New Delhi, July 29, 2025:
The Ministry of Education, Government of India, has launched the Swachh Evam Harit Vidyalaya Rating (SHVR) 2025-26, a flagship programme aimed at promoting cleanliness, hygiene, and green practices in schools across the country. The initiative was officially rolled out on 29th July 2025, under the Department of School Education and Literacy, with technical and awareness support from UNICEF.
This programme builds upon earlier Swachh Vidyalaya initiatives but introduces a structured rating system that evaluates schools not only for cleanliness but also for their contribution towards environmental sustainability.
Background of SHVR
Education institutions are seen as temples of learning, and the environment in which children study plays a crucial role in shaping their values. The SHVR programme was introduced to instill lifelong habits of cleanliness and environmental care in students. The Ministry has emphasized that cleanliness should not be seen as a one-time activity but as a daily practice that becomes part of student and community life.
The slogan for the initiative highlights this thought:
“Every citizen should pledge to keep their surroundings clean as a matter of habit, and not because it is a duty.”
Objectives of SHVR 2025-26
The primary objectives of the Swachh Evam Harit Vidyalaya Rating are:
- To ensure clean, green, and healthy learning spaces for students.
- To promote environmental sustainability in schools by adopting practices like tree plantation, rainwater harvesting, waste management, and use of renewable energy.
- To encourage student participation in keeping their schools and surroundings clean.
- To build awareness among teachers, students, and parents about the importance of hygiene, safe drinking water, and sanitation.
- To reward and recognize schools that show exceptional performance in maintaining cleanliness and adopting green practices.
Who Can Participate?
The SHVR programme is open to all schools across India:
- Government schools
- Private schools
- Kendriya Vidyalayas
- Navodaya Vidyalayas
- Sainik Schools
- Tribal Schools (Eklavya Model Residential Schools, Ashram Schools, etc.)
- CBSE and CISCE-affiliated schools
This inclusiveness ensures that the programme has a national character and reaches every child, regardless of their location or background.
How Does the Rating System Work?
The SHVR follows a multi-level evaluation process:
1. Online Application by Schools
Schools must first register and submit their details online. The portal has been developed with the support of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), ensuring smooth digital management.
2. District-Level Selection
All applications are first reviewed at the district level, where the best-performing schools are selected.
3. State/UT-Level Nomination
From the district winners, State/UT Education Departments will shortlist and nominate schools for the next round.
4. National-Level Validation
A cross-validation process will be conducted by experts at the national level to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection.
5. National Recognition
Finally, the best-performing schools will be honoured at a national-level ceremony, where they will be given awards and certificates by the Ministry of Education.
Steps to Fill the SHVR Survey
To ensure smooth participation, the Ministry has simplified the survey and application process:
- Online Registration:
- Schools must visit the SHVR web portal (developed by NIC). Click Here
- Registration is mandatory to generate a unique school ID for participation.
- Filling the Survey Form:
- The survey form covers questions on cleanliness, sanitation, water facilities, waste management, and green initiatives.
- Schools need to provide data on toilet facilities, drinking water sources, waste segregation practices, plantation drives, and use of renewable energy (if any).
- Uploading Evidence:
- Schools are required to upload photos, short videos, or documents as proof of their cleanliness and green activities.
- Submission and Acknowledgement:
- After completing the form, schools must review all details carefully before final submission.
- An acknowledgement receipt will be generated, confirming successful participation.
- Follow-Up by Authorities:
- District authorities will cross-check the data through random visits or validation calls.
- Only complete and verified applications will move forward to the district-level evaluation stage.
This structured process ensures transparency, accuracy, and equal opportunity for all schools, whether rural or urban.
Parameters of Evaluation
Although specific scoring criteria may vary, schools will generally be rated on the following aspects:
- Sanitation and Cleanliness: Clean classrooms, toilets, drinking water facilities, and playgrounds.
- Green Initiatives: Tree plantation, school gardens, water conservation, and energy efficiency.
- Waste Management: Proper use of dustbins, segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, recycling practices.
- Student Participation: Involvement of students in maintaining cleanliness drives and eco-clubs.
- Awareness Activities: Campaigns, competitions, and projects that spread the message of cleanliness and sustainability.
Timelines for SHVR 2025-26
The Ministry has set a detailed timeline for implementation:
- August 2025: Schools submit online applications.
- September 2025: District-level evaluations and recognition.
- October–November 2025: State and UT-level selection of best schools.
- December 2025: National-level validation of nominated schools.
- January 2026: National Award Ceremony where selected schools will be honoured.
Awareness Materials and Digital Tools
To spread awareness about SHVR, the Ministry of Education has circulated:
- Brochures (in Hindi and English)
- Bookmarks (in Hindi and English)
- Infographics explaining the rating process
- Mobile applications (available on Google Play and App Store)
These materials aim to make the programme student-friendly and accessible. They provide step-by-step guidance on how schools can improve their cleanliness and green ratings.
Key Partners in Implementation
- Ministry of Education (MoE): Nodal agency for the programme.
- Samagra Shiksha: State-level implementation support.
- UNICEF: Provides technical support and awareness campaigns.
- National Informatics Centre (NIC): Developed and manages the digital portal.
- SCERTs and District Education Offices: Responsible for on-ground execution and monitoring.
Expected Outcomes
The SHVR programme is expected to create long-term benefits, including:
- Cleaner and healthier schools that reduce illness and absenteeism among students.
- Strong environmental awareness among children, leading to a greener lifestyle in future generations.
- Recognition of best schools, inspiring others to follow.
- Integration of cleanliness and sustainability in the education ecosystem.
The Swachh Evam Harit Vidyalaya Rating (SHVR) 2025-26 is more than just a competition — it is a movement for change. By combining the goals of Swachh Bharat (Clean India) and Harit Bharat (Green India), the programme is shaping India’s future generations into responsible, eco-conscious citizens.
As the first phase of registrations begins in August 2025, schools across the nation are gearing up to participate, with the hope of being recognised as one of India’s cleanest and greenest schools in the upcoming National Award Ceremony 2026.