New Delhi [India]: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced new regulations allowing already affiliated schools to establish “Branch Schools” for primary-level education, covering classes from Bal Vatika to Class 5.
Under the newly introduced Affiliation Bye-Laws (Branch School) – 2025, affiliated schools will be eligible to set up Branch Schools that will function independently while being managed by the same society, trust, or Section-8 company as the Main School. These Branch Schools will have separate infrastructure, teaching staff, and support personnel.
The policy was formally approved by CBSE’s Governing Body and Controlling Authority after recommendations from the Affiliation Committee during its meetings on November 29, 2024, and December 26, 2024.
Key Highlights of the New Guidelines:
- Same Affiliation, Independent Operations:
The Main School can establish a Branch School under the same affiliation number, name, and management but with separate physical and academic infrastructure, teaching staff, and support personnel. - Limited to Primary Education:
The Branch School will cater to Bal-Vatika I, II, and III to Class 5, while the Main School will continue education from Class 6 to Class 12. - Location Restrictions:
The Branch School must be within the municipal limits of the same city as the Main School. - Admissions Process:
Admissions for the Branch School will be managed by the Main School, ensuring that students transitioning to Class 6 in the Main School are not treated as new admissions. - Separate Documentation and Compliance:
The Branch School must maintain independent documentation, including:- Recognition Certificate
- UDISE+ Code
- Land Certificate
- Fire Safety Certificate
- Building Safety Certificate
- Water and Sanitation Certificate
- Independent Staff and Administration:
Each Branch School will have its own Principal/Headmaster, teachers, and ancillary staff. However, financial management, including salary disbursement and record-keeping, will be handled by the Main School. - Special Education Requirements:
Every Branch School must appoint a Special Educator, as per the qualifications set by the Rehabilitation Council of India. Additionally, it must have a separate Counsellor and Wellness Teacher specializing in psychology, child development, or career guidance. - Minimum Land Area Requirements:
- A minimum land area of 1,200 square meters is required for setting up a Branch School.
- Schools with 1,600 square meters or more can establish additional sections as per Appendix V of the Affiliation Bye-Laws-2018.
Implementation Timeline:
Applications for setting up Branch Schools will be accepted starting from the academic session 2026-27 through the SARAS 6.0 Portal.
These new guidelines mark a significant step toward expanding access to quality primary education while ensuring regulatory compliance under CBSE’s framework.