CBSE’s Big Rule Shake-Up: CBSE Quietly Alters a Rule That Could Change Everything for Schools

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a major relief to affiliated schools, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has amended its by-laws, removing the restriction of land availability for creating additional class sections. Under the revised policy, the number of sections a school can operate will now depend on the total built-up area of the school building rather than the size of the land it sits on.

This change means schools no longer need to worry about land limitations when expanding their infrastructure. Instead, they can now construct more classrooms if their building area permits, enabling them to accommodate a growing number of students. The board has officially issued a notification to this effect.

Previously, schools faced challenges expanding due to rigid land-based rules, which capped the number of sections based on plot size. Under the updated policy, however, sections can now begin from as little as 400 square meters of built-up area. CBSE has aligned this move with the concept of Floor Area Ratio (FAR), which represents the relationship between a building’s usable floor space and the total plot area.

For instance, earlier, a 4,000 square meter plot allowed up to 28 sections. Now, a 6,000 square meter built-up school structure could accommodate up to 45 sections. Additionally, the revised rules increase the proportion of sections allowed for Classes 9–10 and 11–12. Where earlier it was 16%, it has now been raised to 25%, giving room for more students in senior grades.

CBSE stated this change comes in response to feedback from schools, especially in urban areas, where land is scarce but the demand for admissions is rising. The update is expected to benefit not just existing institutions but also those aiming to expand without having to purchase additional land.CBSE new section rules