Overview
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is a national-level board of school education in India administered by the Government of India through the Ministry of Education. It prescribes curricula, conducts public examinations and affiliates schools across India and in several countries abroad. CBSE is among the largest school examination boards in the country and is widely recognised by Indian universities and professional bodies.
Key Facts
| Name | Central Board of Secondary Education |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | CBSE |
| Type | National school education board |
| Jurisdiction | Government of India |
| Parent ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Major examinations | All India Secondary School Examination (Class 10), All India Senior School Certificate Examination (Class 12) |
| Medium of instruction | English and Hindi |
Background
CBSE traces its origins to earlier regional boards of secondary education in India that were reorganised after independence to create a centrally administered body. The Board was established to provide a uniform school examination system, particularly for institutions whose students required mobility across states, such as schools attached to central government services and defence establishments. Over time, its scope expanded to include a large number of private and government schools across India.
Functions
- Prescribing the curriculum, syllabi and assessment pattern for affiliated schools at the secondary and senior secondary stages.
- Affiliating schools in India and abroad subject to the Board's affiliation byelaws.
- Conducting public examinations at Class 10 and Class 12 levels.
- Issuing pass certificates, mark sheets and migration documents to candidates.
- Coordinating with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for textbooks and curricular frameworks.
- Conducting various other examinations on behalf of agencies of the Government of India from time to time.
Examinations
Class 10
The All India Secondary School Examination (AISSE) is conducted for students at the end of Class 10. It serves as the qualifying examination for admission to senior secondary courses.
Class 12
The All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE) is conducted at the end of Class 12. Its results are used by Indian universities and several professional institutions for admission to undergraduate programmes.
Curriculum
CBSE schools generally follow textbooks published by NCERT, supplemented by Board-issued curriculum documents, sample papers and assessment guidelines. The Board has adopted streams in science, commerce and humanities at the senior secondary level, with a wide selection of elective subjects including languages, vocational subjects and skill courses.
Affiliation
Schools seeking CBSE affiliation must comply with the Board's affiliation byelaws, which specify requirements relating to infrastructure, faculty qualifications, library and laboratory facilities, and adherence to the prescribed curriculum. Affiliated schools include Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, schools run by central government departments, and a large number of private unaided schools. The Board also affiliates a number of Indian-pattern schools located outside India.
Administration
CBSE is headed by a Chairperson appointed by the Government of India. The Board is supported by Secretaries, Directors and Controllers handling academic affairs, examinations, affiliation, training and administration. It operates through regional offices located in different parts of the country to handle affiliation, examinations and student services at the regional level.
Significance
Because CBSE provides a common curriculum and examination across states and abroad, it is widely chosen by families with transferable employment, including central government and defence personnel. Its certificates are recognised by Indian universities and by many foreign institutions for admission purposes. The Board's curriculum and assessment practices also influence school education policy debates in India.
Related topics
- National Council of Educational Research and Training
- Ministry of Education (India)
- Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations
- Kendriya Vidyalaya
- Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya
- National Education Policy 2020
- Education in India
References
- Government of India, Ministry of Education — official communications regarding school education boards.
- Central Board of Secondary Education — official publications, affiliation byelaws and examination notifications.
- National Council of Educational Research and Training — curriculum and textbook publications used in CBSE schools.