Jamshedpur, Aug. 5: Ranjita Gandhi, Principal of the Chief Minister School of Excellence, BPM Burmamines, Jamshedpur, has been recommended by the Jharkhand government for the National Teacher Award 2026, recognising her two decades of contribution to education, innovative teaching practices and efforts towards the holistic development of students.
The recommendation was made by the state-level selection committee, which cited Gandhi’s 20-year teaching career, leadership in transforming the school and initiatives aimed at improving academic standards and overall student development.
Gandhi completed her schooling at DAV Public School, Jhinkapani, and pursued higher education at Ravenshaw College, Cuttack. She is an alumnus of the Education in Leadership programme conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) at Ranchi, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. She has also undergone leadership training at the University of California, Berkeley, and holds a one-year Executive MBA from NIBM, Chennai.
Before joining the government education system, Gandhi taught at several reputed CBSE and ICSE schools in Jamshedpur between 2001 and 2012, including Jamshedpur Public School, Kerala Samajam Model School, Loyola School and Beldih Church School.
She joined BPM Burmamines High School as an Economics teacher in 2012 and was appointed Principal in 2021 after the institution was upgraded as a Chief Minister School of Excellence.
Under her leadership, the school transitioned from Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) affiliation to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and secured a Gold Grade in its first quality assessment.
Gandhi also introduced Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and institutionalised weekly online doubt-clearing sessions through Zoom, an initiative that began during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to benefit students. The school’s Economics results have consistently recorded a 100 per cent pass rate under her guidance.
Students of the school have also excelled beyond academics, securing admissions to institutions such as BIT Sindri and progressing towards NIT, qualifying competitive examinations including MBA entrance tests and the Company Secretary (CS) examination, and achieving recognition in national-level Kabaddi, Yoga and Chess competitions. Students have also distinguished themselves in literature and music.
Reflecting on her educational philosophy, Gandhi said, “A school should not be limited to exam results only, but should become a centre for the overall development of students’ personality, leadership skills and talent. We worked with this thought and with everyone’s cooperation, this success was possible.”
The recommendation places Gandhi among the educators from across the country being considered for the prestigious National Teacher Award, conferred annually in recognition of excellence in teaching and educational leadership.
