CBSE Slashes Land Norms to Help Schools Open in Crowded Cities and Hills
The Central Board of Secondary Education has taken a significant step to make it easier for schools to set up and expand in India's bustling urban centers and challenging hill regions. The board has officially amended its affiliation bye-laws, relaxing the strict minimum land requirements that previously posed a major hurdle for educational institutions.
New Reduced Land Areas for Easier Affiliation
Under the freshly revised norms, schools located in state capital cities now face much lower land thresholds. The same applies to institutions in hill areas as defined by NITI Aayog, and urban jurisdictions that permit higher Floor Area Ratio or Floor Space Index. For secondary schools seeking CBSE affiliation, the minimum land area has been set at 1,600 square metres. Senior secondary schools will need at least 2,400 square metres.
This marks a substantial reduction from the earlier rules. Previously, schools within municipal limits required 3,200 square metres of land. Those outside city limits needed an even larger 4,000 square metres. The change directly addresses the acute space constraints faced by educators in densely populated and topographically difficult regions.
Safety and Play Area Requirements Remain Firm
While land requirements have been eased, CBSE has firmly retained its stringent safety and infrastructure standards. Every affiliated school must provide a dedicated play area measuring at least 2,000 square metres within its own campus. This ensures students have adequate space for physical activities and recreation.
For schools with total land holdings below 6,000 square metres, an alternative arrangement is permitted. They may enter into long-term agreements of fifteen years or more with nearby educational institutions, sports complexes, stadiums, or public playgrounds. These facilities must be located within a 200-metre radius. Crucially, students should not have to cross highways or high-traffic roads to access these shared spaces. All arrangements must guarantee safe and easy access for children.
Agreements with private institutions require formal signing and submission to CBSE. Arrangements with municipal or government authorities must be supported by official letters to ensure transparency and accountability.
Additional Regulations and Implementation Details
The board has also introduced clearer guidelines linking the permissible number of school sections to the total built-up area. Furthermore, all schools must comply with the building regulations of their respective state or Union Territory. Alternatively, they can follow the Model Building Bye-Laws established in 2016.
Existing CBSE-affiliated schools will not be affected by these new land norms. They will continue to operate under the rules that were applicable at the time of their original affiliation. For foreign schools seeking CBSE affiliation, land requirements will still depend on the regulations of their home countries.
Official Notification and Approval Process
CBSE issued a formal notification on January 19, 2026, revising Clauses 3.3 to 3.7 of Chapter 3 in the Affiliation Bye-Laws of 2018. These changes were recommended by the board's own affiliation committee. The governing body and controlling authority reviewed and approved the amendments during meetings held in November and December 2025.
This policy shift reflects a practical approach to expanding educational infrastructure where land is scarce. It aims to balance the need for more schools with the imperative of maintaining quality and safety standards for students across India.
