Revamped Khelo India Scheme: Features, Objectives and UPSC Notes

UPSC Mapping

Prelims	Khelo India, TOPS, Sports Schemes, MoYAS
Mains	GS Paper II – Government Policies; GS Paper II – Social Sector Development

Quick Facts

Ministry	Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Budget	₹36,441 Crore
Implementation	2026-27 to 2030-31
Launch	2017-18

What is Revamped Khelo India?

Revamped Khelo India is the updated version of the flagship Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS). Originally launched in 2017-18, Khelo India promotes both ‘Sports for All’ through mass participation and ‘Sports for Excellence’ by developing a structured talent pipeline.

The revamped scheme aims to build a science-backed sports ecosystem that identifies sporting talent at an early stage and nurtures athletes into elite performers capable of winning medals in global competitions.

Why is Revamped Khelo India in News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the revamped Khelo India Scheme along with enhanced financial assistance to National Sports Federations with a budget allocation of ₹36,441 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31.

The scheme aligns with the broader vision of strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem through scientific training, school integration and improved governance. Further information is available through the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Key Features

• Science-backed ecosystem: Focuses on early talent identification and scientific training to develop elite athletes.
• Policy alignment: Supports the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by integrating physical literacy into school education.
• School integration: Talent scouting is institutionalised through Khelo India Feeder Schools (KIFS) and Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas (KIUV).
• Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIA): Introduces scientific mentoring and training for younger athletes at an early stage.
• Podium pipeline: Creates a seamless progression pathway from school competitions through Khelo India into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
• Institutional convergence: Synchronises National Centres of Excellence, State hubs, accredited academies and Armed Forces Youth Sports Companies under one coordinated network.
• Coaching standards: The National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) will establish uniform coaching credentials and sports science standards across the country.
• Digital governance: Athlete performance, facility mapping, talent assessment and funding information will be consolidated on a single transparent digital portal.
• Inclusive approach: Dedicated funding supports indigenous games, women’s participation, para-sports, sports development in border and remote areas, and sports-based campaigns against substance abuse.

Challenges

• Centre-State coordination: Effective implementation depends upon collaboration among multiple institutions and governments.
• Infrastructure development: Adequate sports facilities and scientific training centres are essential across all regions.
• Capacity building: Uniform coaching standards require continuous training and accreditation.
• Digital integration: Reliable data collection and transparent governance systems are necessary for effective monitoring.
• UPSC relevance: Aspirants should revise sports-related schemes through the Governance current affairs section.

Way Forward

The revamped Khelo India Scheme strengthens India’s long-term sporting ecosystem by integrating education, sports science, digital governance and structured athlete development. A coordinated pipeline from grassroots talent to Olympic-level preparation can improve India’s international sporting performance.

For UPSC, candidates should remember the enhanced budget, alignment with Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and NEP 2020, school integration through KIFS and KIUV, the E-KIA category, linkage with TOPS and the role of NCAB in coach accreditation. Additional information is available through the Sports Authority of India.

Prelims Practice Corner

Q1. Khelo India is a:

• (a) Centrally Sponsored Scheme
• (b) Central Sector Scheme
• (c) State Sector Scheme
• (d) Finance Commission Scheme

Answer: (b) Central Sector Scheme.

Q2. Khelo India was launched in:

• (a) 2015-16
• (b) 2016-17
• (c) 2017-18
• (d) 2018-19

Answer: (c) 2017-18.

Q3. Which scheme forms the final stage of the athlete progression pipeline under the revamped Khelo India framework?

• (a) Fit India Movement
• (b) Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
• (c) National Sports Talent Search
• (d) National Youth Corps

Answer: (b) Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

Q4. Which body will regulate uniform coaching standards under the revamped scheme?

• (a) NADA
• (b) NCAB
• (c) AICTE
• (d) BCCI

Answer: (b) The National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB).

Q5. The revamped Khelo India Scheme aligns with:

• (a) National Health Policy only
• (b) Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and NEP 2020
• (c) National Skill Policy only
• (d) National Water Policy

Answer: (b) Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and NEP 2020.

Mains Practice Questions

Q1. Discuss the significance of the revamped Khelo India Scheme in strengthening India’s sports ecosystem. (10 Marks)

Answer Structure:

• Intro: Briefly introduce the revamped scheme.
• Body: Explain scientific talent identification, school integration, digital governance, inclusivity and athlete development.
• Conclusion: Highlight its role in improving India’s global sporting performance.

Q2. Examine the role of sports policy in promoting human capital development and national excellence. (15 Marks)

Answer Structure:

• Intro: Explain sports as an instrument of human development.
• Body: Discuss education, health, inclusivity, sports science and institutional reforms.
• Conclusion: Emphasise integrated sports governance for achieving international excellence.

FAQs on Revamped Khelo India

What is the objective of the revamped Khelo India Scheme?

The scheme aims to build a science-backed sports ecosystem that identifies grassroots talent early and develops athletes into elite international performers.

What are Khelo India Feeder Schools (KIFS)?

Khelo India Feeder Schools (KIFS) are institutions through which talent identification has been formally integrated into school education under the revamped Khelo India framework.

How does the revamped scheme promote inclusivity?

The scheme provides dedicated support for indigenous games, women’s participation, para-sports, development in border and remote areas, and sports-based initiatives against substance abuse.