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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced new affiliation bye-laws for branch schools, allowing affiliated schools in select areas to establish branches under the same name and affiliation number. However, these branch schools must maintain separate resources, including infrastructure, teaching staff, and support personnel.
Key Changes Under the New Bye-Laws
The decision was based on the recommendations of the Affiliation Committee (November 29, 2024), which were later ratified by the Governing Body (December 26, 2024) and approved by the Controlling Authority.
As per the new rules:
Schools in areas with relaxed land norms under Chapter 3 of the CBSE Affiliation Bye-Laws 2018 can open branch schools.
These branches can operate classes from Bal-Vatika to Class 5, while the main school will continue from Class 6 to 12.
Applications for affiliation can be submitted via the SARAS 6.0 Portal from the academic session 2026-27.
Qualifications for Branch School Staff
CBSE has outlined specific eligibility criteria for the Head Mistress/Head Master, teachers, and support staff in branch schools.
1. Head Mistress/Head Master
To qualify, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Graduate Degree from a recognized university/institution.
Teaching Qualification (any one of the following):
- 2-year Diploma in Elementary Teacher Training (recognized by NCTE).
- Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.) (recognized by NCTE).
- 2-year Diploma/Certificate in Special Education (recognized by RCI).
- 2-year Diploma/Certificate in ECCE/Nursery Teacher Training (recognized by NCTE).
Language Proficiency: - Must have passed Hindi/Regional Language at the Secondary/Senior Secondary/Higher Level.
- Must have passed English at the Secondary/Senior Secondary/Higher Level.
Basic computer knowledge.
Experience: Minimum 5 years of regular service as a PRT (Primary Teacher) at Level 6 of the 7th CPC or equivalent.
2. Teachers & Special Educators
Teachers, including Physical Education Teachers (PET), must meet the qualifications set by the National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE) (Gazette of India, dated 21.11.2019).
For Bal-Vatika/Pre-Primary teachers, qualifications will be as per State/UT norms and NCTE guidelines.
Each branch school must have a Special Educator (as per Gazette Notification dated 29.09.2022, S.No. 1A).
Special Education Teacher Requirement
For students with special needs, the branch school must appoint one Special Education Teacher for every ten pupils with disabilities enrolled (Classes 1-5).
What This Means for Schools
This new initiative by CBSE allows affiliated schools to expand their reach while ensuring quality education standards. Schools interested in setting up branch campuses can apply through the SARAS 6.0 Portal starting from the 2026-27 academic session.
By enforcing strict eligibility criteria for teaching staff, CBSE aims to maintain high educational standards and ensure better support for students, including those with special needs.
