CBSE eases Affiliation Norms for Schools to Set Up Branches under Same Name

Under the newly relaxed norms, CBSE-affiliated schools can now establish branch schools that will operate under the same affiliation number as the main school.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a relaxation in its affiliation norms, allowing schools to set up branch schools under the same name and affiliation number with an aim to move to streamline the operations of schools under its affiliation. However, the decision comes with specific guidelines to ensure proper infrastructure and administrative management for both schools.

New Guidelines for Setting Up Branch Schools

Under the newly relaxed norms, CBSE-affiliated schools can now establish branch schools that will operate under the same affiliation number as the main school. However, officials have emphasized that both the main and branch schools will need to maintain separate physical and academic infrastructures to ensure that the educational experience remains unaffected.

According to CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta, the key to the new arrangement is the seamless integration of the branch school with the main school. "While the schools will share the same administrative and academic practices, the management and ownership of both schools must remain identical," he said.

Class Levels and Structure for Main and Branch Schools

The new guidelines also specify the class levels that each school can offer. While the main school will be permitted to run classes from Grade 6 to 12, the branch schools can only offer classes from pre-primary to Grade 5. This ensures a clear distinction between the educational stages provided at the two locations.

"The admissions for both branches will be managed by the main school, and the students will transition smoothly from the branch school to the main school without being counted as new admissions," Gupta clarified, noting that the students will be promoted naturally to Class 6, ensuring continuity in their education.

Separate Staffing Requirements for Main and Branch Schools

While both schools will be required to maintain a separate teaching and non-teaching staff, all salaries for the staff will be disbursed by the main school. This approach simplifies administrative processes, ensuring that the main school retains overall financial and operational responsibility for both institutions.

The CBSE will continue to communicate with the principal of the main school for any concerns, ensuring that both institutions operate in tandem with one another. The board will oversee all matters, including compliance with infrastructure and educational guidelines, to maintain a high standard of schooling.

Infrastructure and Safety Guidelines for Both Schools

A crucial component of the new arrangement is the need for both the main and branch schools to meet the minimum physical infrastructure requirements, as well as maintain safety standards for students. The CBSE has specified that the teacher-student ratio must be maintained separately for both schools to ensure quality education at all levels.

The new guidelines also aim to safeguard the interests of students by ensuring that both schools comply with safety regulations, guaranteeing a secure learning environment for children at both locations.

Step Toward More Flexible Education Models

This move by the CBSE to relax affiliation norms marks a significant step toward offering more flexibility to educational institutions. By allowing schools to open branch locations under the same name and affiliation number, the board aims to promote educational access without compromising on quality.

With clear rules around infrastructure, staffing, and academic practices, CBSE’s new approach provides a framework that maintains educational integrity while allowing for the expansion of schools to meet growing demand. This development is expected to benefit both parents and students by offering more educational opportunities while maintaining consistency in the learning experience.

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