ADB Backs Digital Learning Expansion in Indian Schools

India’s education sector has grown rapidly over the years, yet many schools still lack the digital tools needed to support modern teaching methods.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $10 million financing package for Schoolnet India Limited (SIL) to help expand digital learning infrastructure in government schools, a move expected to benefit around 4.5 million students across the country.

The investment marks ADB's first private sector financing for a digital education project in India and reflects growing efforts to improve access to technology-driven learning in classrooms that continue to face infrastructure challenges.

Funding Targets Gaps in School Technology

India's education sector has grown rapidly over the years, yet many schools still lack the digital tools needed to support modern teaching methods. Current data shows that only 26% of K–12 schools have computer laboratories, while just 29% are equipped with smart classrooms. These gaps limit opportunities for students and teachers to fully benefit from digital learning resources.

ADB Country Director for India Mio Oka said the investment will support the digital transformation of education while encouraging innovation and broader access to quality learning infrastructure. The project is also aligned with the goals of India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes technology-enabled learning and stronger educational outcomes.

Thousands of Schools to Receive Digital Upgrades

Under the Schoolnet Digital Learning Project, computer laboratories will be installed in at least 1,000 government schools across India. The programme will also establish 58,000 digital classrooms, significantly expanding access to digital education tools for students in different regions of the country. Teacher development forms a major part of the initiative, with at least 56,000 educators set to receive training in digital teaching methods. The project will also provide learning materials designed to support safe, inclusive and equitable classroom practices. The upgrades are expected to strengthen classroom engagement and help teachers integrate technology more effectively into everyday lessons.

LEAP 2 Fund Supports the Investment

Half of the financing package comes from the Leading Asia's Private Infrastructure Fund 2 (LEAP 2), an ADB-managed facility supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). LEAP 2 was launched in 2023 with a $1.5 billion commitment and focuses on private sector infrastructure projects that improve access to essential services such as education, healthcare and communications.

ADB believes partnerships with private sector providers such as Schoolnet India can help accelerate the rollout of high-quality digital infrastructure while creating scalable solutions that support millions of students across the country. The investment is expected to play an important role in narrowing India's digital education divide and expanding access to technology-based learning opportunities in government schools.