Board Announces New Rules, Timelines and Built-Up Area Norms for Schools Seeking Affiliation
CBSE has opened the SARAS 7.0 portal for schools seeking affiliation for the 2027–28 session. The board has also revised rules for section approval based on built-up area. Here is what schools must know about timelines, categories, inspections, and updated norms.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has opened the SARAS 7.0 portal for schools seeking affiliation for the academic session 2027–28. The board issued Notification No. 07/2026 on 26 February 2026 to begin the online application process under various categories.
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CBSE has also issued Notification No. 06/2026 dated 25 February 2026. The board has amended Appendix V under Chapter 3 of the Affiliation Bye-Laws, 2018. The amendment changes how schools calculate the number of sections they can run.
Schools must now follow updated timelines, eligibility rules and documentation guidelines.
When Will the SARAS 7.0 Portal Remain Open?
CBSE has opened the online application window from 26 February 2026 to 31 July 2026 for major categories of affiliation for the 2027–28 session.
Schools must submit applications strictly according to the SARAS 7.0 Manual and relevant circulars available on the CBSE website.
Which Categories Can Schools Apply For During This Window?
CBSE allows schools to apply under several key categories during this period.
| Category | Application Window |
|---|---|
| Fresh affiliation (Secondary/Senior Secondary) | 26 Feb – 31 July 2026 |
| Switch over from other Boards | 26 Feb – 31 July 2026 |
| Upgradation to Secondary/Sr. Secondary | 26 Feb – 31 July 2026 |
| Branch school | 26 Feb – 31 July 2026 |
| Extension and restoration of affiliation | 26 Feb – 31 July 2026 |
| Permission for two shifts | 26 Feb – 31 July 2026 |
| Section increase | 26 Feb – 31 July 2026 |
| Introduction of additional subjects | 26 Feb – 31 July 2026 |
| Closure of school | 26 Feb – 31 July 2026 |
Which Applications Will Remain Open Throughout the Year?
CBSE has kept certain categories open round the year.
Schools can apply anytime for:
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- Land correction, increase or decrease
- Change in school name or Society/Trust/Company name
- Interchange of school managing entity
- Transfer of school from one managing body to another
- Permission for site shifting
Foreign/International Schools and Government or Government-aided schools can submit all categories of applications throughout the year.
Will CBSE Conduct Physical Inspections?
CBSE will conduct 100% physical inspection in fresh affiliation and upgradation cases. The board will verify compliance before granting approval.
Schools must update:
- OASIS data
- Mandatory public disclosure details
- Teachers’ information
Incomplete or outdated data may delay processing.
What Has CBSE Changed in the Section Approval Rules?
CBSE has revised the rules for calculating the maximum number of sections in a school. The board will now calculate the number of permitted sections based on the Total Built-Up Area of the school building.
Schools must obtain certification of the built-up area from:
- The Local Body, or
- A Licensed Architect
CBSE will allow three sections for every 400 square metres of built-up area. The board will scale the calculation accordingly.
Schools must follow the amended Appendix V under Chapter 3 of the Affiliation Bye-Laws, 2018.
What Should Schools Do Next?
CBSE has advised schools to carefully follow:
- All timelines
- Eligibility conditions
- Documentation requirements
- Procedural guidelines
- Schools can read the complete notifications on the CBSE website at www.cbse.gov.in. Schools can also apply directly through the SARAS portal at https://saras.cbse.gov.in/SARAS.
Most Important FAQs
1. When did CBSE open the SARAS 7.0 affiliation window?
CBSE opened the portal on 26 February 2026.
2. What is the last date to apply for major affiliation categories?
Schools can apply until 31 July 2026.
3. Will CBSE conduct physical inspections?
Yes, CBSE will conduct 100% physical inspections for fresh affiliation and upgradation cases.
4. How will CBSE calculate the number of sections now?
CBSE will allow three sections for every 400 square metres of certified built-up area.
5. Can some applications be submitted throughout the year?
Yes, land correction, name change, site shifting and similar cases remain open year-round.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official notifications issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The information is provided for general awareness and informational purposes only. Schools and stakeholders are advised to refer to the official CBSE notifications, circulars, and the SARAS portal for complete details, eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and the most up-to-date instructions. The publisher is not responsible for any changes made by CBSE after the publication of this article.
