The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a key update for newly affiliated schools located in areas where relaxed land norms are applicable. As per the latest Circular No. 12/2025, these schools are now permitted to apply for a Branch School for the session 2026-27 immediately after receiving affiliation approval through the SARAS 6.0 portal.
This move comes in response to multiple queries received by the Board regarding the eligibility of newly affiliated schools in relaxed land areas to establish branch schools without waiting for the next portal cycle.
Key Highlights:
- Schools that have received fresh affiliation for Secondary or Senior Secondary levels for 2026-27 can immediately apply for a branch school.
- The provision is available only to schools located in regions where relaxed land norms under Chapter 3 of CBSE Affiliation Bye-Laws 2018 are applicable.
- The branch school must be established under the same name and affiliation number, but with separate infrastructure, staff, and resources.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Main School Affiliation: Once the main school is found fit, affiliation is granted via the Progress Panel in SARAS 6.0.
- OASIS Submission: The school should fill in required details in OASIS and obtain the affiliation grant letter.
- Apply for Branch School: The application for the branch school can then be submitted through the Progress Panel on SARAS.
- New Registration Number: A separate registration number will be generated for the branch school.
- Processing: The application will be reviewed as per existing norms.
This streamlined process provides a significant boost to school chains and managements planning for expansion in cities or regions where space constraints make it difficult to meet standard land requirements.
