A delegation of 24 students from Delhi government-run CM SHRI schools departed for Germany on Saturday, August 1, 2026, under the Aarambh Placement and Learning (APAL) initiative. Simultaneously, five other students secured prestigious higher education admissions and scholarships at institutions in Germany and Japan, marking a milestone in global public education access.
NEW DELHI — A contingent of 24 students from Delhi government-run CM SHRI schools officially departed for Germany on Saturday, August 1, 2026, to begin specialized vocational training under the state's Aarambh Placement and Learning (APAL) programme. Concurrently, five additional government school graduates secured direct university admissions and full scholarships for higher education in Germany and Japan, according to a formal release from the Directorate of Education, Delhi.
The send-off event was presided over by Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood at the Delhi Secretariat, where officials interacted with the departing cohort. This development marks the second and expanded phase of the APAL project, underscoring an institutional shift in public schooling that integrates international vocational exposure, foreign language proficiency, and industrial apprenticeships into the standard secondary curriculum.
Expansion of the APAL Vocational Programme
The departure represents a significant expansion of the APAL initiative, which was launched in October 2024 by the Delhi government in strategic partnership with the Goethe-Institut India and leading industrial federations in Germany. While the initial pilot cohort sent 14 students abroad last year, the 2026 delegation expanded to 24 candidates.
According to government disclosures, candidates selected for the APAL track completed intensive German language courses up to advanced proficiency levels alongside comprehensive intercultural orientation modules in New Delhi before departure. The initiative is designed to provide students from modest socio-economic backgrounds direct access to global technical training without financial burden.
Structure of German Dual Vocational Training
The 24 students arriving in Germany will enter the country’s established Ausbildung (dual vocational education and training) system. Over a period ranging from two to three-and-a-half years, trainees will divide their schedules between specialized vocational classroom instruction and hands-on apprenticeship inside certified German industrial facilities.
During the training period, students receive a monthly stipend paid directly by partner industrial enterprises to cover living expenses, health insurance, and local transport. Upon successful completion of the coursework and technical examinations, graduates earn globally recognized vocational certifications that qualify them for skilled technical employment across European industrial sectors.
Direct Scholarships and Higher Education Admissions in Japan and Germany
Beyond vocational training, five Delhi public school alumni achieved academic milestones in university degree programs across Asia and Europe:
Fukuoka Institute of Technology (Japan): Two students secured full academic scholarships to pursue undergraduate degrees in engineering and technology.
MEXT Scholarship (Japan): Two students were awarded the prestigious Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) scholarship, covering full tuition, accommodation, and living allowances.
RWTH Aachen University (Germany): One student earned direct admission to the renowned public research university to study advanced engineering disciplines.
Officials from the Embassy of Japan in India and German educational liaisons verified that candidates underwent rigorous academic evaluations and language proficiency tests prior to final selection.
Official Sources Section
Administrative announcements and student deployment details cited in this report originate from official state releases and institutional disclosures:
Directorate of Education, Delhi: Official department bulletin regarding student departures, APAL expansion metrics, and university scholarship awards.
Press Information Bureau: Government records detailing international skill development collaborations and student exchange frameworks.
Goethe-Institut India: Language certification and vocational placement guidelines under the APAL framework.
Embassy of Japan in India: MEXT Scholarship and university admission confirmations for Indian secondary school graduates.
Official Statements and Quotes
"Our government schools are proving that given the right language skills, technical training, and institutional support, students from humble backgrounds can excel on global platforms. These 29 students are ambassadors of India's public education transformation."
— Ashish Sood, Education Minister of Delhi
"According to officials from the Education Department, the expansion of the APAL project demonstrates the viability of embedding international vocational pathways directly into state school curricula, ensuring high-value employment prospects for young graduates."
Why It Matters
For public school students and parents across Delhi, the successful deployment of cohorts to Germany and Japan demonstrates that state-run educational infrastructure can provide pathways to global careers. For industry stakeholders and international educational partners, the program establishes a replicable model for bridging skill shortages in developed economies while providing upward mobility for Indian youth.
Key Facts at a Glance
Student Cohort: A total of 29 Delhi government school students departed for international destinations.
APAL Expansion: 24 students entered Germany's dual vocational education program with monthly industry stipends.
Japan Scholarships: Four students secured Japanese academic seats, including two prestigious MEXT scholarships and two seats at Fukuoka Institute of Technology.
German University Entry: One student gained direct admission to RWTH Aachen University in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the APAL program for Delhi government school students?
The Aarambh Placement and Learning (APAL) program is a skill initiative by the Delhi government in partnership with German institutions that prepares public school students with language and vocational training for dual apprenticeship programs in Germany.
Do students going to Germany receive financial support?
Yes. Students enrolled in Germany's dual vocational training program receive a monthly stipend paid by partner German companies to cover accommodation, food, and living costs throughout the two- to three-and-a-half-year course.
Which Japanese scholarships were awarded to Delhi students?
Two students received the Japanese Government's MEXT Scholarship, while two others secured full scholarships to study at the Fukuoka Institute of Technology.
Source: Directorate of Education, Delhi, Press Information Bureau, Goethe-Institut India, Embassy of Japan in India.
