Eight Schools Achieve Excellent Grade in 's New Performance Index

Shillong, India Jul 25, 2026 ALN: The government today launched the School Performance Grading Index (MSPGI) 2025-26, a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of education in the region through a structured, data-driven framework. This new assessment tool marks a significant shift in how schools are evaluated, moving away from traditional competitive rankings towards a more constructive approach focused on improvement and accountability.

The MSPGI was officially unveiled by Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, who emphasized the importance of utilizing data for informed decision-making in educational settings. The index assesses all 11,443 recognized schools across the state’s 12 districts, employing certified UDISE+ 2025-26 data to ensure accuracy and reliability in the evaluation process.

Among the schools assessed, Jyoti Sroat Higher Secondary, a private institution located in Shillong, emerged as the top performer, achieving an impressive score of 930 out of a possible 1,000 points. This achievement places it in the Uttam 1 bracket, which recognizes schools that demonstrate excellence in various educational parameters. Notably, eight state schools also made it to this prestigious category, highlighting a competitive yet collaborative educational environment. However, no school attained the highest tier, known as Utkarsh, which is designated for outstanding institutions.

The rankings of the top schools reveal a diverse array of institutions that are leading the charge in educational quality. Following Jyoti Sroat, Army Public School in Shillong and Ri-Bhoi were ranked second and third, respectively. Delhi Public School Khanapara took the fifth spot, while Synod Higher Secondary in Shillong secured the sixth position. The rankings continued with Montfort PM Shri Lower Primary and Montfort Higher Secondary in Tura placed seventh and eighth, respectively. Star Public School in East Jaintia Hills and Hill Crest Higher Secondary in Shillong completed the top ten, both falling under the Uttam 2 (very good) bracket.

Conversely, the assessment revealed disparities in educational quality, with Step By Step Lawwahskei Lower Primary, a private school in West Khasi Hills, ranking lowest with a mere 26 points. This places it in the Akanshi 10 bracket, which signifies a need for intensive support and intervention. Such stark contrasts in performance underscore the challenges faced by certain schools in meeting educational standards, particularly in resource-limited areas.

The MSPGI evaluates schools based on 43 indicators that encompass five critical domains: accessibility, digital education, infrastructure facilities, activities aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), and overall quality parameters. Each of these domains is designed to provide a comprehensive view of a school’s performance, with the maximum score set at 1,000 points. Schools will receive individualized report cards detailing their scores, performance grades, and rankings, which will serve as essential tools for future planning and improvement.

During the launch event, Minister Rymbui reiterated that the MSPGI is not merely a ranking exercise. Instead, it is intended as a diagnostic tool that enables schools to pinpoint their strengths and identify areas that require enhancement. The framework is designed to support evidence-based planning for school heads, teachers, management committees, district officials, and the state Education Department, fostering a collaborative approach to educational development.

The grading system relies entirely on self-certified UDISE+ data, ensuring that assessments are grounded in verified information rather than subjective evaluations. This methodology enhances the credibility of the MSPGI, as schools are evaluated based on binary indicators that receive full marks for compliance, while percentage-based indicators are scored proportionately. Additionally, for indicators that may not be applicable to certain categories of schools, the weightage is redistributed to ensure a fair assessment across different educational institutions.

The state government has modeled the MSPGI on the Performance Grading Index (PGI) established by the Union Ministry of Education. The national PGI evaluates states and Union territories based on various parameters, including access, infrastructure, governance, and teacher-related indicators. By adapting this framework for individual schools, the MSPGI allows for a more localized approach to educational assessment, enabling schools to directly contribute to the broader educational outcomes of the state.

The launch of the MSPGI comes at a time when the national PGI has also recorded progress, albeit from a low baseline. The national score improved from 401.62 in the 2022-23 academic year to 525.71 in 2025-26, resulting in a shift from the Akanshi 3 category to Akanshi 1. This upward trend reflects a growing commitment to enhancing educational standards nationwide, and the introduction of the MSPGI is expected to bolster these efforts at the state level.

In light of the new framework, the Education Department has encouraged schools to utilize their report cards as a foundation for an improvement cycle. This involves reviewing results, identifying gaps in performance, preparing actionable plans, and seeking support from block and district authorities as needed. Furthermore, high-performing schools are encouraged to take on mentorship roles, guiding other institutions through peer learning initiatives that could foster a collaborative spirit of improvement across the educational landscape.

Officials have clarified that the MSPGI is designed to complement existing academic inspections and classroom assessments, rather than serve as a standalone measure of students’ learning outcomes. This holistic approach recognizes that educational quality is multifaceted and cannot be captured by a single metric. By integrating various forms of assessment, the MSPGI aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of school performance and the factors that contribute to educational success.

Minister Rymbui reaffirmed the government’s commitment to evidence-based education reforms, expressing optimism that the new framework will facilitate progressive improvements in institutional standards. He believes that as schools leverage the insights gained from the MSPGI, the state’s performance in the national PGI will strengthen over the coming years, ultimately leading to better educational outcomes for all students.

The implications of the MSPGI are significant, as it not only sets a new standard for school assessments in but also aligns with broader national educational goals. By focusing on data-driven improvements, the framework encourages schools to adopt a growth mindset, fostering an environment where continuous improvement is prioritized. This shift could lead to enhanced educational experiences for students, better resource allocation, and a more equitable distribution of educational opportunities across the state.