Admissions to begin in Delhi's flagship CM SHRI Schools for Classes 6 to 8 on Wednesday

Indian Express

28-07-2025

Starting Wednesday, students in Delhi will be able to apply for admission to the new CM SHRI Schools. These schools are part of a plan announced by the BJP-led Delhi Government this year to 'create model educational institutions with modern infrastructure and advanced teaching methodologies'. The shortlisted CM SHRI Schools are expected to open around September, as per officials.
While the Aam Aadmi Party Government in Delhi had unveiled the schools of specialised excellence (SOSEs) to admit students from Class 9 onwards, the new model begins earlier, from Class 6. This would mark a shift in the Delhi Government's school reform strategy with modern tools such as AI-enabled libraries, robotic lab infrastructure available for an early-stage academic development.
A circular issued by the Directorate of Education on July 23 described the CM SHRI Schools as institutions that 'aim at ensuring greater autonomy and flexibility with a focus on promoting excellence and equity in public schooling'. It added that the schools are 'designed to serve as model educational institutions, equipped with modern infrastructure and advanced teaching methodologies aligned' with the National Education Policy 2020, the National Curriculum Framework for School Education and the National Curriculum Framework.
Out of the 75 CM SHRI Schools identified this year, 33 have seats vacant in Classes 6, 7, and 8. These include schools in areas such as Surajmal Vihar, Khichripur, Civil Lines, Shalimar Bagh, Dwarka, Kalkaji, and Madanpur Khadar, among others.
The CM SHRI Schools are being developed as fully digital campuses with smart classrooms, AI-powered libraries, robotics labs, solar power systems, and zero-waste facilities. Some are being rebuilt from the ground up, while others are undergoing major upgrades. The Delhi Government has also rolled out a recruitment drive for teachers and sanctioned funds to expand smart classrooms across the system, as per officials.
The admission process, the circular said, will prioritise 'talented and deserving meritorious students with high potential, thereby enabling them to access high-quality education and fulfill their academic and career aspirations'.
According to the circular, an admission test will be held on August 30 for entry into Classes 6, 7, and 8. Applications will be accepted online from July 30 to August 15, admit cards will be issued from August 23, and results will be announced on September 10.
The circular stated that students who live in Delhi and are currently enrolled in a recognised school in the same class they are seeking admission to will be eligible to apply.
At least 50 per cent of the seats are reserved for children studying in government and government-aided schools, including those run by the Directorate of Education, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and the New Delhi Municipal Council, as well as Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas. Students from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Classes (non-creamy layer) backgrounds and children with special needs will receive a 5 per cent relaxation in eligibility marks.
The admission test will be an OMR-based multiple-choice paper with 100 questions, covering Hindi, English, general knowledge, mental ability, and maths. There will be no negative marking. The paper will be bilingual, and children with special needs will receive extra time.