Ahmedabad: ‘Lines and waiting lists for admission in government schools…’ These words might surprise you for a moment, but they are true today, as long queues are forming for admissions in government schools in the city, and some have even released waiting lists. A recent example is Thaltej Anupam School – 2, located in the Thaltej area.

With enhanced educational and infrastructure facilities, government schools across the state now integrate technology in teaching, making them smart schools. As a result, this year saw long queues of parents seeking admission at Thaltej Anupam School – 2, which also released a waiting list.

This scenario is being observed in more than 25 government schools across seven zones of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). These include areas such as Ghatlodia, Sabarmati, Thaltej, Jodhpur, Ellisbridge, Naranpura, Asarwa, Bapunagar, Naroda, Amraiwadi, Maninagar, Vatva, Behrampura, Nikol, Vastral, Danilimda, Dariyapur, Motera, and Thakkarbapanagar.

According to the enrollment survey for the academic year 2025–2026 conducted by the Nagar Primary Education Committee, Ahmedabad, 8,255 children are eligible for kindergarten admission, while 1,501 are eligible for Standard 1. Thus, the total number of eligible children stands at 9,756.

To provide education from nursery to higher levels through a well-structured system, the education model in government schools has been updated to meet modern-day needs. Emphasizing smart education across both urban and rural areas, the government has built a quality education system backed by qualified teachers. As a result, parents are increasingly placing their trust in government schools. This shift is evident from the rising number of students moving from private to government schools. At Thaltej Anupam (Smart) Primary School alone, 44 students transferred in 2022–23, 79 in 2023–24, and 62 in 2024–25.

Over the past 11 years, 55,605 students in Ahmedabad have left private schools and joined government primary schools. Year-wise figures include: 4,397 in 2014–15, 5,481 in 2015–16, 5,005 in 2016–17, 5,219 in 2017–18, 5,791 in 2018–19, 5,272 in 2019–20, 3,334 in 2020–21, 6,289 in 2021–22, 9,500 in 2022–23, 5,315 in 2023–24, and 4,399 in 2024–25.

Commenting on this trend, Ahmedabad Administrative Officer Dr. L.D. Desai stated that government schemes such as the Namo Lakshmi Yojana, Namo Saraswati Yojana, scholarships awarded by the Chief Minister, recruitment of highly qualified and trained teachers, and initiatives like the Mission School of Excellence and smart schools have given parents confidence in the public education system. He added that state-of-the-art labs, skill development programs, and improved infrastructure make government schools a better choice than private ones.

He further mentioned that teachers are actively involved in the admission process. They visit various neighborhoods to meet parents and inform them about the benefits of enrolling their children in government schools. The admission process is ongoing and will continue until August 31, 2025, so these numbers may rise.

Dr. Sujay Mehta, Chairman of the Nagar Primary Education Committee, noted, “Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, the state has seen a redefined vision of education. The Shala Praveshotsav (school entrance festival) has ensured that no child is left behind. Efforts are also being made to introduce a wide range of subjects under the National Education Policy–2025 in schools run by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation School Board. Initiatives like enhancing academic standards, establishing residential schools, smart classrooms, modern labs, and active School Management Committees have been highly impactful.”

Additionally, the presence of sports grounds, high-tech classrooms, cleanliness, and qualified teachers has led to healthy competition with private schools.

Dr. Mehta further highlighted that under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, infrastructure development is ongoing in all 214 schools of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. Renovations are in progress under the Mission School of Excellence. Smart schools have been built under the Smart City Project, and new schools are being constructed at around 18 locations. Projects like Bhiksha Nahi Shiksha are helping educate children who beg on the streets.

In conclusion, with the efforts in providing quality infrastructure, technology-based teaching, and overall holistic education, the trust of parents and students in government schools seems to have risen significantly. DeshGujarat