New CBSE guidelines: Branch schools with same name now allowed till class 5

New affiliation guidelines have been introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), allowing affiliated schools in specific locations to open branch schools using the same name and affiliation number.

Classes from Bal-Vatika (pre-primary) to Class 5 will be offered to these schools, while Classes 6–12 will still be offered at the main institution.

Following the affiliation committee's recommendations, the Governing Body and Controlling Authority made a decision and approved it.

The branch schools must have autonomous resources, including separate physical infrastructure along with teaching staff and support staff, according to the updated requirements.

The qualifying requirements for school employees have been clarified by the amended regulations.

Teachers and principals must have relevant experience and credentials approved by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).

According to the 2022 CBSE notification, a special educator must be assigned. Additionally, CBSE has announced that branch schools can only open in locations where Chapter 3 of the 2018 affiliation bye-laws has loosened the land criteria for schools.

Beginning with the academic year 2026–2027, schools that meet the requirements can apply via the SARAS 6.0 portal.