Launches First-Ever School Performance Grading Index to Enhance Education Standards

Shillong, India Jul 24, 2026 ALN: The state has launched its first-ever School Performance Grading Index (MSPGI) 2025-26, a comprehensive assessment covering 11,453 schools across the state. Education Minister Ma Lahkmen Rymbui emphasized that the initiative aims to enhance educational standards rather than shame underperforming institutions.

During the launch, Rymbui stated that the grading exercise represents the start of a transparent, data-driven approach to strengthen school education. It will enable each institution to identify its strengths, weaknesses, and areas needing improvement. This initiative is not only a significant step for the state's education system but also aligns with broader national objectives aimed at improving educational outcomes across India.

“This is the first report of its kind. We should not jump to conclusions. It is the beginning of a process. Every school now knows where it stands and what it needs to improve,” the minister remarked. This statement underscores the importance of using data as a tool for constructive development rather than as a means of punitive measures.

Rymbui highlighted that schools operate under varying circumstances and face different challenges, making it crucial to evaluate each institution on its own merits rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. This tailored evaluation is particularly important in a state like , where geographical and socio-economic factors can significantly influence educational delivery.

The MSPGI encompasses schools from pre-primary to higher secondary levels, including government, government-aided, private, mission, and CBSE institutions. The rankings were compiled using data from UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education) along with other verified educational indicators, making it one of the state’s largest education data exercises. The use of UDISE+ data is significant as it provides a comprehensive overview of the educational landscape, allowing for informed decision-making.

The assessment evaluates schools on a broad range of parameters, including infrastructure such as school buildings, boundary walls, drinking water, electricity, separate toilets for boys and girls, playgrounds, libraries, laboratories, internet connectivity, smart classrooms, desktop and laptop facilities, approach roads, science laboratories, and safety measures. These parameters are crucial as they directly impact the learning environment and overall student experience.

Additionally, the index measures teaching-learning processes, student enrolment and attendance, learning outcomes, teacher and headmaster availability, implementation of government schemes, school management, and various academic and administrative indicators. This holistic approach ensures that the grading reflects not only the physical infrastructure but also the qualitative aspects of education delivery.

Rymbui stated that the government has deliberately made the findings public to ensure transparency, allowing parents, teachers, school authorities, and communities to understand the status of every school. “We are not hiding our shortcomings. Transparency will help everyone identify the gaps and work together to improve the education system,” he asserted. This commitment to transparency is a vital aspect of the initiative, as it encourages community involvement and fosters a culture of accountability among educational institutions.

While acknowledging that some schools performed exceptionally well and others scored poorly, the minister noted that no immediate punitive action is being considered against low-performing institutions. This approach reflects a shift from traditional punitive measures towards a more supportive framework that seeks to uplift struggling schools through targeted interventions and resources.

However, he mentioned that schools that consistently fail to improve despite adequate support may eventually face a review of their recognition, although no specific timeline has been established. This conditional approach to school recognition emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and the necessity for schools to adapt to the evolving educational landscape.

Rymbui also pointed out that schools with extremely low enrolment raise questions about their continued viability, observing that a school without students defeats its very purpose. This concern highlights the need for schools to actively engage with their communities to attract and retain students, which is essential for their sustainability.

Highlighting the broader education reforms undertaken by the government, the minister noted steady progress over the past eight years, although significant challenges remain. “We are doing everything possible, and the Education Department has tried its best, but challenges persist. Providing quality education is a shared responsibility involving the government, schools, teachers, parents, and communities,” he said. This acknowledgment of shared responsibility is crucial in fostering a collaborative environment that can lead to meaningful educational improvements.

He added that the state introduced the MSPGI after the Government of India released its national school performance assessment, enabling the development of a more detailed state-level evaluation framework. This alignment with national standards ensures that the state’s efforts are in sync with broader educational goals, enhancing the potential for collaboration and resource sharing.

The minister mentioned that the Education Department has already initiated measures to fill teacher vacancies, rationalize staff deployment, and strengthen schools through various interventions. The grading exercise will be conducted regularly—either annually or every two years—to monitor progress and encourage continuous improvement. This regular assessment cycle is critical for maintaining momentum in educational reforms and ensuring that schools remain focused on enhancing their performance.

Describing the initiative as a landmark achievement, Rymbui commended officials and the technical team for compiling and analyzing data from over 11,000 schools. This recognition of the hard work behind the initiative is important for motivating staff and stakeholders involved in the educational sector.

He expressed confidence that the School Performance Grading Index would become an important benchmark for policymakers, district administrations, and school authorities, helping to improve learning outcomes and raise educational standards across the state. The implications of this initiative extend beyond mere rankings; it has the potential to reshape the educational landscape in , encouraging a culture of excellence and accountability that could serve as a model for other states in India.