Kendriya

Kendriya is a Hindustani term used in India to denote something central or pertaining to the center. Its etymology traces to the Sanskrit word kendra, meaning center, with kendriya forming the adjectival sense “central.” In common usage, Kendriya appears in the names of central government institutions and programs, reflecting a connection to the Union government rather than state or local authorities.

The most prominent example is Kendriya Vidyalaya, or Central School, a nationwide system of central government–run schools. Established in 1963, Kendriya Vidyalayas were created to provide uniform, quality education to the children of transferable central government employees, including personnel from the defense and para-military services. The schools generally follow the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum and emphasize standardization of pedagogy, assessment, and infrastructure across locations. They are designed to ensure educational continuity for families that relocate frequently with government postings.

Administration of the Kendriya Vidyalaya network is handled by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education (Department of School Education and Literacy). KVS sets organizational policies, coordinates admissions and staffing, and allocates resources to regional offices and individual schools. The Kendriya Vidyalaya system operates across India and in a number of foreign locations, serving both the dependents of central government employees and, under its policy framework, other eligible students.

Beyond Kendriya Vidyalaya, the term Kendriya appears in other central-government contexts and initiatives, underscoring its role in designating central authority and administration within India.