Himachal's Ed Revolution: CM Sukhu's Reforms Push State to National Top 5 of NAS 2025

The Himachal Pradesh state has emerged as a national leader in education, emerging from 21st rank in 2021 to 5th rank in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2025. Leading this quick turnaround is Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's strong-arm style of governance, Vyavastha Parivartan, which has transitioned from words to actual outcomes.

Preparation for the revolution was made with the closure of 1,160 under-performing schools—a politically unpopular but unavoidable measure to eliminate wastage and channel resources to performing schools. Far from previous governments which succumbed to political opportunism, Sukhu's government chose performance over populism.

Six cornerstone reforms were the twin pillars of Himachal's transformation:

• School Mergers improved teaching effectiveness and class size.
• A Single Education Directorate ensured co-ordinated administration from pre-primary to Class 12.
• English medium of instruction from Grade 1 incorporated foundation skills.
• School uniform selection gave students identity.
• Teacher and student international exposure gained best practices.
• Cluster management of schools introduced enhanced cooperation and oversight.

NAS 2025 data cemented the reforms:

• Government schools outshone private schools.
• Girl children and rural were at over national levels.
• Hamirpur and Sirmaur districts led in foundation learning.
• Lahaul & Spiti worked hard but topped senior grades.

There are, however, issues. Teachers reported attending CPD in only 26% of instances, and facilities for CWSN are lacking. Issues of bullying and lack of interest in vocational courses must be addressed at the earliest.

As the state itself strives for a top 3 NAS ranking by 2027, Sukhu's model is a national template. Himachal has proven that change is not only possible but accessible. Its story of education is not one just of numbers—but of revitalizing public faith in government schooling.