By Anjali Verma, Education Correspondent
Updated: June 24, 2025
Uttar Pradesh has launched WiFi-enabled smart classrooms across 39 districts in a landmark move to modernize government school education. The rollout—announced by the Basic Education Department—equips over 5,000 classrooms with interactive digital boards, high-speed internet, and NCERT-aligned multimedia content, aiming to bridge the digital divide for millions of students in both urban and rural areas nbdiup.in.
5 Key Takeaways
- Scope: 39 districts covered in first phase, targeting ~5,000 classrooms.
- Technology: Interactive smartboards, tablets for teachers, and robust WiFi connectivity.
- Cost & Partnership: Funded through state budget and GoI’s NIPUN Bharat Digital Initiative.
- Teacher Training: 12,000 educators to receive hands-on training on e-pedagogy.
- Expansion Plan: Phase II will extend to all 75 districts by March 2026.
What’s Happening?
- Official Rollout: On June 23, 2025, Principal Secretary Arpit Gupta inaugurated the pilot in Lucknow, emphasising that “equipping schools with digital tools is critical for 21st-century learning” digitallearning.eletsonline.com.
- NBDIUP Platform: The initiative leverages the NIPUN Bharat Digital Initiative Unified Portal (NBDIUP) for real-time monitoring of infrastructure readiness and content updates nbdiup.in.
- Teacher Empowerment: A companion training program developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) will upskill 12,000 teachers in blended-learning methodologies.
Expert Insights
“WiFi-enabled classrooms can boost student engagement by up to 30%, especially when complemented with interactive content,” says Dr. Pooja Sharma, Associate Professor at NIEPA. “This rollout aligns perfectly with UNESCO’s vision of transforming education through digital innovation” unesco.org.
Impact on Learning Outcomes
- Enhanced Engagement: Studies show digital interactivity increases retention and participation in STEM subjects.
- Equity Focus: Students from economically weaker backgrounds gain access to resources previously limited to private institutions.
- Community Involvement: Local education committees are mobilized to ensure infrastructure upkeep and sustained usage.
Fact-Check
- Primary Sources: Information is based on government press releases and official department data (.gov.in).
- Verification: Classroom readiness is being independently audited by third-party agencies monthly.
- Clarification: Claims of “free tablets for all students” are inaccurate—only teachers receive tablets; students use shared devices in labs.
