The School I Want by 2030 – A Visioning Competition for School Principals

The world of education is evolving rapidly, and the role of school principals has never been more crucial. They are the driving force behind shaping schools that prepare students not just for today but for the challenges of the future. To recognize and celebrate their vision, CII is proud to launch the first edition of National-Level Competition for School Principals – “The School I Want by 2030 – A Visioning Competition.”

This competition provides a unique platform for School Principals across India to envision the future of their schools and articulate how they aim to equip students with skills for a dynamic, global workforce. The initiative aligns with India’s larger educational transformation under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. Education is going to play a significant role in realising the dream of Viksit Bharat. By encouraging principals to think critically about their school’s growth, infrastructure, pedagogy, and student preparedness, the competition aims to spotlight innovative and actionable ideas that can shape the future of education in India.

The competition follows a structured approach, beginning with the submission of a detailed write-up (maximum 2000 words) outlining the principal’s vision for their school in 2030. A panel of experts will evaluate these submissions, shortlisting five finalists who will then be invited to present their vision at the CII National School Education Summit in New Delhi. Here, they will have the opportunity to interact with industry leaders, policymakers, and education experts. Finally, the top three winners out of the five finalists will be recognized for their outstanding ideas, offering a platform to showcase transformative educational models that could influence schools nationwide.

At the heart of this competition, is the idea of reimagining education. Schools of the future will not just be learning spaces but dynamic ecosystems where technology, sustainability, and innovation come together to create holistic and inclusive environments. Future-ready schools must integrate AI, EdTech, and interdisciplinary learning while focusing on skill-based education. Teacher empowerment will be key, with schools investing in upskilling educators and fostering collaborations beyond borders.

Vocational education must become an integral part of mainstream academics, ensuring students are equipped with practical, job-ready skills. Schools should also emphasize competency-based learning, student safety, and active community participation, strengthening their ties with parents and local stakeholders. Beyond the classroom, students must be encouraged to engage in national and international initiatives, preparing them for a globally competitive world.

As India moves towards becoming a global knowledge powerhouse, the role of school education becomes even more critical. The schools we envision today will shape the leaders, innovators, workforce and citizens of tomorrow. This competition provides a great opportunity for principals to reflect on their school’s future and bring progressive, implementable ideas into the national conversation. More than just an individual exercise, it fosters collaboration among educators, industry leaders, and policymakers, ensuring that transformative ideas do not remain confined to individual institutions but contribute to a collective roadmap for India’s education transformation. By creating a platform for thought leadership, the competition inspires school heads across the country to take bold and strategic steps towards redefining schools as incubators of future-ready talent rather than just places of instruction.

Through this initiative, CII seeks to empower principals with a voice and platform to articulate their vision for schools and drive meaningful change in the education system. It is an opportunity for educators to influence policy, share best practices, and collaborate on shaping a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for an evolving world. As we look ahead to 2030, the question remains: What kind of schools do we want for the next generation? This competition is an invitation to all visionary school leaders to imagine, create and lead the change.