5 Key Takeaways
- Vidyakshetra is a free, exam-free school in Bengaluru where 157 children learn through hands-on activities like farming, weaving, pottery, music, and science.
- The school’s curriculum blends Indian knowledge systems with holistic development, focusing on body, mind, and spirit, and uses the Panchakosha framework.
- Admissions are based on values and family involvement, not money; the school is sustained by community donations and parent participation.
- Students consistently excel in board exams, but the emphasis is on meaningful learning, creativity, responsibility, and discovering individual passions.
- The Acharya Vidyalaya programme is training educators to replicate this gurukul-inspired model, aiming for 108 centres across India by 2047.
Vidyakshetra: The Free School in Bengaluru Where Kids Learn by Doing
Imagine a school where the day starts not with a loud bell, but with the gentle sound of a flute under the shade of neem trees. Welcome to Vidyakshetra, a unique school on the outskirts of Bengaluru, where 157 children learn for free—and not just from textbooks.
A School Without Exams or Fees
Vidyakshetra was founded by Muneet Dhiman, a former techie who left his job in Germany to pursue his dream of meaningful education. He and his wife, Preethi, spent years visiting schools across India, learning from different teaching methods before starting Vidyakshetra in 2016 with just 13 students. Today, the school receives nearly 1,000 applications every year!
Here, there are no uniforms, no heavy bags, and no stressful exams. Instead, children learn by doing—farming, weaving, pottery, music, and even building with mud bricks. They recite Sanskrit verses, experiment in science labs, and stitch cloth bags. The focus is on holistic development, blending traditional Indian knowledge with modern subjects.
Learning Through Experience
At Vidyakshetra, students aren’t grouped strictly by age. Classes are small, with no more than 16 children, so teachers can give everyone personal attention. Kids of different ages often learn together, helping each other and growing as a community.
There are no tests or rankings, but when students do take board exams, they excel—most score between 85% and 96%. More importantly, they leave with practical skills and a love for learning. Subjects include agriculture, pottery, handloom, music, dance, theatre, science, and languages like Sanskrit, English, and Kannada.
Education Is Free—And Supported by the Community
One of the most remarkable things about Vidyakshetra is that it’s completely free. The school doesn’t charge any fees, and admissions aren’t based on money or background. Instead, families and the community support the school through voluntary contributions and donations. Parents help run the kitchen, organize transport, and even teach sports or special subjects.
Preparing Kids for Life, Not Just Exams
Parents say their children gain much more than good marks—they learn responsibility, teamwork, and how to connect with nature and culture. Alumni often return to help out, and some go on to study at top colleges, inspired to make a difference in the world.
Vidyakshetra’s approach is spreading, with 39 people from across India training to start similar schools. The goal? To create 108 such centres by 2047.
At Vidyakshetra, education is about setting children free to discover their passions and serve society. It’s a place where learning is joyful, meaningful, and truly life-changing.
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