gandhinagar, aims to build student confidence and hand skills, aligning with NEP 2020. Vocational education is primarily being expanded in secondary schools.
The UP Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) , through Project Praveen, offers free, certified vocational training to students in Classes 9-12. The project, started in 179 schools, aims for full implementation in all government schools by 2026, contingent on trainer availability. Around 16-18 trades are offered, with high demand in healthcare, electronics, and beauty and wellness.
Digital Initiatives and Infrastructure Upgrades
To combat teacher absenteeism, an online attendance system is already in place for secondary education. For basic education, a digital app is being developed in consultation with teacher unions, with a planned rollout by the 2026-27 academic year. Previous initiatives include Operation Kayakalp for infrastructure improvement and Project Alankar for secondary school infrastructure upgrades.
Key changes in basic and secondary education over the past four to five years include Operation Kayakalp, Mission NIPUN, introduction of smart classes and ICT, Project Alankar, and the CM Composite school initiative.