Meghalaya launches first School-Level Performance Grading Index
The Government of Meghalaya has released the Meghalaya School Performance Grading Index (MSPGI) 2025–26, the State’s first school-level assessment framework. The index assesses 11,443 recognised schools across all 12 districts using 43 indicators under five broad domains: Accessibility, Digital Education, Infrastructure Facilities, NEP Activities and Quality Parameters. The assessment is based on certified UDISE+ 2025–26 data and carries a maximum score of 1,000 points.
Key Features
- Coverage: 11,443 recognised schools across Meghalaya.
- Assessment framework: 43 indicators under 5 domains.
- Maximum score: 1,000 points.
- Methodology: Based on authenticated and certified UDISE+ 2025–26 data.
- Assessment output: Each school receives an individual School Report Card containing its score, performance grade and ranking position.
- Grading: Schools are classified into 17 performance grades ranging from Utkarsh (Outstanding) to Akanshi-10 (Intensive Support).
- Purpose: The MSPGI is intended primarily as a diagnostic and planning tool, rather than merely a ranking mechanism.
Important Findings
Meghalaya’s national Performance Grading Index (PGI) score increased from 401.62 in 2022–23 to 525.71 in 2025–26, moving the State from Akanshi-3 to Akanshi-1, thereby exiting the lowest performance band under PGI 2.0 for the first time.
However, the school-level assessment reveals significant challenges:
- No school achieved the highest Utkarsh grade.
- Only 113 schools (1%) were placed in the Uttam category.
- 1,027 schools (9%) were in the Prachesta category.
- 10,303 schools (90%) fell within the Akanshi band.
- The largest concentration was in Akanshi-3 and Akanshi-4, comprising 4,284 schools (37.4%).
- Jyoti Sroat School Hr. Secondary, East Khasi Hills, ranked first with a score of 930/1000.
- Step by Step Lawwahskei L.P. School, West Khasi Hills, ranked last with 26/1000.
Significance for Meghalaya
The MSPGI represents a shift towards evidence-based and decentralised educational governance. By providing school-specific data, it can help authorities identify gaps in infrastructure, digital readiness, NEP implementation and quality-related indicators. It also enables targeted interventions by school, block and district authorities rather than relying solely on broad State-level averages.
The index is particularly significant for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. Its emphasis on school-level data, continuous improvement and targeted support reflects the broader movement towards outcome-based governance.
Critical Analysis
While the MSPGI can improve transparency and facilitate targeted planning, its effectiveness will depend on the quality of follow-up action. A grading system by itself cannot improve learning outcomes unless it is accompanied by adequate funding, teacher support, infrastructure development, digital access and regular monitoring. The Government has also clarified that the MSPGI does not replace academic inspections, classroom observation or other assessments, and that the score should not be treated as a standalone measure of children’s learning achievement.
Practice MCQ
Q. With reference to the Meghalaya School Performance Grading Index (MSPGI) 2025–26, consider the following statements:
- It assesses recognised schools across all 12 districts of Meghalaya.
- It evaluates schools across five domains, including Digital Education and NEP Activities.
- It is primarily designed as a ranking exercise among schools.
- The assessment is based on certified UDISE+ 2025–26 data.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B. 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation: The MSPGI covers 11,443 recognised schools across Meghalaya’s 12 districts and assesses them across five domains, including Digital Education and NEP Activities. It is based on certified UDISE+ 2025–26 data. However, it is intended primarily as a diagnostic and planning tool, rather than merely a ranking exercise.