About Us
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is a national-level board of education in India for public and private schools, operating under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Its vision is to provide a robust, vibrant, and holistic school education that develops competent, confident, and enterprising citizens who contribute to harmony and peace.
CBSE prescribes the curriculum, conducts examinations for Classes 10 and 12, affiliates schools across India and abroad, and sets academic standards. It focuses on child-centred learning, life skills, and values, ensuring smooth mobility for students who relocate across regions.
History
1929 – The Government of India established the Board of High School and Intermediate Education for Ajmer, Merwara, Central India, and Gwalior.
1962 – The Board was reconstituted as the Central Board of Secondary Education, merging with the Delhi Board of Higher Secondary Education to extend its reach across India.
1970s–1980s—Rapid growth in affiliated schools and introduction of new reforms such as the All India Secondary School Examination (AISSE) and All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE).
1990s–2000s—Adoption of computer education, continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE), and promotion of vocational education.
Present – CBSE leads education reforms with digital learning, skill education, inclusive schooling, and innovative assessments aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP).
Highlights
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Main Examinations |
Conducts AISSE (Class 10) and AISSCE (Class 12) board exams annually. |
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Curriculum Alignment |
Follows NCERT syllabus ensuring uniformity across India. |
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Medium of Instruction |
English and Hindi are the primary languages of instruction. |
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Skill Education |
Offers 30+ skill-based courses such as IT, Retail, Healthcare, and Tourism. |
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Assessment System |
Promotes Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) and competency-based learning. |
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Digital Initiatives |
Encourages digital learning through e-content, online exams, and AI tools. |
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Inclusive Education |
Supports children with special needs and ensures equal opportunities for all. |
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Teacher Training |
Regular capacity-building programs and workshops for educators. |
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International Recognition |
CBSE certificates are accepted by universities in India and abroad. |
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Affiliation Norms |
Maintains strict guidelines for infrastructure, safety, and staff qualifications. |
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Flexibility in Subjects |
Allows students to choose subjects across streams. |
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Focus on Life Skills |
Curriculum integrates moral values, soft skills, and emotional well-being. |
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Innovation in Pedagogy |
Introduces project-based learning, coding, and design thinking. |
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Student Mobility |
Ensures smooth transfers for students across CBSE schools nationwide. |
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Co-Curricular Activities |
Encourages sports, arts, and cultural events for holistic growth. |
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Link with NEP 2020 |
Implements key reforms for multidisciplinary and skill-based education. |
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Examination Reforms |
Moving towards competency-based and analytical question patterns. |
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Vocational Integration |
Introduces skill subjects from Class 6 onwards. |
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Environmental Awareness |
Promotes eco-friendly practices and sustainability education. |
Courses and Streams under CBSE
Science (Medical)
Science (Non-Medical)
Commerce
Humanities / Arts
Vocational / Skill Courses
Middle & Secondary Education
Additional Highlights
Offers over 30+ skill education courses at secondary and senior secondary levels.
Supports teacher training and professional development.
Emphasizes moral values, innovation, and environmental awareness.
Importance for the Education Sector
CBSE plays a crucial role in shaping the national education landscape by:
Ensuring Standardization—Unified curriculum and examination system across India.
Supporting Mobility—Students can easily transfer between CBSE schools anywhere in India or abroad.
Promoting Holistic Growth – Focuses on academics, co-curricular activities, and life skills.
Setting Quality Benchmarks – Strict affiliation norms ensure high standards in teaching and infrastructure.
Aligning with National Policies – Implements reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP), including skill education and digital learning.
Importance for Schools and Students
For Schools
CBSE qualifications are recognised nationwide and internationally.
Class 12 (AISSCE) results are accepted by all major Indian and foreign universities.
The standardised grading system simplifies admissions and eligibility assessment.
For Students
Nationwide and international recognition of CBSE certificates.
Curriculum prepares students for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, NDA, etc.
Flexibility to choose from multiple subjects and skill-based courses.
Strong foundation for higher education and employability.
Exposure to holistic education promoting emotional, social, and cognitive growth.
Eligibility to Get CBSE Approval (Affiliation)
To obtain CBSE affiliation, a school must meet the following conditions:
Ownership & Recognition – Must be run by a registered trust, society, or company and recognised by the State/UT Education Department.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) – Required from the State or Union Territory Government.
Land & Infrastructure – Minimum of 8,000 m² of land (may vary by region) with proper building, playground, and laboratories.
Facilities & Safety – Adequate classrooms, library, sanitation, fire safety, and transport facilities.
Qualified Staff – Teachers must meet prescribed qualifications. Schools must have counsellors, physical education teachers, and special educators.
Compliance with RTE Act – Ensure inclusion of students from all backgrounds and those with special needs.
Curriculum Standards – Follow CBSE-approved syllabus and examination guidelines.
Record-Keeping – Maintain admission registers, service records, and audited financial statements.
Inspection & Renewal – Initial affiliation for 3 years, renewable upon compliance with updated norms.
FAQ’s
Ques. What does CBSE stand for?
Ans. Central Board of Secondary Education.
Ques. Which classes come under CBSE?
Ans. From primary up to Class 12.
Ques. What are CBSE’s major examinations?
Ans. AISSE (Class 10) and AISSCE (Class 12).
Ques. Is CBSE recognised internationally?
Ans. Yes, its certificates are widely accepted in India and abroad.
Ques. What curriculum does CBSE follow?
Ans. CBSE follows the NCERT syllabus with periodic updates.
Ques. Why do many schools choose CBSE affiliation?
Ans. It offers a standardised, flexible, and nationally recognised education system.
Ques. Can CBSE students transfer easily between schools?
Ans. Yes, due to a uniform curriculum across India.
Ques. Does CBSE offer vocational subjects?
Ans. Yes, in areas like IT, retail, healthcare, and media.
Ques. How often is the CBSE syllabus revised?
Ans. It is reviewed regularly to match new educational policies and needs.
Ques. Is CBSE suitable for competitive exam preparation?
Ans. Yes, its syllabus aligns closely with exams like JEE, NEET, and UPSC.
Ques. Are CBSE schools only in India?
Ans. No, CBSE has affiliated schools in several countries abroad.
Ques. How long is the CBSE affiliation valid?
Ans. Initially for 3 years, renewable upon review.
Ques. What documents are needed for affiliation?
Ans. NOC, land documents, recognition certificate, safety certificates, and staff records.
Ques. Does CBSE promote inclusive education?
Ans. Yes, it mandates facilities for differently-abled students and counsellors in schools.
Ques. What are CBSE’s focus areas under NEP 2020?
Ans. Skill development, digital literacy, flexibility in subject choices, and holistic assessment.
Ques. Does CBSE offer teacher training?
Ans. Yes, through capacity-building programmes and workshops.
Ques. Can students choose additional subjects?
Ans. Yes, subject to guidelines and school approval.
Ques. What language options are available under CBSE?
Ans. English, Hindi, and regional languages as per the three-language formula.
Ques. What is Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE)?
Ans. It was an earlier reform to assess students holistically, focusing on academics and life skills.
Ques. Where can I get official CBSE information?
Ans. On the CBSE official website or through affiliated school authorities.