Who Can Establish a Branch School Under CBSE?
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced fresh guidelines for setting up Branch Schools, effective from the 2026-27 academic session. Under the new affiliation Bylaws 2025, CBSE-affiliated schools can establish primary-level branch schools, operating from Bal Vatika to Class 5.
These schools will have their own infrastructure, teaching staff, and support personnel but will function under the same management as the Main School.
How Will Branch Schools Operate?
Branch schools will be an extension of the main CBSE-affiliated school but with independent operations. As per the official notice:
- The main school will retain its CBSE affiliation number, and the branch school will function under the same number.
- Management, including financial operations, will remain with the same society, trust, or Section-8 company that runs the main school.
- The branch school will cater exclusively to primary-level education, ensuring a structured and independent learning environment for young students.
What Documents Are Required for a Branch School?
To ensure transparency and accountability, both the main and branch schools must individually maintain key documents like:
- Recognition certificate
- UDISE code (Unified District Information System for Education)
- Land certificate
- Fire safety certificate
- Building safety certificate
- Water and sanitation certificate
Additionally, the No Objection Certificate (NOC) of the main school will also be applicable for the branch school.
What Are the Key Rules for CBSE Branch Schools?
CBSE has outlined specific regulations to maintain uniformity and efficiency in the new system:
- Affiliation and extension periods for both main and branch schools will remain the same.
- A common website must be maintained, with a separate section dedicated to the branch school, including public disclosures.
- Admissions will be handled exclusively by the main school.
- The age of students in Bal Vatika and Class 1 must align with the State Education Act.
- The Principal/Headmistress/Headmaster of both schools will have separate responsibilities, as per Clause 9.2 of CBSE’s Affiliation Bylaws 2018.
- Teaching staff, security guards, clerical staff, and multi-tasking staff must be different for both schools.
When Can Schools Apply for a Branch School?
Applications for establishing CBSE Branch Schools will open through the SARAS 6.0 Portal from the 2026-27 academic session. Schools looking to expand must comply with these new affiliation norms to provide a structured and well-regulated learning environment for students.
Stay tuned for more updates on CBSE’s evolving education policies!
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