In a major policy shift, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has eased affiliation norms, allowing schools to establish branch campuses under the same name and affiliation number, officials announced on Monday.

However, each branch must maintain a separate set of physical and academic resources. Students transitioning from a branch school to the main campus will not be treated as new admissions but as part of a seamless progression.

Under the new policy, while the main school can operate classes from Grade 6 to 12, branch schools will be restricted to pre-primary through Grade 5.

“The ownership and management of both branches must remain the same, and they must follow identical administrative and academic practices,” CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta stated. “A common website is mandatory, with a dedicated section for the branch school.”

Admissions for both institutions will be managed by the main school, which will also oversee financial accounts. Students moving from the branch school to the main school will be considered promoted to Class 6, not newly admitted.

Although each school must have its own teaching and non-teaching staff, salaries will be paid by the main school, Gupta clarified.

Previously, CBSE did not allow branch schools, requiring each institution within the same group to obtain a separate affiliation number. The board will now communicate directly with the principal of the main school for all official matters.

CBSE has emphasized that both schools must independently adhere to minimum infrastructure standards, student safety measures, and teacher-student ratio norms.

Also read: CBSE: New board exams policy highlights