New Guidelines for Private Schools: Significant changes have been made to the process of establishing and obtaining recognition for private schools in Chhattisgarh. The Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education issued new guidelines on September 7, 2026. These new rules will come into effect from the 2026-27 academic session. While the new system offers key relief to school operators, it also establishes clearer and stricter regulations regarding student safety, school infrastructure, and academic facilities. Previously, private schools were granted recognition based on guidelines from 2018.
No Longer Mandatory to Obtain an ‘Essentiality Certificate’
Under the new system, obtaining an ‘Essentiality Certificate’ is no longer mandatory for starting a private school. Instead, school operators must submit a ‘Self-Certification’ for recognition. In this document, the school management must certify that the school building is safe and equipped with necessary facilities, such as laboratories, a library, and a playground. Information regarding the appointment of qualified teachers and the implementation of essential student safety measures must also be provided. However, if incorrect information is submitted in the self-certification and subsequently discovered, the school’s recognition could be suspended or revoked, and a fine could also be imposed.
Requirement for a Corpus Fund Abolished
The new guidelines also provide relief regarding the ‘Corpus Fund.’ Private schools are no longer required to maintain a minimum corpus fund. School management simply needs to demonstrate that they have adequate financial arrangements to cover operational costs and the salaries of teachers and staff. Additionally, submitting an audit report within three months of the conclusion of each academic session will be mandatory.
Recognition Process to be Entirely Online
The application process for obtaining recognition for private schools has been made entirely online. An authorized school official must submit the application via the Board of Secondary Education’s portal, and the recognition fee must also be paid online. Under the new system, recognition for High School and Higher Secondary levels will not be granted simultaneously; a school must first obtain recognition for the High School level before applying for ‘Plus-Two’ (Higher Secondary) recognition. Applications must be submitted within the prescribed timeframe. A provision for a late fee has also been introduced for applications submitted after the deadline.
Classes 9 to 12 Cannot Operate Without Recognition
The Board of Secondary Education has clarified that private schools lacking recognition will not be permitted to conduct classes from grades 9 to 12. If a school’s recognition expires, students currently enrolled there will be transferred to nearby government schools; measures have been put in place to ensure their education is not disrupted.
Separate Arrangements for Hindi and English Mediums
The new guidelines prescribe distinct arrangements for Hindi and English medium schools. Any school wishing to offer instruction in both mediums must provide separate land, buildings, principals, and teaching staff for each. Operating two different boards within the same building will not be permitted. Furthermore, schools intending to introduce an English medium stream must obtain recognition as a new school unit. Teachers instructing in the English medium will be required to possess a certificate of qualification for teaching in that specific medium.
Strict Regulations Regarding School Land and Buildings
The new guidelines also lay down specific rules concerning school land and buildings. The school land must be registered in the name of the school operator; alternatively, a rental agreement or registered lease valid for at least three years will be accepted. The school building plan must be prepared by a civil engineer and certified by the relevant Municipal Corporation, Municipality, or Panchayat. The plan must clearly specify the area of the land, the building, and each individual room. A Structural Safety Certificate will be mandatory for multi-story school buildings. Recognition will not be granted to schools situated on land held in violation of regulations, encroached land, or in incomplete buildings.
Maximum of 45 Students Per Class
Clear rules regarding student capacity in classrooms have also been established in the new guidelines. A maximum of 45 students will be permitted per class. Classrooms must have a minimum area of 300 square feet, ensuring at least 6 square feet of space per student. High schools will be required to have a minimum of seven classrooms. Additionally, arrangements for extra rooms will need to be made based on the streams selected at the higher secondary level.
Adequate space is also essential for sports and other facilities.
Sufficient open space must be provided within the school premises for sports, assemblies, and parking. Under the new system, schools must ensure not only the provision of classrooms and a building but also cater to other essential facilities for students. Overall, while the new guidelines simplify the recognition process for private school operators in certain respects, strict standards have been enforced regarding school infrastructure, student safety, teacher qualifications, and basic amenities.
