AI-Driven ORF Assessment and PM SHRI Schools’ Progress Receive International Appreciation

Delegation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation reviews education initiatives in Rajasthan

Jaipur, February 2026 : Technology-enabled educational initiatives of the Rajasthan Education Department are gaining encouraging global recognition. A high-level delegation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation visited Government Senior Secondary School Burhera in Tijara block to observe the state’s AI-enabled Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) assessment process. The initiative has been implemented under Prakhar Rajasthan 2.0 to enable precise evaluation of reading skills and strengthen learning outcomes.

During the visit, Director of Secondary and Elementary Education Sitaram Jat briefed the delegation on Rajasthan’s digital learning ecosystem, classroom-centric innovations, and the development of advanced infrastructure and activity-based learning environments under the PM SHRI Schools initiative. He highlighted that the AI-based ORF assessment is enabling data-driven analysis of students’ reading proficiency, thereby helping refine teaching strategies and improve instructional effectiveness.

The delegation interacted with students and teachers to understand the ORF assessment process and directly observed students’ reading abilities. Members also appreciated the progress made in PM SHRI schools, particularly the integration of digital facilities, smart classrooms, and innovation-led pedagogical practices, which are seen as key components of a future-ready education model.

Observations during the visit indicated that the adoption of technological solutions, capacity-building programmes, and digital learning resources is making classroom teaching more participatory and outcome-oriented. The delegation commended students’ active engagement, confidence, and positive learning attitude.

The visiting delegation included Benjamin Piper, Lead – Global Education; Jonathan Stern, Deputy Director – Global Education Innovation and Country Implementation; and Satish Menon. Officials from the Directorate, district and block education teams, representatives from Wadhwani AI, and school principal Pradeep Rathi were also present on the occasion.