Prerana: An Experiential Learning Program

Overview

Prerana is a week-long residential experiential learning programme launched by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, on January 5, 2024. It is based at the Vernacular School in Vadnagar (established in 1888), one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India, in Mehsana district, Gujarat. The programme aims to nurture leadership qualities in school students through value-based education, aligning with the fundamental pillars of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Each weekly batch hosts 20 selected students (10 boys and 10 girls) from different parts of the country on a rotational basis. As of 2025, the programme has successfully completed 65 batches in its first cycle, covering 650 districts across India. The curriculum has been designed by IIT Gandhinagar and embodies the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).

Nine Core Value-Based Themes

The curriculum is structured around nine value-based themes, each explored through immersive activities:

1. Swabhiman aur Vinay (Self-respect and Humility)
2. Shaurya aur Sahas (Courage and Determination)
3. Parishram aur Samarpan (Hard Work and Dedication)
4. Karuna aur Sewa (Compassion and Service)
5. Vividhta aur Ekta (Diversity and Unity)
6. Satyanishtha aur Shuchita (Truthfulness and Cleanliness)
7. Navachar aur Jigyasa (Innovation and Curiosity)
8. Shraddha aur Vishwas (Faith and Trust)
9. Swatantrata aur Kartavya (Independence and Responsibility)

Programme Activities

• Yoga and meditation sessions
• Experiential learning modules and thematic discussions
• Visits to historical and heritage sites in and around Vadnagar
• Film screenings and creative arts activities
• Exposure to indigenous knowledge systems
• Introduction to cutting-edge technologies
• Interaction with mentors from prestigious institutions
• Study of inspirational figures and their life journeys

Selection Process

• Open to students in Classes 9-12 from across India
• Online registration at prerana.education.gov.in
• Each weekly batch: 20 participants — 1 boy and 1 girl from each of 10 districts across 10 different States/UTs
• Accompanied by Lady Guardian Teachers
• Selection also conducted at school/block level on designated “Prerana Utsav” days through various activities

Programme Cycles

Significance of Vadnagar

Vadnagar is one of the oldest living cities of India, with archaeological evidence dating back over 2,500 years. The Vernacular School, established in 1888, holds historical significance as it was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his formative years. The choice of Vadnagar as the programme’s headquarters connects modern educational aspirations with India’s civilisational heritage.

Latest Developments

• First Cycle Completed: Prerana has successfully completed its first cycle of 65 batches, covering all 650+ districts of India, nurturing value-based leadership through nine core human values and experiential learning.
• Second Cycle Registration Open: Nationwide registrations for the second cycle are now open for students of Grades 8-11 (expanded from Classes 9-12), through the official portal prerana.education.gov.in.
• Second Cycle Launch (April 2026): The second cycle of the Prerana residential programme at Vadnagar is scheduled to commence in April 2026.
• Prerana Utsav Expansion (October 2025): The second cycle of Prerana Utsav — school-level and block-level selection events — began in October 2025, with all schools (State Government Schools, CBSE, KVs, and JNVs) mandated to organize selection activities.
• Broader Eligibility: The second cycle has expanded eligibility to include Grade 8 students (previously Classes 9-12 only), widening the reach of the experiential learning programme to younger students.
• Institutional Mandate: The Ministry of Education has directed all categories of schools across India to participate in the Prerana Utsav at the school level, reinforcing the programme’s integration into the national education ecosystem.

Prelims Importance

• Prerana launched on January 5, 2024 by the Department of School Education & Literacy
• Located at Vernacular School, Vadnagar (est. 1888), Mehsana, Gujarat
• Curriculum designed by IIT Gandhinagar
• Batch size: 20 students (10 boys, 10 girls) per week
• For students in Classes 9-12
• First cycle: 65 batches covering 650 districts
• Nine core themes rooted in value-based education aligned with NEP 2020
• Embodies the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”
• Registration portal: prerana.education.gov.in
• Selection also via “Prerana Utsav” at school/block level
• Second cycle scheduled from April 2026

Mains & Interview Importance

GS2 — Education, Social Justice:

• Discuss Prerana as an innovative model for value-based education under NEP 2020 — how does experiential learning differ from conventional classroom teaching?
• Analyse the programme’s potential to foster national integration by bringing together students from diverse geographic and cultural backgrounds.
• Evaluate whether a programme reaching only 20 students per week can create meaningful scale — what multiplier effects might it generate?

GS4 — Ethics:

• The nine core themes of Prerana directly map to ethical values tested in GS4 — self-respect, courage, compassion, truthfulness, responsibility.
• Discuss how experiential learning at formative ages (Classes 9-12) can shape ethical decision-making in future civil servants and leaders.

Analytical Questions:

• “Prerana combines heritage, experiential learning, and value education. Discuss its relevance in the context of NEP 2020’s emphasis on holistic development.”
• “Can programmes like Prerana bridge the gap between knowledge acquisition and character formation in India’s education system?”
• “Critically evaluate the scalability of the Prerana model. How can its lessons be replicated across India’s 14+ lakh schools?”

Interview Angle: “Prerana reaches 20 students per week from 650 districts. That is roughly 1,000 students per year from a country of 25 crore school-going children. How would you scale the impact without diluting the experiential quality?”