UP’s push for digital classrooms introduces smart boards in 48 government schools, enhancing interactive learning. With a ₹900 crore investment, Delhi also advances smart education. These initiatives aim to bridge educational gaps, boost engagement, and align with NEP 2020, though challenges like teacher training and content integration remain.
UP’s Smart Boards Transform Classroom Learning
In a significant step toward modernizing education, Uttar Pradesh is equipping 48 government schools in Prayagraj with digital smart classrooms under the UP Basic Education Council. This initiative, driven by Prayagraj Smart City Limited, involves installing interactive smart boards, projectors, speakers, and high-speed internet to create engaging learning environments. The project, part of Phase-V of smart schools, aims to enhance teaching and learning through Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Bids for implementation are set to open post the model code of conduct, ensuring a structured rollout.
The smart boards, replacing traditional chalkboards, enable teachers to deliver multimedia-rich lessons with videos, animations, and interactive quizzes. These tools align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing experiential and personalized learning. According to a senior official, the initiative focuses on improving educational outcomes by making classes more interactive and accessible, particularly in urban government schools like Primary School Rajapur-1 and Baba Ji Ka Bagh. The selected agency will also maintain the systems for five years and train teachers to operate the equipment effectively.
Delhi’s government has taken a parallel leap, with its cabinet approving ₹900 crore for 18,996 smart boards across government school classrooms. Education Minister Ashish Sood announced that the installation will occur in five phases by 2029-30, starting with classes IX to XII. A dedicated teacher training module ensures educators can integrate smart boards into their pedagogy. This move addresses the previous shortfall, where only 799 smart boards were installed between 2014 and 2024 via CSR donations. The initiative targets underserved areas like Najafgarh and Kirari, aiming for equitable digital education.
However, experts highlight challenges. iDream Education notes that without curriculum-aligned digital content and a robust Learning Management System (LMS), smart boards risk underutilization. Teachers often struggle to find relevant content within tight class schedules, making preloaded, syllabus-matched resources critical. Analytics to track usage can further ensure accountability. In UP, schools like Mehendauri and Naini Bazaar are set to benefit, but success hinges on effective training and content integration.
Nationwide, over 222,155 schools (14.9% of India’s 1,489,115 schools) have adopted smart classrooms, per UDISEPlus 2021-22 data. This reflects a growing trend, with brands like BenQ, DeltaView, and Studynlearn offering advanced smart boards featuring 4K displays, multi-touch capabilities, and cloud connectivity. These tools support collaborative learning, wireless screen sharing, and videoconferencing, catering to diverse learning styles. Yet, initial costs and teacher unfamiliarity with technology pose hurdles, particularly in rural areas.
The shift to smart classrooms is reshaping education, fostering digital literacy and preparing students for a tech-driven future. As UP and Delhi lead, the focus remains on ensuring these investments translate into meaningful learning outcomes through structured implementation and teacher empowerment.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, official statements, and educational data from sources like Times of India, iDream Education, and UDISEPlus. Information is accurate as of September 2025. Readers are advised to verify details with official education department announcements.