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CBSE Mandates School Websites for Transparency by 2026

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated that all affiliated schools must establish functional websites by February 15, 2026, to publish comprehensive teacher-related information. This directive aims to enhance transparency and accountability in school administration. Schools that fail to comply may face penalties and regulatory actions. The initiative, known as Mandatory Public Disclosure (MPD), requires schools to share essential details such as affiliation status, academic information, and teacher qualifications. CBSE has highlighted common compliance issues and provided a final opportunity for non-compliant schools to meet the requirements. This move is crucial for fostering a trustworthy educational environment across the country.
 
CBSE Mandates School Websites for Transparency by 2026

CBSE's New Directive for Schools


The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a decisive directive requiring all affiliated and prospective schools to establish a functional website that includes comprehensive information about their teaching staff. Schools are expected to comply by February 15, 2026. Non-compliance may result in penalties and regulatory actions from the board.


Purpose of Mandatory Public Disclosure

Mandatory Public Disclosure (MPD) is an initiative by CBSE aimed at ensuring that schools publicly share essential institutional information on their official websites. This initiative is designed to promote transparency for parents, students, and other stakeholders, while also enhancing regulatory oversight.


These guidelines were first introduced in a circular dated March 5, 2021, with a reminder issued on May 21, 2021. Despite these reminders, many schools remain non-compliant or only partially compliant, prompting CBSE to issue this final warning.


Required Information for School Websites

According to the latest CBSE guidelines, every affiliated school must maintain an updated website that includes clear, accurate, and easily accessible information, such as:



  • Basic school details:
    Name, address, email ID, contact number, and official recognition status

  • Affiliation details:
    Affiliation number, validity period, and renewal status

  • Academic information:
    Academic calendar, curriculum details, and annual report

  • Teacher-related information:
    Total number of teachers, their educational qualifications, and supporting documents

  • Student-teacher ratio:
    The ratio must not exceed 30:1

  • Staffing norms:
    Each section must have at least 1.5 teachers in addition to the principal, counselor, and physical education teacher

  • Additional details:
    Sports achievements, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) information, and infrastructure-related disclosures


Additionally, schools are required to publish an annual report by September 15 each year, detailing their academic and administrative performance.


Common Compliance Issues Identified

In its recent circular, CBSE pointed out several recurring issues found during inspections and audits:



  • Numerous schools lack a functional website despite their affiliation.

  • Some schools have websites but fail to upload mandatory documents or information as per the MPD framework.

  • In many cases, documents are uploaded, but links are inactive or broken.

  • In other instances, the required disclosure section or icons are not prominently displayed on the homepage, making it challenging for users to find the information.


CBSE has made it clear that incomplete information or hidden details within inactive links will be considered non-compliance.


Final Warning for Non-Compliant Schools

The board has provided a final opportunity for schools that have not yet met the disclosure requirements. These institutions must upload all mandatory information and documents clearly and completely within 30 days of the circular's issuance.


CBSE has stated that no further extensions will be granted. Schools that do not comply within the specified timeframe will face strict actions under CBSE regulations, including financial penalties and other regulatory measures.


Importance of This Directive

CBSE's initiative for mandatory public disclosure aims to:



  • Enhance transparency in school operations

  • Ensure qualified teaching staff across affiliated institutions

  • Assist parents in making informed decisions

  • Strengthen quality control and accountability within the education system


By enforcing these standards, the board aims to foster a more standardized and trustworthy educational environment nationwide.


Essential Takeaway for Schools

All CBSE-affiliated and aspiring schools must regard this directive as urgent and non-negotiable. It is crucial to update the school website with complete, accurate, and visible teacher-related and institutional information before February 15, 2026, to avoid penalties.


Schools are encouraged to thoroughly review CBSE’s Mandatory Public Disclosure guidelines and ensure full compliance well ahead of the deadline, as the board has indicated a zero-tolerance policy moving forward.