In a significant move to support schools facing exceptional admission challenges, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has granted conditional exemption to the existing limit of 40 students per section. As per the latest circular, CBSE-affiliated schools may now enroll up to 45 students per section in classes I to XII under specific circumstances.
This relaxation is applicable in cases such as transfer of students due to parental job relocation (especially defence and government employees), essential repeat cases, medical emergencies, performance-related shifts, and relocation from hostels.
However, CBSE has made it clear that:
- The exemption is allowed only up to a maximum of 45 students per section.
- Schools must record the reason for each such admission in the Admission & Withdrawal Register and online registration portals (for classes IX–XII via the OASIS portal).
- No school is permitted to exceed 45 students in any section.
- Classrooms must be a minimum of 500 sq ft, maintaining one square meter per student.
The Board also advises schools to enhance their infrastructure over time to maintain the standard 40-student limit, as per Affiliation Bye-Laws Clause 4.8, ensuring quality education and optimal learning outcomes.
