Genesis

Kendriya Vidyalaya, (Hindi for Central School) is a system of central government schools under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

The system came into being in 1965 under the name “Central Schools”, and has been affiliated with CBSE since then. Later, the name was changed to “Kendriya Vidyalaya”. Its original objective was to educate children of the Indian defence services personnel who are often posted to remote places. With the army starting its own Army Public Schools, the service was extended (but not restricted) to all central government employees. The uniform curriculum followed by these schools all over India ensures that the children of government employees do not face educational disadvantages when their parents are transferred by providing a common syllabus and system of education.

A body known as the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (Central School Organization) oversees the functioning of these schools. It operates from its headquarters situated in New Delhi.

Presently, there are 1086 schools known as Kendriya Vidyalayas, out of which 1083 are in India and three are located abroad. A total of 10,58,450 students (as of 31.03.2011) and 49,286 employees (including outsourced) are on rolls (as of 1.7.2011). These have been divided amongst 21 regions, each headed by an Assistant Commissioner.