In today’s dynamic educational landscape, where learning extends far beyond textbooks, Army Public School (APS), Dagshai, stands out as a beacon of academic excellence and holistic development. The school has been honoured with the “Improving Student Learning and Progress” Award 2025 at the North School Merit Ratings and Rankings 2025, organized by EducationToday and powered by MySchool Admission. This accolade recognizes APS Dagshai’s unwavering commitment to creating an education model where every learner is guided, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

The award ceremony, held on September 12, 2025, at The Lalit Hotel, Mumbai, brought together visionary educators, school leaders, and policymakers from across India to celebrate institutions that are transforming education through innovation, quality teaching, and holistic student development. APS Dagshai’s recognition highlights its role as a pioneer in improving academic outcomes while fostering personal growth and resilience among students.

A Legacy of Discipline, Leadership, and Excellence

Founded in 1986 under the aegis of HQ Western Command by General K. Sunderji and General R. S. Dayal, APS Dagshai has grown into one of India’s premier residential institutions, blending discipline with high-quality education. The school is CBSE-affiliated and a proud member of the Indian Public Schools’ Conference (IPSC), consistently ranking among the Top 10 boarding schools in India.

Perched at 5,689 feet above sea level, the picturesque campus in the serene Dagshai Hills offers not just breathtaking views, but a stimulating and tranquil environment that nurtures focus, creativity, and character development. The combination of a scenic setting and rigorous academics allows students to thrive in a holistic learning ecosystem, where discipline, innovation, and personal growth coexist harmoniously.

Visionary Leadership Driving Student Success

At the helm of APS Dagshai is Mrs. Ritambra Ghai, Principal, whose visionary leadership has shaped the school into a student-centered, future-ready learning community. Mrs. Ghai emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating discipline with innovation to ensure that every student receives personalized support and guidance.

Under her leadership, APS Dagshai has implemented a robust framework for continuous learning improvement, which includes:

• Structured academic monitoring to track and support individual student progress.
   
• Data-driven teaching strategies to ensure targeted learning interventions.
   
• Regular feedback systems to foster growth and self-awareness among students.

Additionally, Mrs. Ghai prioritizes teacher empowerment, ensuring educators are equipped with modern pedagogical methods, technological integration skills, and strategies to develop 21st-century competencies in students. This focus on professional development ensures classrooms are engaging, innovative, and responsive to every learner’s needs.

A Student-Centric Model for Learning and Progress

APS Dagshai’s award-winning recognition stems from its commitment to student-centered learning, where progress is measured not only in grades but in holistic development. The school’s approach emphasizes continuous improvement, personalized learning, and innovative pedagogy:

• Continuous Assessment and Feedback: Regular formative and summative assessments help identify learning gaps early, enabling timely intervention and ensuring academic consistency.
   
• Personalized Learning Plans: Each student receives a customized learning roadmap that aligns with their strengths, pace, and aspirations, promoting both effectiveness and enjoyment in learning.
   
• Innovative Teaching Practices: Project-based learning, interactive digital modules, and experiential education deepen engagement, critical thinking, and long-term retention.
   
• Holistic Development: Equal importance is given to sports, arts, leadership programs, and value education, producing well-rounded, adaptable, and socially responsible individuals.
   
• Collaborative Parent Involvement: The school maintains a strong home-school partnership, encouraging parents to actively participate in their child’s learning journey.

This student-centric framework ensures that every learner is supported and empowered, reflecting APS Dagshai’s philosophy that education is not just about academic achievement but also about fostering resilience, curiosity, and integrity.

Empowering Through Environment, Ethos, and Boarding Life

As a fully residential institution, APS Dagshai complements academic learning with emotional growth, independence, and ethical development. Students live in a structured, nurturing environment that instills values such as integrity, teamwork, responsibility, and empathy.

The boarding experience allows students to develop self-discipline, leadership, and social skills in real-world contexts. The school’s holistic approach ensures that personal growth and ethical grounding are as significant as intellectual achievement, making APS Dagshai a model institution for residential education.

Teacher Empowerment: The Backbone of Student Success

APS Dagshai understands that the quality of teaching directly impacts student outcomes. Teachers are encouraged to adopt a reflective and collaborative approach, experimenting with pedagogy, sharing best practices, and integrating technology effectively.

Regular workshops, peer learning sessions, and professional exposure to the latest educational tools ensure that educators remain at the forefront of innovation. This commitment to teacher development translates to enhanced classroom engagement, better learning outcomes, and sustained student progress.

Preparing Future-Ready Learners

In an era where adaptability, problem-solving, and analytical thinking are crucial, APS Dagshai equips students with skills beyond the curriculum. Through a blend of academic rigor, co-curricular programs, and experiential learning, students develop:

• Critical thinking and analytical abilities
   
• Digital literacy and technological fluency
   
• Communication and collaboration skills
   
• Leadership and decision-making capabilities

The school fosters self-directed learning, empowering students to take ownership of their educational journey and emerge as confident, competent, and socially responsible individuals, ready for higher education and global challenges.

Recognition at the Maharashtra & North Educators’ Summit 2025

The “Improving Student Learning and Progress” Award at the Maharashtra & North Educators’ Summit 2025 is a testament to APS Dagshai’s dedication, innovation, and holistic approach. Hosted by EducationToday and powered by MySchool Admission, the summit celebrated schools that are redefining education through visionary leadership, academic excellence, and innovative practices.

APS Dagshai’s recognition places it among India’s elite institutions for residential education, reaffirming its role as a benchmark school for improving student outcomes through evidence-based strategies and holistic development.

Conclusion

Through forward-thinking pedagogy, visionary leadership, and a nurturing environment, Army Public School, Dagshai, continues to shape young minds that embody curiosity, courage, and conscience. The “Improving Student Learning and Progress” award not only celebrates the school’s excellence but also reinforces its mission to empower students to learn, grow, and lead with purpose.

With a focus on personalized learning, teacher empowerment, and holistic development, APS Dagshai exemplifies how a residential school can create future-ready learners equipped for global challenges. The school’s achievement at the North School Merit Ratings and Rankings 2025 cements its reputation as a pioneering institution for innovation, student progress, and academic excellence.