Quick answer
Samagra Shiksha is the Government of India’s integrated scheme for school education, launched in 2018. It merged Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Teacher Education into one programme covering pre-school to Class 12. It funds access, equity, quality, teacher training, inclusive education, vocational education, and digital initiatives, shared between the centre and states.
- Launched in 2018, replacing three separate schemes.
- Covers pre-school to Class 12 as one continuum.
- Funded jointly by the centre and states.
- Aligned with NEP 2020 and the RTE Act.
Which schemes did Samagra Shiksha replace?
| Earlier scheme | Focus |
|---|---|
| Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) | Universal elementary education |
| Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) | Access to and quality of secondary education |
| Teacher Education (TE) | Teacher training institutions and programmes |
What does Samagra Shiksha fund?
- New schools, classrooms, and infrastructure.
- Free textbooks and uniforms as entitled under the RTE Act.
- Inclusive education for children with special needs.
- Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas for girls.
- Teacher training through SCERTs and DIETs.
- Foundational literacy and numeracy through NIPUN Bharat.
- Vocational education and ICT labs.
- Early childhood care and education.
How does Samagra Shiksha connect to NEP 2020?
In 2021 the scheme was extended and aligned with NEP 2020, adding support for NIPUN Bharat, holistic progress cards, teacher development, and other NEP priorities. Check the official Samagra Shiksha portal for the current phase and norms.
How is Samagra Shiksha planned and funded?
- School and district plans. Needs are identified from UDISE+ data and local plans.
- State plan. States prepare an annual work plan and budget.
- Approval. A Project Approval Board at the Ministry of Education reviews and approves.
- Funding. The centre and states share costs in agreed ratios.
- Monitoring. Progress is tracked through data systems and reviews.
Why does school data matter for Samagra Shiksha?
Plans and allocations rely on UDISE+ data about enrolment, teachers, and facilities. Accurate school records mean the school’s needs are visible in planning.
What does Samagra Shiksha mean for a government school?
- Composite school grants for maintenance and day-to-day needs, based on enrolment.
- Free textbooks and uniforms for eligible children.
- Teacher training through block and cluster resource centres.
- Support for library books, sports equipment, and ICT where approved.
- Monitoring visits and data reporting through UDISE+ and state systems.
School Management Committees help plan and monitor the use of these funds. See school management committee.
Frequently asked questions
What is Samagra Shiksha?
The Government of India’s integrated scheme for school education from pre-school to Class 12.
When was Samagra Shiksha launched?
In 2018.
Which schemes were merged into Samagra Shiksha?
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Teacher Education.
Who funds Samagra Shiksha?
The central and state governments share the cost.
Does Samagra Shiksha cover private schools?
It mainly funds government and aided schools, though some components, such as RTE reimbursements, relate to private schools.
Is NIPUN Bharat part of Samagra Shiksha?
Yes. NIPUN Bharat runs under Samagra Shiksha.
What is the Samagra Shiksha website?
samagra.education.gov.in.