CBSE directs schools to prevent dog-bite incidents through safety measures, awareness sessions, and stray dog management guidelines.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a fresh circular directing all affiliated schools to take immediate and concrete safety measures to prevent dog-bite incidents on school premises and to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.
The advisory follows recent directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, which underlined the responsibility of institutions to protect children from avoidable safety risks. The notification, issued on 24 December 2025 under Circular No. Acad-95/2025, focuses on awareness, prevention, and management of stray dogs in and around school campuses.
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CBSE has asked schools to strictly implement the measures outlined in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) released by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.
Schools Asked to Strengthen Safety and Monitoring Systems
CBSE has emphasised that schools must adopt a proactive approach to reduce the risk of dog bites. The board has advised institutions to work closely with municipal authorities, local bodies, and district administrations to ensure that stray dogs do not enter or inhabit school premises.
The advisory highlights the need for secured infrastructure, regular inspections, and responsible waste management as key steps to prevent the creation of stray dog habitats near schools.
What Safety Measures Must Schools Implement?
According to the circular, schools are required to conduct awareness sessions for students and both teaching and non-teaching staff. These sessions should cover safe behaviour around animals, basic first aid in case of a bite, and immediate reporting procedures.
Schools must also identify vulnerable areas and ensure the immediate removal of stray dogs found within the campus, in coordination with local authorities.
Infrastructure, Cleanliness, and Accountability
CBSE has instructed schools to ensure that their premises are properly secured with boundary walls, fencing, and gates. Each school must designate a Nodal Officer responsible for cleanliness, upkeep, and preventing stray dog entry. The details of this officer must be displayed prominently at the school entrance.
In addition, schools are required to facilitate regular inspections at least once every three months by competent authorities appointed by State or Union Territory governments. Any lapses observed during inspections may be viewed seriously, with responsibility fixed accordingly.
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Waste Management and Health Guidelines
The board has stressed the importance of effective waste disposal and drainage systems, including secure storage and daily removal of waste, in line with the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) guidelines.
Schools have also been asked to follow the Guidelines on School Safety and Security to ensure a holistic approach to physical, emotional, and overall student well-being.
CBSE has further advised schools to undertake activities recommended by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for rabies elimination, as part of broader public health efforts.
Core Details at a Glance
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Circular Number | Acad-95/2025 |
| Date of Issue | 24 December 2025 |
| Subject | Prevention of Dog-Bite Incidents and Management of Stray Dogs |
| Applicability | All CBSE-affiliated schools |
| Key Focus | Student safety, awareness, stray dog management |
| Reporting Requirement | Schools to submit a brief action-taken report |
What This Means in Simple Terms
In simple words, CBSE wants schools to make their campuses safer for children by preventing stray dogs from entering school premises.
Schools must educate students and staff on how to behave around animals, improve cleanliness, secure their boundaries, and work with local authorities to remove stray dogs when needed. These steps aim to reduce the risk of dog bites and ensure a safe learning environment for every child.
CBSE has clarified that while the measures are advisory in nature, schools are expected to take appropriate action in line with the Supreme Court’s directions and submit a brief report on the steps taken.
