Last Updated: 16 July 2026
The Delhi Government has implemented a series of education reforms over the past decade to improve public schooling, strengthen teacher development, modernise classroom learning and expand skill-oriented higher education. Led by the Directorate of Education and supported by other state institutions, these reforms align with the broader objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by focusing on learning outcomes, infrastructure and workforce readiness.
More recently, the government has outlined its vision of developing Delhi into a national education hub under the broader goal of Viksit Bharat. Alongside continued investment in schools and universities, several earlier programmes have been revised or replaced, making the current 2025–26 academic session an important phase in the evolution of Delhi’s education policy.
Education Budget Remains a Priority
Education continues to receive one of the highest allocations in the Delhi Budget.
|
Financial Year |
Budget Allocation |
Major Focus Areas |
|
2024–25 (Historical) |
₹16,146 crore |
Infrastructure, teacher development and student welfare |
|
2025–26 (Current) |
₹19,039 crore |
Smart classrooms, CM Shri Schools and secondary education |
According to the Delhi Budget 2025–26 and PRS Legislative Research (retrieved July 2026), approximately ₹12,732 crore has been allocated for secondary education. The budget also proposes nearly 7,000 smart classrooms equipped with internet connectivity, projectors and digital learning tools. In addition, ₹100 crore has been allocated to establish 60 CM Shri Schools promoting holistic education and 21st-century skills.
School Infrastructure Modernisation
Government schools have undergone extensive infrastructure upgrades through the construction and renovation of classrooms, laboratories and libraries. To reduce administrative responsibilities for school leaders, the government introduced Estate Managers responsible for maintenance and infrastructure management, allowing principals to focus more on academic leadership.
Teacher Development and School Governance
A key reform was the Mentor Teacher Programme, introduced in 2016 (Historical). Experienced educators visit schools to mentor teachers, observe classroom practices and support improvements in teaching rather than carrying out inspection-based duties.
Professional development programmes have also enabled teachers and principals to receive training at leading institutions in India and abroad. School Management Committees (SMCs) continue to play a greater role in local governance, while Parent-Teacher Meetings encourage regular engagement between schools and families.
Curriculum Reforms
Several initiatives were introduced to strengthen both academic learning and student development.
|
Programme |
Objective |
Current Status |
|
Chunauti |
Ability-based academic support |
Historical |
|
Mission Buniyaad |
Improve foundational literacy and numeracy through the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach |
Discontinued (Confirmed: April 2025) |
|
Happiness Curriculum |
Social-emotional learning and mindfulness |
Discontinued (Confirmed: April 2025) |
|
Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum |
Innovation and problem-solving |
Historical |
|
Desh Bhakti Curriculum |
Civic awareness and constitutional values |
Discontinued (Confirmed: April 2025) |
Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) groups learners according to their learning level rather than only by grade, allowing targeted academic support.
Schools of Specialized Excellence
Launched in 2021 (Historical), the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Schools of Specialized Excellence (SoSEs) provide specialised education for Classes 9–12 in STEM, Humanities, Performing and Visual Arts, High-End 21st Century Skills and Armed Forces preparation.
These schools operate under the Delhi Board of School Education (DBSE), which works with the International Baccalaureate (IB) to promote competency-based assessment alongside subject knowledge.
Higher Education and Skill Development
The Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) focuses on industry-oriented education, vocational training and flexible academic pathways aimed at improving employability.
Delhi’s higher education institutions have also been encouraged to expand application-based learning in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity and emerging technologies. Programmes including the Business Blasters Senior Scheme support entrepreneurship through seed funding for eligible student projects.
Continuing Challenges
Despite sustained investment, implementation challenges remain. Class 9 continues to record comparatively higher failure and dropout rates. In 2025 (Confirmed), the Directorate of Education directed schools to identify academically vulnerable learners and provide counselling and additional support.
Teachers have also highlighted administrative workloads that reduce classroom teaching time. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed digital access gaps, while some education experts have argued that ability-based grouping requires careful implementation to avoid unintended academic labelling.
Recent Policy Changes
Confirmed – April 2025
The Delhi Government discontinued the Happiness Curriculum, Mission Buniyaad and Desh Bhakti Curriculum in government schools. According to the Education Department, these programmes are being replaced with initiatives such as Rashtraneeti, New Era of Entrepreneur Ecosystem and Science of Living, with greater emphasis on core academic learning.
Conclusion
Delhi’s education reforms continue to evolve through sustained public investment, curriculum changes, specialised schooling and a growing emphasis on skills and employability. Their long-term impact will depend on consistent implementation, periodic policy evaluation and continued efforts to improve educational access, teaching quality and student learning outcomes.
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Official Sources
- Delhi Budget 2024–25 and Delhi Budget 2025–26
- PRS Legislative Research Budget Analysis
- Directorate of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi
- Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU)
- Delhi Board of School Education (DBSE)
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
- UNESCO education reports and recognised policy research
Editorial Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available government documents and recognised policy research available as of 16 July 2026. Education policies, budget allocations and curriculum decisions may change through subsequent government notifications. Readers should verify the latest information through official government sources, as official notifications and circulars take precedence over previously published information.