The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has officially announced the four recipients of the prestigious Derozio Awards 2025, one of the highest national honours in school education in India. Updated on 13 November 2025, the awards recognise educators who demonstrate visionary leadership, innovation, and lasting contributions to teaching and learning across primary, middle, secondary, and senior secondary education. The awards will be presented on Friday by Vikramjit Sen, former Supreme Court judge and former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, during the School Heads’ Meet hosted by the Association of Schools for the Indian School Certificate in Chandigarh.
Instituted by CISCE, the Derozio Awards honour exceptional educators who have enriched learning communities and made transformative contributions to the Indian school education ecosystem. Each award includes a 24-gram gold medal, a silver-engraved citation plaque, a scroll, and ₹1 lakh prize money. This year’s selection reflects the outstanding work happening across CISCE schools and highlights the commitment of educators shaping future generations.
Derozio Awards 2025 Winners – Recognised for Outstanding Impact
CISCE Chief Executive and Secretary Joseph Emmanuel remarked:
“This year’s awardees shine with extraordinary dedication, bold innovation, and deep human impact. Our rigorous evaluation reaffirmed the remarkable educational transformation unfolding across CISCE schools and the inspiring commitment of educators who continue to elevate learning nationwide.”
The four awardees for 2025 are:
- Shinoj Kizhakkemuriyil, Principal, St. Antony’s School, Ghaziabad
- Priti Sinha, Principal, Gulmohar High School, Jamshedpur
- Seena Joseph, Principal, Auxilium Nava Jyoti School, Kerala
- Kusum Uniyal, TGT Science, Jyoti Vidyalaya, Joshimath, Uttarakhand
Their achievements demonstrate leadership across diverse school contexts, strengthening student development and introducing meaningful innovations in pedagogy, administration, and community-oriented education.
About the Derozio Awards
Named after Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, educator and poet, the awards celebrate:
- Visionary leadership in school education
- Innovative teaching methodologies
- Student-centric development initiatives
- Community engagement and institutional growth
- Contributions that significantly influence teaching-learning ecosystems
The awards are among the most respected honours in India’s K–12 education system, awarded annually to teachers and school leaders who demonstrate excellence at national level.
School Heads’ Conference 2025 – Over 2,000 Leaders Gather in Chandigarh
The Derozio Awards ceremony is taking place alongside the two-day School Heads’ Conference, gathering more than 2,000 school heads from across CISCE-affiliated schools.
This year’s theme — “Building Stronger Schools Together” — focuses on collaborative strategies to elevate educational quality through leadership, technology, partnerships, and inclusive development.
In his inaugural address, Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal stated:
“Stronger schools emerge when institutions, universities, and stakeholders work together. We must prepare students not just for white-collar jobs, but for sports, entrepreneurship, and innovation.”
The conference aims to create a forward-looking roadmap for CISCE schools, highlighting the essential role of school leadership in shaping India’s educational future.
Quick Reference Summary Table
| Key Detail | Information |
| Total Awardees | 4 Educators |
| Award Includes | 24g gold medal, citation plaque, scroll, ₹1 lakh |
Frequently Asked Questions
| What are the Derozio Awards? |
| They are prestigious national awards by CISCE recognising exceptional educators for leadership and innovation in school education. |
| How many educators received the Derozio Awards 2025? |
| Four educators were selected for 2025. |
| Who presents the Derozio Awards? |
| This year, the awards will be presented by former Supreme Court judge Vikramjit Sen. |
| What does each award include? |
| A 24g gold medal, citation plaque, scroll, and ₹1 lakh prize money. |
| Where is the 2025 ceremony being held? |
| At the School Heads’ Meet in Chandigarh. |
| Who organises the Derozio Awards? |
| The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). |
| What is the theme of the 2025 School Heads’ Conference? |
| “Building stronger schools together.” |
| How many school heads are attending the conference? |
| Over 2,000 heads of CISCE-affiliated schools. |
The Derozio Awards 2025 reflect the transformative work of educators driving excellence across CISCE schools nationwide. As the School Heads’ Meet 2025 focuses on collaboration and future-ready education, these awards reaffirm the vital role of visionary leadership in shaping India’s academic landscape. For official updates, visit the CISCE website and bookmark this page for future reference.
