CBSE Affiliation Process

Introduction 

This article is a kind of comprehensive guide to the CBSE affiliation process. We shall discuss the CBSE affiliation procedure, how to apply online on the CBSE affiliation portal for affiliation, and the requirements of various documents, licenses, and permissions needed to apply for and achieve CBSE affiliation.

CBSE Overview

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) functions as a national-level board of education in India.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) holds responsibility for overseeing both public and private schools, operating under the management of the Government of India. Moreover, CBSE plays a crucial role in the education system by providing affiliation to schools. This affiliation is instrumental in facilitating the administration of Class 10 and Class 12 examinations. Specifically, CBSE ensures the smooth conduct of these crucial examinations.

Furthermore, the board’s impact is widespread, with more than 28,000 schools currently affiliated with CBSE. This extensive network not only reflects the board’s influence but also underscores its commitment to enhancing the quality of education across the country.

 

How to Apply for CBSE Affiliation: Step-by-Step Guide

STEP- 1

Register on the affiliation portal:

1. Google The CBSE Affiliation Website or type www.cbse.gov.in or simply click SARAS Portal to access information about the affiliation services on the new portal.
2. Choose carefully the right category of affiliation. For example, if you are a new school for `Fresh Affiliation ` click: Fresh Affiliation
3. Click Register Now after selecting the right category and fill out the KYC Form to Register.
4. After successful registration, click Login to begin filling out the form. Enter your password or OTP to log in. Both options are accessible.

STEP-2

Log in and complete these steps:

• KYC DETAILS

Submit details like school name, address, contact details, principal`s qualification and experience, etc.

• KYC PAYMENT 

Payment details of registration charges and payment mode etc. reflect here.

• PART A 

Part A covers general information regarding the school, trust/society details, NOC and Recognition Certificate details, land ownership details, and details about all other necessary certifications.  After completing Part A, the case will be reviewed. Only you can fill up PART -B after it has been scrutinized. 

• PART B 

Part B requires information about faculty, students, academics, infrastructure, SMC, school website, etc.

• FINAL SUBMIT 

After submitting details review it carefully and finally submit. 

• FINAL PAYMENT 

After Final Submit pay the fee as applicable in your case. You can pay the fee online by credit card/debit card, net banking, etc.

• INSPECTION 

If CBSE finds your application appropriate, it will schedule an inspection of the school. CBSE-appointed inspectors will inspect the school to check and verify infrastructure and documents and all other requirements as given in the affiliation bylaws. 

• GRANT DECISION 

If there is no discrepancy found by the inspection committee and further by the affiliation branch, the school may be granted affiliation for five years. In case it is rejected, the school will be informed about the reasons and it has to apply for a virtual inspection. If the virtual inspection committee finds that the school has rectified all shortcomings, affiliation may be granted. If rejected, the school will have to reapply in the next window/schedule. 

• PART C 

Part C details are filled in to share more detailed information about the school with the CBSE. 

Categories of Schools Eligible for CBSE Affiliation

The CBSE Board may affiliate the following categories of schools all over India and abroad.

• Government Schools 

1. Government Schools run by the Education Departments of States/UTs:
2. Government Aided Schools,
3. Schools run by Autonomous Organizations under the Government created for running the schools like Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan Samiti (NVS) Central Tibetan Schools Organisation (CTSO), Sainik Schools Sockety, etc.
4. Schools run directly by other Government Ministries and Departments like
5. Defense, Railways, etc., and Local Bodies: Schools managed directly by (Central or State) Public Sector Undertakings, Statutory Bodies Autonomous Bodies, etc. 215
6. Schools managed by Societies formed by (Central or State) Public Sector Undertakings. Statutory Bodies, Autonomous Bodies, and Government Department etc.
7. Schools managed by Societies for (Central or State) Public Sector Undertakings, Statutory Bodies Autonomous Bodies, and Government Departments, etc. under the financial control of such Public Sector Undertakings. Statutory Bodies Autonomous Bodies Government Departments etc.

• Private schools 

1. Schools run by societies registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 of the Government of India or Acts of the State Governments as educational, charitable, or religious societies having non-proprietary character or
2. Schools run by Registered Trusts or
3. Schools run by Companies registered under section 8 of the Companies Act 2013 have education as one of its objects.

• Others

1. Schools located in foreign countries.

Affiliation Categories for New Schools

The categories for affiliation for new schools are as follows:

1. 1. Approval of the middle-class syllabus.
   2. Fresh affiliation up to the secondary level (most common category).
   3. Fresh affiliation up to the senior secondary level. The fourth and fifth categories cater to schools already affiliated with another board up to the secondary or senior secondary level, allowing them to switch over to CBSE.

 

Affiliation Categories for Schools Already Affiliated with CBSE

Let’s now focus on schools that already have recognition from CBSE. These schools can apply under the appropriate category based on their status:

1. 1. • Extension of affiliation

CBSE grants affiliation for 5 years. Before the expiration of this period, the school needs to apply for an extension of affiliation.

1. 1. • Upgradation for the secondary level

Schools with a middle school syllabus must obtain affiliation in this category before starting the 9th grade.

1. 1. • Upgradation for the senior secondary level

Schools recognized by CBSE up to the secondary level need to obtain affiliation in this category before starting the 11th grade.

 

Land and Documents Required For Affiliation 

CBSE has revamped the affiliation bylaws in recent years, making it more streamlined. Before applying for affiliation, schools should thoroughly understand the CBSE affiliation process, rules, and guidelines. Some of the important points are as under:

Land Requirements

Certain CBSE schools must comply with specific land requirements. Except for certain cities, metropolises, and states, schools generally need a minimum of 8000 square meters or 2 acres of land to open a school. Permission to open a school can also be granted on 6000 square meters or 1.5 acres of land. In hilly states, the limit is 4000 square meters or 1 acre. CBSE grants maximum admissions and sections based on the total land area of the school. For example, in hilly regions, schools opening on 4000 sq mtr or 1 acre can have a maximum of 2 sections per class.

Mandatory Documents

Before applying for affiliation, schools should ensure the availability of the following documents:

1. 1. 1. No Objection Certificate from the State Government. (Not mandatory w.e.f. 2025. Schools can apply for CBSE affiliation without NOC. However, when a school submits its application for affiliation, CBSE will write to the concerned state education dept asking if they have any objection in this regard. Read More)
      2. Validity certificate issued by the respective State Education Department.
      3. Land certificate as per the prescribed format by CBSE.
      4. Fire safety certificate.
      5. Building safety certificate as per the prescribed format.
      6. Registration certificate of society/trust/company.
      7. Certificate of safe drinking water and sanitation as per the prescribed format.

Other Essential Documents

Schools applying for affiliation from the CBSE must also have the following documents:

1. 1. • Affidavit of non-proprietary character.
      • EPF registration.
      • Salary transfer of staff in a bank by ECS.
      • Proof of reserve fund as per CBSE’s guidelines.
      • Balance sheets.
      • Income-expenditure certificate.
      • Affidavit of no relation between members of the SMC.

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Critical Areas of School Infrastructure

Here are some pivotal aspects of the school’s infrastructure highlighted from the CBSE affiliation standpoint. Neglecting these criteria could lead to the application being declined. These areas include:

1. 1. • Erect a boundary wall around the school premises, with a minimum height of 6 feet.
      • Provide ramps with proper railing to enable CWSN to access the ground floor. Please note that there is a change in the rule and it is not mandatory to have ramp/lift to access all floors. However, it is advisable to make provision of ramp/lift for the convenience of students and staff.
      • Construct separate wheelchair-accessible toilets for CWSN boys and girls, following CBSE guidelines.
      • Ensure sufficient toilet facilities, adequately segregating boys’ toilets according to the number of boys and girls.
      • Establish a well-stocked library with an ample reading area, tailored to the student population.
      • Noteworthy features include both well-developed indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
      • Furthermore, strict adherence to guidelines is maintained concerning the boundary wall, ramp, and toilets for Children with Special Needs (CWSN).
      • Additionally, the classrooms and laboratories are designed to have an adequate size that aligns with the established norms.
      • It’s essential to consider avoiding locations near public roads, canals, highways, high-tension lines, etc.
      • Moreover, labs are established by CBSE’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding size, design, and equipment.

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Readiness for Inspection of School

The inspection of the school constitutes a vital aspect of the CBSE affiliation process. The proper documentation of the inspection through a comprehensive video, encompassing all pertinent areas, is imperative.

Equally crucial is the preservation of original copies of all documents, certificates, and supporting evidence, primed and ready for the scrutiny of the school inspection team.

During this process, the inspection team might potentially request the authentic qualification certificates belonging to both teachers and the principal. Consequently, it’s prudent to systematically arrange these certificates for meticulous review.

In cases where the land ownership documents are currently held by the bank, it’s strongly advised to proactively coordinate with the Bank Manager. Before the inspection day, a formal request should be made to the Bank Manager to ensure the availability of these documents for presentation to the inspection committee.

How TFS Helps Schools in Obtaining CBSE Affiliation

Informed by TFS’s specialized guidance, a multitude of client schools have triumphantly secured CBSE affiliation. TFS experts conduct on-site visits to evaluate client schools’ preparedness for CBSE affiliation. Their involvement entails extensive support and consistent guidance, spanning the phases of preparation, application submission, follow-up, and necessary compliance.

For a comprehensive grasp of how TFS can bolster your journey toward CBSE and CISCE affiliations, we urge you to connect with us.

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Conclusion

The CBSE affiliation process is now simple and transparent. CBSE characterizes the affiliation process as being ‘light but tight,’ signifying a reduction in formalities and compliances while emphasizing schools’ adherence to affiliation conditions. Even as CBSE has reduced the number of formalities and compliances, schools must fully comply with the conditions of affiliation. The board has turned down applications from numerous schools due to their failure to conform to its norms. 

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FAQ

1. What is the CBSE affiliation process?

Read CBSE Affiliation Byelaws>Prepare Infrastructure & Documents>Apply online & Pay Fee>Prepare for Inspection>Grant of Affiliation/Rejection>If Rejected>Apply for Review>Remove Deficiencies & Prepare for Video Inspection> Grant of Affiliation (If rejected, the fee paid is forfeited, school may apply afresh)

2. How do I affiliate my school with CBSE?

To affiliate your school with CBSE: Read CBSE Affiliation Byelaws properly>Prepare School Infrastructure as per SOPs of CBSE, obtain recommended documents/licenses, ensure academic standards, and ensure readiness for inspection & videography. You may consider taking the services of experts/affiliation consultants who may guide you properly.

3. Why should I affiliate my school with CBSE?

CBSE stands out as one of the world’s most progressive education boards, boasting a presence of over 28,000 schools both nationally and internationally. Notably, their holistic curriculum remains meticulously balanced and consistently updated. Furthermore, CBSE willingly embraces reforms and actively seeks continuous improvements. In turn, CBSE schools derive advantage from a wide range of comprehensive support, encompassing learning resources, best practices, and teacher training initiatives.

4. How much time does it take for the whole process of affiliation to complete?

Typically, schools complete the entire affiliation process within a year, specifically within a span of approximately 6 to 10 months.

5. For how many years does CBSE grant affiliation?

Initially, the CBSE affiliation grants affiliation for 05 years.

6. When is the appropriate time for a school to seek an extension of affiliation?

Ideally, a school should initiate the process of extending its affiliation one year before its current affiliation’s expiration date.

7. Is it mandatory to obtain NOC from the state government to apply for CBSE affiliation?

No, it is not mandatory to obtain an NOC from the state to apply for CBSE affiliation. Refer to this CBSE circular – NOC not mandatory.

8. Is a ramp or lift mandatory for CBSE affiliation?

Yes, a ramp is mandatory but for accessing ground floor. 

9. Which is the best CBSE affiliation consultant?

TFS Consultants are trusted for CBSE and CISCE affiliation.

10. How much time CBSE affiliation process takes?

The CBSE affiliation process takes around 5-7 months.