DIKSHA: India's Unified Digital Platform for School Education Expands Access
Government data shows that the Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) platform has become India's primary digital learning portal for school education, covering nearly all states and Union Territories. Launched in 2017 and led by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET), the platform offers resources from early learning to senior secondary levels.
DIKSHA allows each state to upload region-specific content in local languages, tailoring materials to their curriculum. This decentralised approach supports the diversity of India's education systems while maintaining a common digital backbone. Resources include videos, animations, virtual labs, simulations, augmented reality content, and Indian Sign Language videos to cater to different learning styles and needs.
A key feature is QR-coded Energised Textbooks: students scan codes in printed textbooks to access supplementary videos, teacher guides, and interactive content. The platform also supports inclusive education with text-to-speech tools, DAISY format resources, and sign language videos for students with disabilities. Additionally, practice questions, competency-based question banks, and assessments help learners track their progress.
For teachers, DIKSHA hosts training programmes like NISHTHA, offering online courses and certificates to enhance teaching skills. States and institutions manage their own content uploads, while quality assurance is handled by CIET-NCERT. The government reports that students can download materials for offline use, and many states have integrated DIKSHA into smart classroom boards to ensure uninterrupted learning.
By providing a unified yet flexible platform, DIKSHA aims to bridge digital divides and improve educational access nationwide. Its adoption across states reflects a collaborative effort to leverage technology for equitable learning opportunities.
