Key Highlights
- CBSE-affiliated schools can now establish branch schools from Balvatika to Class 5.
- The rule, effective from the 2026-27 academic session, aims to address space shortages, especially in urban areas.
- Branch schools will operate under the same name, affiliation number, and management but with separate infrastructure and staff.
- Both main and branch schools must have a common website, with a dedicated section for the branch school.
CBSE New Affiliation Bye-Laws for Branch Schools
In a significant move, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced new affiliation rules allowing already affiliated schools to set up branch schools for students up to Class 5. This decision aims to address land and space shortages faced by schools, particularly in urban areas.
As per the Affiliation Bye-Laws (Branch School)-2025, schools can apply to establish these branches within the same city as their main school. This will be implemented starting from the 2026-27 academic session.
CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh stated that the new rule was introduced to support the implementation of Balvatika, a preschool initiative under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, designed for children aged 3 to 6 years. Balvatika focuses on play-based learning to prepare young learners for formal education.
Structure and Implementation of Branch Schools
Main School vs. Branch School
| Feature | Main School | Branch School |
|---|---|---|
| Classes | 6 to 12 | Balvatika to Class 5 |
| Affiliation | Already CBSE-affiliated | Under the same affiliation number as the main school |
| Management | Same as the branch school | Same as the main school |
| Infrastructure | Independent setup | Separate facilities for academics and physical resources |
| Website | Shared with the branch school | Dedicated section for branch school |
Key Guidelines for Schools
- The branch school will function under the same name, affiliation number, and management as the main school.
- A common website must be maintained, with a separate section dedicated to the branch school.
- The branch school must have its own teaching and supporting staff, along with separate physical and academic infrastructure.
Why This Move is Important
The introduction of Balvatika has already been implemented in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) since the 2023-24 session, offering three-hour preschool classes on a five-day-a-week basis.
Many CBSE-affiliated private schools in Delhi and other urban areas have been facing space constraints, making it difficult to introduce Balvatika under the NEP 2020 guidelines.
According to Sudha Acharya, principal of ITL Public School and executive member of the National Progressive Schools’ Conference (NPSC), most private schools in Delhi already run classes from Nursery and Kindergarten (KG) to Class 12. However, with the Delhi government yet to implement NEP 2020, schools will need additional space to introduce Balvatika 1, 2, and 3 for children aged 3 to 6.
The new CBSE bye-laws provide a structured solution, allowing schools to create branch schools for younger students without overcrowding their existing campuses.
Final Thoughts
The CBSE decision to allow branch schools for Balvatika to Class 5 is a strategic move to facilitate the smooth implementation of NEP 2020 while addressing space challenges in urban areas.
With the 2026-27 academic session set as the starting point, schools now have ample time to plan and apply for their branch school affiliations, ensuring they can expand their infrastructure to provide high-quality early education.
