Gujarat to open 98 new government secondary, higher secondary schools from upcoming academic year

The Gujarat government has approved the establishment of 98 new government secondary and higher secondary schools, which will begin functioning from the upcoming academic year. Until dedicated buildings are constructed, these schools will operate from existing primary school premises or alternative facilities.

The approval includes 85 government secondary schools, 3 government higher secondary schools and 10 government secondary schools in tribal areas. Ahmedabad is among the beneficiaries, with approval granted for two new Class 9 schools and one new Class 11 school.

The government has also sanctioned 386 staff positions, including 346 posts for schools in non-tribal areas and 40 posts for schools in tribal regions. A budgetary provision of ₹4.43 crore has been allocated for the new schools and related infrastructure.

Among the 95 secondary schools approved, the highest number have been sanctioned in Banaskantha and Vav-Tharad (10 each), followed by Amreli and Jamnagar (6 each).

Schools have also been approved across districts including Ahmedabad, Aravalli, Anand, Kutch, Kheda, Gir Somnath, Junagadh, Dahod, Devbhumi Dwarka, Panchmahal, Patan, Porbandar, Botad, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Mehsana, Morbi, Vadodara, Sabarkantha, Surat, Surendranagar, Chhotaudepur, Dang, Tapi, and Mahisagar. The three higher secondary schools will be established in Ahmedabad Rural, Mehsana, and Kutch.

The move comes as Gujarat continues to face a relatively high dropout rate at the secondary and higher secondary levels, particularly in Classes 9 and 11. The Education Department aims to achieve 100% enrolment and zero dropout rates by expanding access to government schools.

Officials said the new schools will especially benefit students in remote and rural areas. In Ahmedabad Rural district, authorities believe the initiative will make higher education more accessible, particularly for girls who often face difficulties travelling long distances for schooling.

The government has also initiated the process of creating new posts for teaching assistants, administrative assistants and support staff, with recruitment expected to begin soon under existing hiring rules. Salaries, allowances and administrative expenses for the new schools will be covered under the approved ₹4.43 crore allocation for the 2026-27 financial year.