CBSE disaffiliates 21 schools over ‘dummy admissions’

• The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has withdrawn affiliation to 21 schools after these were found involved in the practice of “dummy admissions”, which allows students preparing for competitive exams to skip classes against mandatory attendance

Highlights:

• The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has revoked the affiliation of 21 schools found practicing "dummy admissions." This practice allows students, primarily focused on competitive exams, to bypass mandatory class attendance, undermining educational standards.

Key Details of the Action:

• Attendance Requirement: According to CBSE norms, Class 10 and Class 12 students must maintain 75% attendance to be eligible for board examinations.
• Affected Schools: Sixteen of the affected schools are located in Delhi, while the remaining five are in Rajasthan. Additionally, six schools have been downgraded from senior secondary to secondary level.

Inspection and Findings:

• Surprise Inspections: The CBSE conducted surprise inspections on September 3 across Delhi and Rajasthan, uncovering inadequate infrastructure and staffing for Classes 11 and 12 in these schools.
• Evidence-Based Decision: CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta stated that the action was supported by video evidence showing these deficiencies.

CBSE’s Statement on Dummy Admissions:

• Educational Mission: The CBSE emphasized that dummy admissions contradict the mission of school education, compromising students’ foundational growth and academic standards.
• Warning to Other Schools: CBSE’s statement underscores its commitment to curbing this practice, sending a warning to other affiliated institutions.

Impact on Delhi Schools:

• Concentration of Derecognised Schools: The majority of affected schools are located in Delhi’s Narela, Nangloi, Alipur, and Mundka areas.
• Link to Coaching Institutes: Sudha Acharya, Principal of ITL Public School in Dwarka, noted that many of these schools are connected to coaching institutes, as parents often prefer them for their focus on competitive exam preparation over regular academics.

Prelims Takeaways

• Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)