New Delhi, November 7, 2024 — In a significant move aimed at upholding educational standards, the Central Board of Secondary Education CBSE Disaffiliates Dummy Schools across Delhi and Rajasthan due to critical attendance issues.
Six additional schools in Delhi have also been downgraded from senior secondary to secondary levels.
This action was taken following a series of surprise inspections on September 3, 2024, which uncovered that these institutions were primarily operating as “dummy schools,” enrolling students who did not attend regular classes, especially in higher grades.
Background and Findings
The inspections covered 27 schools affiliated with CBSE in both Delhi and Rajasthan. The focus was on verifying compliance with CBSE’s Affiliation and Examination Bye-Laws, which mandate consistent student attendance as a prerequisite for affiliation.
The schools found in violation had numerous “dummy” students—students enrolled on paper but not attending physical classes—primarily in grades IX to XII. This practice, CBSE stated, compromises the foundational goals of school education and the holistic development of students.
CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta emphasized that the practice of maintaining non-attending admissions contravenes CBSE’s mission and erodes educational integrity.
Following the inspections, CBSE issued show-cause notices to the implicated schools, allowing them a 30-day period to respond with explanations or corrective measures. Video evidence from the inspections further substantiated the findings.
Schools Affected
Of the 21 disaffiliated schools in India, 16 are located in Delhi, while the remaining five are in Rajasthan’s educational hubs of Kota and Sikar, areas known for their focus on competitive exam preparations.
Additionally, the six downgraded institutions are based solely in Delhi. Below is a partial list of the affected schools:
Disaffiliated Schools in Delhi:
- Khemo Devi Public School, Narela
- Sant Gyaneshwar Model School, Alipur
- Rahul Public School, Rajiv Nagar Extn.
- U.S.M. Public Secondary School, Nangloi
Disaffiliated Schools in Rajasthan:
- Prince Uch Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Sikar
- Shiv Jyoti Convent Senior Secondary School, Kota
Downgraded Schools:
- Adarsh Jain Dharmic Shiksha Sadan, Najafgarh, Delhi
- B.S. International School, Nilothi Extn., Delhi
Implications and CBSE’s Stance
CBSE’s decision to disaffiliate these schools is intended as a warning to other institutions about the risks of adopting similar practices.
The Board highlighted that dummy admissions not only violate CBSE regulations but also deny students the benefits of a comprehensive and structured education.
CBSE has taken a firm stance, stating that maintaining high educational standards and student attendance are non-negotiable.
“The CBSE aims to combat the spread of dummy schools and deliver a clear message to affiliated institutions to resist the practice of non-attending admissions. Such practices distort the core objectives of school education and undermine the quality of learning experiences provided to students,” said CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta.
Next Steps
The disaffiliated and downgraded schools must submit a formal response to CBSE’s show-cause notice. Their final status will be reassessed based on compliance with corrective actions and an audit of any implemented improvements.
CBSE has urged all schools under its purview to prioritize student attendance and warned that non-compliance could lead to further penalties, including disaffiliation.
CBSE’s recent action underlines its commitment to maintaining educational integrity and highlights the importance of regular attendance in shaping a robust education system.
This decisive measure is expected to deter the operation of dummy schools and promote a focus on holistic education for all CBSE-affiliated institutions.
