CBSE Takes Tough Stance on Dummy Schools: What Students and Parents Need to Know

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made it clear that students enrolled in ‘dummy schools’ may face significant consequences, including being barred from appearing for their board exams. This warning comes as part of the board’s crackdown on the growing trend of schools that enroll students without requiring them to attend regular classes. Both students and parents are now being held accountable for ensuring that students attend school regularly, and failure to comply could have serious repercussions, as reported by news agency PTI.

What Are Dummy Schools?

Dummy schools are institutions where students are officially enrolled but are not required to attend classes. These schools often rely on external coaching centers or private tutors to educate students, bypassing the need for traditional schooling. This practice has been gaining traction among students who believe they can focus solely on coaching centers for better exam preparation. However, CBSE considers this practice harmful to a student’s overall development and is taking strict measures to combat it.

The Issue Gains Attention: SGN Public School Case

The issue of dummy schools came into the spotlight following a controversy involving SGN Public School in Nangloi, Delhi. A student from the school had recently topped the JEE (Mains) exam, which raised eyebrows. However, upon further investigation, it was revealed that this student, like many others enrolled at SGN Public School, did not attend regular classes. This revelation led to an investigation by the CBSE, which found that the school had been enrolling students without ensuring their regular attendance.

As a result of these infractions, SGN Public School was disaffiliated by CBSE last year. The school’s failure to comply with CBSE norms, especially regarding student attendance, led to the stringent action taken against it. During a surprise visit, the school was found to be operating without adhering to essential CBSE guidelines, prompting the board to disaffiliate the institution.

Court’s Intervention: A Landmark Ruling

The growing problem of dummy schools caught the attention of the Delhi High Court, which described the practice as a “fraud” and emphasized that it undermines the educational system. The court intervened in January 2025, ordering both CBSE and the Delhi government to take urgent steps to prevent the proliferation of dummy schools.

In the ruling, the bench, led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, instructed the authorities to conduct inspections and ensure that all educational institutions, including coaching centers, comply with the attendance standards set by CBSE. The court was particularly concerned about the trend of students attending coaching centers while being officially enrolled in schools, despite the fact that board exams require a minimum attendance.

The court also expressed concern over the growing number of students who enroll in schools without attending them, a practice that not only violates the attendance norms but also deprives students of a full and comprehensive educational experience. This judicial intervention is seen as a significant step in combating the issue and ensuring that students receive quality education.

CBSE’s Crackdown on Dummy Schools: A Nationwide Effort

In response to the growing trend of dummy schools, CBSE has already taken action against over 300 such institutions across India. The board has emphasized the importance of traditional schooling and the role it plays in a student’s overall development. According to CBSE, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 promotes an all-around educational experience, and this is compromised when students opt out of regular schooling in favor of coaching centers.

CBSE’s Key Stance on Education:

• Holistic Learning: The NEP 2020 promotes a holistic approach to education, encouraging students to gain knowledge in various subjects, develop critical thinking, and enhance their overall personality. Avoiding traditional schooling and relying only on coaching centers undermines this all-rounded development.

• Compliance with Attendance Requirements: CBSE emphasizes that attendance is crucial to ensure students’ academic and personal growth. Regular schooling provides students with essential life skills and values that cannot be taught in coaching centers alone.

Delhi Government’s Response: A Delicate Stance

While CBSE has been taking strict actions against dummy schools, the Delhi government has played down the situation, stating that there is no official definition of what constitutes a “dummy school.” The government has argued that schools are responsible for setting their own policies on attendance, and it is up to individual institutions to determine how they handle the issue.

However, the Delhi High Court has requested that both CBSE and the Delhi government submit a detailed affidavit explaining the steps taken to curb the practice of fake admissions and ensure that students receive a well-rounded education. The court’s intervention has put additional pressure on the authorities to act swiftly and decisively.

Why Is This Issue So Important?

• Academic Integrity: Regular school attendance is a vital part of the academic process. It ensures that students are exposed to a variety of subjects, interact with peers and teachers, and develop essential life skills. Skipping this experience by enrolling in a dummy school undermines the educational system and puts students at a disadvantage.

• Mental and Physical Development: Schools provide an environment where students not only learn academics but also grow socially and emotionally. Without this environment, students may miss out on the benefits of group learning, collaborative problem-solving, and other important aspects of personal development.

• Board Exam Regulations: CBSE has clear attendance requirements for students to be eligible to appear in board exams. Students who are enrolled in dummy schools and fail to attend classes may find themselves disqualified from taking the exams, despite their academic preparation at coaching centers.

What Should Students and Parents Do?

Students and parents should be aware of the importance of attending school regularly. Here’s what they can do to avoid falling into the trap of dummy schools:

• Ensure Regular School Attendance: Parents should encourage their children to attend school regularly and participate actively in class activities.

• Limit Dependence on Coaching Centers: While coaching centers can supplement a student’s learning, they should not replace the school experience. A balanced approach is key to academic success.

• Check School Affiliations: Before enrolling in a school, parents should verify that the institution is properly affiliated with CBSE and complies with all attendance and academic standards.

FAQs

1. What is a dummy school?

• A dummy school is an institution where students are officially enrolled but do not attend regular classes. They often rely on coaching centers for their education.

2. What are the consequences of enrolling in a dummy school?

• Students from dummy schools may be denied permission to sit for their board exams if they do not meet CBSE’s attendance requirements.

3. Why is regular school attendance important?

• Regular school attendance ensures that students receive a complete education, including exposure to a variety of subjects, social interaction, and skill development, which are crucial for their overall growth and success in life.

4. How can students and parents avoid dummy schools?

• Students should attend school regularly, ensuring they meet the attendance requirements. Parents should verify that the school is CBSE-affiliated and not part of the dummy school network that bypasses regular schooling.

Conclusion

As the board exams draw closer, CBSE’s message is clear: Regular school attendance is crucial for academic success and personal development. The board’s crackdown on dummy schools signals a tougher stance on educational norms, urging students and parents to take attendance seriously to avoid any complications when the time for exams arrives.

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