CBSE issues notice on mandatory public disclosure norms for affiliated schools

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a notice directing all affiliated schools to comply with its ‘Mandatory Public Disclosure’ norms. The notice puts emphasis particularly with regard to maintaining updated and accurate information on their official websites. The Board mentioned that failure to do so may invite penal action under the Affiliation Bye-laws, according to an official communication issued to schools.

According to CBSE, schools seeking affiliation or already affiliated with the Board are required to develop and maintain a functional website that provides comprehensive information about the institution. This requirement is laid down under multiple clauses of the Affiliation Bye-laws, which make website disclosure a precondition for affiliation.

CBSE has instructed schools to comply with the revised format of Appendix IX and ensure that complete and correct information is uploaded on their websites by February 15, 2026. As per Clause 14.1 of the Affiliation Bye-laws, schools are bound to follow all directions issued by the Board, making compliance with disclosure norms mandatory.

As per Clause 2.3.8 and Clause 2.4.9 of the Bye-laws, every affiliated school must host detailed information on its website, including affiliation status, infrastructure details, fee structure, number of students, contact information, and details of teachers along with their qualifications. Schools are also required to upload self-attested and valid documents under the “Mandatory Public Disclosure” section, as prescribed in Appendix IX.

CBSE has also highlighted the requirement under Clause 14.5, which mandates schools to prepare a detailed annual report and upload it on the school website before September 15 each year. The annual report must include information such as academic calendar, teacher qualifications and training details, academic results, sports achievements, environmental education initiatives, Parent-Teacher Association activities, School Management Committee decisions, and overall student strength, according to CBSE norms.

The Board noted that despite repeated instructions, several schools have either failed to update their websites regularly or have uploaded incorrect, incomplete, or invalid documents. In particular, information related to teachers’ details and their qualifications is often missing from school websites or the Mandatory Public Disclosure section, according to CBSE.

The Board emphasised that this information is essential for parents to assess the academic infrastructure and teaching facilities available in a school, and is central to ensuring transparency in school functioning.

The Board has cautioned that non-compliance with these instructions will be treated as a violation of Clause 12.2.3 of the Affiliation Bye-laws. Such violations may lead to penalties as laid down in Chapter 12 of the Bye-laws, according to an official statement.