Campus Times | Lucknow 

As schools across the country begin their admission process for the new academic session, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an important advisory asking parents to verify a schools affiliation before completing admissions. The board has cautioned that several institutions use terms such as CBSE Pattern, CBSE Curriculum, or Proposed CBSE Affiliation, despite not being officially affiliated with CBSE.

According to the board, only schools with valid CBSE affiliation are authorised to implement its prescribed curriculum, academic framework, examination system, and student welfare guidelines. Admission to an unaffiliated institution can create significant challenges for students, particularly during board examinations or when seeking transfers to other CBSE-affiliated schools.

CBSE has emphasised that promotional claims, brochures, websites, or verbal assurances should not be treated as proof of affiliation. Instead, parents should verify the schools status through official CBSE records before paying admission fees or submitting documents.

How parents can check CBSE affiliation

Parents can confirm a schools affiliation by following these steps:

• Visit the official CBSE website and access the School Affiliation section.

• Search for the institution using its name, affiliation number, state, or district.

• Verify whether the affiliation is currently valid and active.

• Match the schools official address listed on the CBSE portal with the address mentioned in the schools admission documents or website.

• Ensure that the affiliation covers the class in which admission is being sought.

Red flags parents should watch for

CBSE has also highlighted several warning signs that should prompt additional verification. Parents should exercise caution if a school:

• Refuses to provide its CBSE affiliation number.

• Advertises only a CBSE Pattern or CBSE Curriculum without claiming official affiliation.

• States that its affiliation is under process while offering admissions to higher classes.

• Provides conflicting or unclear information regarding its affiliation status.

The board has reiterated that verifying a schools affiliation through official CBSE records is the safest way to protect a childs academic future. Parents are advised to complete this verification before finalising admissions or making any fee payments, ensuring that students remain eligible for CBSE examinations and other academic benefits associated with affiliated schools.