The Delhi government is charting a significant transformation for its school system, with plans to gradually convert all its double-shift schools into single-shift institutions in the coming years. This major policy shift, aimed at enhancing educational quality, is set for discussion in the upcoming session of the Delhi Vidhan Sabha.
The Infrastructure Challenge and Expansion Plan
According to official records, the Directorate of Education manages 799 school buildings across the capital. Out of these, a substantial number—284 schools—currently operate in double shifts, hosting one school in the morning and another in the evening within the same building. Education experts have flagged that transitioning to a single-shift model will necessitate a massive expansion of infrastructure, as students from evening shifts will need to be accommodated in morning sessions.
To tackle this challenge head-on, the directorate has formulated a concrete plan. Sources indicate a strategy to construct 10 new schools every year, with a target of adding approximately 50 new schools by the end of 2029. The groundwork for this expansion is already in motion. Authorities have identified 70 vacant plots allotted by various land-owning agencies for potential school construction.
Furthermore, proposals for building new school structures, along with sports facilities, libraries, and other essential infrastructure, have been sought from district deputy directors of education. The plan also involves utilizing substantial unused land within existing school campuses for new buildings, additional classrooms, and modern facilities like multi-purpose halls and laboratories. In areas where space is a constraint, the government will identify new land parcels.
Academic and Social Benefits of a Single-Shift System
Beyond addressing physical space, the move is driven by compelling academic data and social considerations. Currently, over a third of Delhi government schools running evening shifts cater exclusively to boys. Historical performance data reveals a concerning trend: students in these schools tend to perform poorer compared to their peers in morning or co-educational schools.
In 2024, the pass percentage for evening-shift schools was 95.33%, lower than the 96.96% for morning-shift schools. For comparison, general single-shift schools had the highest pass percentage at 98.19%. The performance gap is even starker in Class XII results from boys-only schools, which recorded a 95.96% pass rate, lagging behind co-educational schools (98.07%) and girls' schools (97.35%).
This trend is mirrored in the qualitative index, an average of marks scored by students. Boys-only schools recorded 299.67, significantly lower than co-educational schools (321.28) and girls' schools (316.23). Officials and experts believe the single-shift system will directly improve these learning outcomes. "Operating two shifts limits instructional time for students and puts additional pressure on teachers. Under a single-shift system, children will get more time for studies, and academic activities can be conducted more effectively," an official stated.
A Long-Term Vision for Quality Education
The transition is seen as a crucial step toward reducing classroom overcrowding. The student-classroom ratio in several parts of Delhi remains high, and this move will help align it with the norms prescribed under the Right to Education (RTE) Act through the construction of additional classrooms and schools.
The envisioned single-shift schools are not just about changing timings; they are planned to be equipped with smart classrooms, modern teaching technologies, trained teachers, and significantly improved infrastructure. "The government's objective is not merely to increase the number of schools, but to raise the quality of education to international standards," emphasized the official. This initiative builds upon a similar feasibility study explored by the AAP government in 2021, which was prompted by rising enrolment and the completion of additional school infrastructure.
The phased conversion of Delhi's double-shift schools represents a comprehensive attempt to address infrastructure deficits, bridge academic performance gaps, and ultimately strengthen parents' confidence in the public education system by providing a more equitable and effective learning environment for all students.
