Himachal Pradesh to Roll Out CBSE Curriculum in 200 Government Schools by 2026-27

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum will soon be implemented in the 2026-27 academic session in 200 government of Himachal Pradesh.

Roadmap for Transition

The Directorate of School Education has started delineating the detailed plan for making this shift. An initial list of 229 government schools has been made, out of which 200 will be selected for CBSE affiliation. These selections include 47 PM Shri and Excellence Schools that are already slated for educational enhancements.

Selection Criteria for Schools

The selection criteria for such schools are objective like their siting in district or sub-divisional headquarters, class strength of students, and infrastructure levels. The schools to be covered under this program include model schools, Atal Adarsh Vidyalayas, PM Shri schools, and those upgraded to Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools.

Financial Requirements

Every school will have an estimated Rs 70,000 to cater to charges of registration, inspection, and other expenses related to CBSE affiliation. Additional money will be provided by the state government for minor repairs, infrastructure development, and to adhere to CBSE's institutional norms.

Distribution of Schools by District

On the district-wise distribution of schools being considered, Kangra stands at a maximum of 41, then comes Shimla with 34, Mandi with 29, and Hamirpur with 19. Others like Chamba, Sirmaur, Solan, Una, Kullu, Bilaspur, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti too have schools included in this shift proposal. The list has been forwarded for government approval to take necessary steps on time.

Rationale Behind the Shift

The move to shift some schools to the CBSE system follows an intense evaluation of the dynamic educational environment and rising student and family aspirations. Officials assume that being affiliated with CBSE will make national entrance examinations such as JEE, NEET, NDA, etc., more level for all students. The move is expected to increase competitiveness among students, raise standards in learning, and increase academic and career opportunities.

Strengthening Teacher Capacity

Along with students, this shift will also promote teacher capabilities. The holistic approach to pedagogy, assessment, and skill-building by CBSE will improve the quality of education overall. Teachers will undergo specialized training to adapt to CBSE and NEP methodology, which will become an integral part of the affiliation process.

Implementation Timeline

The implementation will take place in several phases, with infrastructure mapping and documentation between August and September 2025. The application process will then begin in October, followed by verification, training, and inspections to be done from November to January. Final approval, updating textbooks, orientation programs, and training teachers will take place in February 2026, as the new academic framework takes hold.