CBSE rollout packs Mandi schools with 12,000 new enrolments
Changing trend: District witnesses particularly high uptick in Class VI, IX-XII admissions
A major shift in Himachal Pradesh’s education landscape is underway as government schools in Mandi district witness an unprecedented surge in admissions following the introduction of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum.
More than 12,000 students have already enrolled across 23 government schools in the district, reflecting strong public response to the state government’s reform.
The initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, aims to provide quality education at affordable costs, easing the financial burden on families who previously relied on expensive
private institutions.
The decision has been widely welcomed by parents and students alike, with many parents shifting their children from private schools to government-run CBSE institutions. According to official data, 12,083 students had enrolled in CBSE sections across the district as of April 16. Schools in Joginder Nagar and Karsog had each crossed the 1,000-student mark, while other institutions such as those in Bali Chowki, Kotli, Sunder Nagar, and Gohar had also recorded significant numbers.
Admissions are ongoing for Bal Vatika (pre-primary) to Class XII, with particularly high enrolment in classes VI, IX, X, XI and XII. As many as 1,862 students have enrolled in Class XII; and 1,873 in Class XII, indicating growing trust in government schools for higher education.
Parents say the move has brought much-needed financial relief. Many families, previously struggling with high private school fees, are now opting for government schools offering CBSE education. “As private school fees were becoming unaffordable, this decision has given us a new option,” said Nagina Kumari, a parent from Mandi.
Another parent said shifting their child to a government CBSE school had ensured both quality education and affordability.
Students who recently enrolled also expressed satisfaction, noting that they now had access to a national-level curriculum without the heavy financial burden.
The introduction of CBSE in government schools is already showing tangible results, with a notable rise in enrolment across the district. Education officials believe this trend will continue as more parents become aware of the initiative. Ashok Thakur, Principal of CBSE BJ Government School in Mandi, urged parents to complete admissions by submitting required documents such as Aadhaar Cards and school-leaving certificates.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director (Higher Education) Yashvir Dhiman said the admission process would continue until April 30, with a late fee provision. To manage the growing number of students, additional sections will be created wherever class strength exceeds 40, ensuring that no child is denied access to education.
The policy is being seen as a transformative step in strengthening public education in Himachal Pradesh. With thousands of students already enrolled and more expected in the coming days, Mandi district stands as a strong example of how policy reform can reshape educational preferences.
