India’s flagship Kendriya Vidyalaya network continues to face a critical staffing shortfall, with the Ministry of Education informing the Lok Sabha that 10,173 posts remain vacant across schools nationwide. The disclosure comes despite the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) having recruited 33,350 employees since 2014, across both teaching and non-teaching roles.

Responding to Starred Question No. 111, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tabled detailed data showing recruitment patterns, ongoing vacancies, and reliance on contractual educators across the central school system.

As of November 1, 2025, KVS had 56,520 sanctioned posts, of which only 46,347 are currently filled.

A breakup of vacancies shows the deepest gaps in academic roles:

The Ministry attributed the continuing vacancies to the opening of new schools, routine retirements, resignations, promotions, transfers, and deputation of staff.

Hiring surge, yet demand outpaces recruitment

Parliamentary records show recruitment peaked in 2022–23, when 11,733 teachers and 614 non-teaching staff joined KVS—the highest in a single year over the past decade.

Appointments since 2014 include:

·        Unreserved: 15,702

·        EWS: 1,233

·        OBC: 8,903

·        SC: 5,033

·        ST: 2,479

The ministry reiterated that selection is carried out strictly in accordance with reservation policies.

Reliance on contractual teachers continues

Despite regular recruitment drives, KVS schools continue to depend heavily on contractual educators to maintain teaching continuity.

The number of contractual teachers fluctuated sharply year to year:

·        2022–23: 10,462 (highest)

·        2020–21: 3,260 (pandemic low)

·        2024–25: 6,920 so far

The ministry clarified that these engagements are temporary and dictated by immediate local need—without reservation-based selection rules.

Efforts underway, but shortages remain unresolved

The government assured Parliament that measures are being taken to accelerate hiring and prevent academic disruption.

“Vacancies are filled as per recruitment rules, and contractual teachers are appointed only until regular staff join,” Pradhan noted in the written response.

However, with more schools being added to the KVS system and attrition continuing, the gap persists—raising concerns about the strain on classrooms and long-term staffing stability in one of India’s largest public education networks.