Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is India’s premier national-level board of education for public and private schools, controlled and managed by the Government of India. Established to provide a robust, vibrant, and holistic school education, CBSE functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education. It is tasked with defining appropriate academic policies to provide stress-free, child-centered, and holistic education to all children without compromising on quality.
As one of the most prestigious boards in the country, CBSE has a vast network of over 27,000 affiliated schools in India and more than 240 schools in 28 foreign countries. The board is known for its standardized curriculum and its role in conducting major national-level entrance examinations.
The history of CBSE dates back to 1921 with the setting up of the 'Uttar Pradesh Board of High School and Intermediate Education.' Following various administrative evolutions, the board was eventually reconstituted in its present form in 1962. The primary objective was to serve the educational requirements of students whose parents were employed in transferable Central Government jobs, ensuring a uniform educational standard across the country.
The board is governed by a Governing Body and various committees that oversee academic, examination, and administrative affairs. CBSE is committed to academic excellence and regularly introduces innovations in teaching-learning methodologies and assessment tools to keep pace with global educational trends.
Academic Programmes Offered
CBSE provides a structured academic framework that emphasizes both scholastic and co-scholastic development, including:
- All India Secondary School Examination (AISSE - Class X)
- All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE - Class XII)
- Skill Education (Vocational Courses)
- Teacher Training and Capacity Building Programmes
- Physical Education and Sports Initiatives
The curriculum is primarily based on the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) guidelines, ensuring a high level of academic rigor and preparation for competitive environments.
Recognition & Validity
CBSE certifications are highly regarded and provide several advantages:
- Globally recognized by universities and educational institutions for higher studies.
- The curriculum serves as the foundation for major national entrance exams like JEE (Main & Advanced) and NEET.
- Facilitates easy inter-state transfer for students due to the uniformity of the syllabus across India.
With its focus on continuous and comprehensive evaluation, CBSE ensures that its qualifications are a true reflection of a student's cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills.
International Presence
CBSE has a significant international footprint, catering to the Indian diaspora and international students globally. The board affiliates schools in various countries, including the UAE, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, and several nations in Africa and Europe. These schools follow the same curriculum and assessment patterns as those in India, maintaining a global standard of Indian education.
International students under the CBSE umbrella benefit from:
- Standardized testing and evaluation synchronized with the Indian academic calendar.
- Access to digital academic repositories and E-learning resources.
- Eligibility for admission into premier Indian professional colleges through specific quotas or general merit.
Through its international wing, CBSE promotes cultural exchange and ensures that quality Indian education is accessible to students across geographical boundaries, fostering a sense of global citizenship.
The Central Board of Secondary Education maintains its official web portal at www.cbse.gov.in. This is the authoritative source for all official notifications, examination schedules, results, and affiliation details. Stakeholders are encouraged to visit the official portal for verified information regarding academic circulars and board policies.