Over 10,000 KVS posts vacant despite 33,000 appointments since 2014: Education ministry

The Ministry of Education has reported to Parliament that over 10,000 teaching and non-teaching posts remain vacant across Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) schools nationwide, despite more than 33,000 appointments since 2014.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan presented the data in the Lok Sabha while responding to Starred Question No 111, detailing KVS recruitment trends, current vacancies, and the use of contractual staff over the past decade.

As of Nov 1, KVS had 56,520 sanctioned posts, of which 46,347 are filled and 10,173 remain vacant.

The Ministry attributed ongoing vacancies to the opening of new schools, retirements, resignations, promotions, transfers, employees leaving on deputation, and school upgrades.

It noted that filling vacancies is a continuous process under KVS recruitment rules.

Since 2014, 33,350 teaching and non-teaching appointments have been made. Major recruitment drives occurred in 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, and 2022–23, with the highest intake in 2022–23 at 11,733 teaching and 614 non-teaching posts.

Category-wise appointments since 2014 include UR 15,702, EWS 1,233, OBC 8,903, SC 5,033, and ST 2,479.

Due to persistent vacancies, KVS continues to rely on contractual teachers to ensure uninterrupted instruction.

The highest number of contractual teachers, 10,462, was reported in 2022–23, while 2020–21 saw 3,260, and 2024–25 currently has 6,920 contractual staff.

The ministry emphasized that contractual appointments are temporary and based on local requirements.

On adherence to reservation norms, the Ministry clarified that all regular recruitments strictly follow the notified rules for EWS, OBC, SC, and ST categories.

Contractual hires, however, are made based on immediate needs and are not bound by reservation rules.

Pradhan said continuous efforts are underway to address teacher shortages, with contractual teachers filling gaps only until permanent staff are recruited, ensuring that teaching and learning in KVS schools remains uninterrupted.