CBSE Takes a Strong Stand Against Dummy Schools: What This Means for Students and Parents

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a stern warning that students attending “dummy schools” may be barred from taking their board exams. The board has made it clear that both parents and students must ensure regular school attendance. Failure to comply with attendance rules can lead to serious consequences, including the inability to appear for exams, as reported by the news agency PTI.

Understanding the Concept of Dummy Schools

The term “dummy schools” refers to institutions where students are officially enrolled but do not attend classes. These schools often allow students to skip regular school attendance while still being enrolled in the system. Instead of attending classes, students typically rely on coaching centers for exam preparation. Although this practice has become increasingly common, it undermines the value of traditional schooling, which is essential for a well-rounded education.

Spotlight on SGN Public School’s Controversy

The issue of dummy schools gained widespread attention after a student from SGN Public School in Nangloi, Delhi, topped the JEE (Mains) exam. This achievement raised questions, as it was later discovered that the student, like many others at SGN Public School, had not attended regular school classes. The school was subsequently investigated, and the findings revealed that it had been enrolling students who did not attend classes.

As a result, SGN Public School was disaffiliated by CBSE in 2024 due to several violations of CBSE norms, including the enrollment of non-attending students. This action was taken after an unannounced visit by CBSE officials, during which the school was found to be non-compliant with CBSE’s standards, leading to severe consequences for the institution.

Delhi High Court Intervenes: A Major Legal Step

The rising problem of dummy schools caught the attention of the Delhi High Court, which criticized the practice as fraudulent. The court intervened in January 2025, urging CBSE and the Delhi government to take immediate action to prevent the growth of such schools.

In a significant ruling, the bench, led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, directed both CBSE and the Delhi government to conduct inspections of schools and coaching centers to ensure compliance with attendance requirements. The court also condemned the trend where students attended coaching centers but remained officially enrolled in schools without meeting attendance standards for board exams.

The Delhi High Court’s intervention is a crucial move to curb the growth of dummy schools and ensure that students receive a comprehensive education rather than relying solely on coaching centers.

CBSE’s Nationwide Efforts Against Dummy Schools

CBSE has already taken strong action against more than 300 dummy schools across the country. The board has emphasized the importance of traditional schooling and its role in providing a holistic educational experience. According to CBSE, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encourages an all-around approach to learning, which is hindered when students bypass regular schooling in favor of coaching.

Key Points of CBSE’s Stance on Education:

• Holistic Development: The NEP 2020 focuses on the overall development of students, which includes academic learning as well as emotional and social growth. This holistic approach cannot be achieved through coaching centers alone.

• Attendance is Essential: CBSE stresses that attendance is not just a formality—it is essential for academic and personal development. Schools provide a structured environment where students gain important life skills and knowledge beyond the classroom.

Delhi Government’s Response: A Different Perspective

While CBSE has acted decisively against dummy schools, the Delhi government has taken a more cautious stance, stating that there is no official definition of a “dummy school.” According to the government, it is up to individual schools to determine their attendance policies. However, the Delhi High Court has ordered both CBSE and the Delhi government to submit a detailed affidavit outlining the actions they have taken to curb fake admissions and ensure that students receive a complete and enriching education.

Why Regular School Attendance Matters

Regular school attendance is crucial for several reasons. Here’s why students should prioritize attending school:

• Comprehensive Learning: Attending school allows students to receive education in a variety of subjects and gain exposure to diverse teaching methods. It’s not just about passing exams—it’s about learning life skills, interacting with peers, and developing a broader understanding of the world.

• Social and Emotional Growth: Schools provide students with an environment where they can build interpersonal relationships, develop teamwork skills, and learn to navigate challenges. These aspects of development are just as important as academics.

• Preparing for Board Exams: CBSE board exams require students to meet specific attendance criteria. Students who skip school in favor of coaching centers may find themselves disqualified from appearing for exams, even if they have received excellent coaching.

What Parents and Students Should Do

To avoid being caught in the problem of dummy schools, both parents and students should take the following steps:

• Attend School Regularly: Ensure that students attend school as required by CBSE to meet the necessary attendance criteria for board exams.

• Limit Over-Reliance on Coaching Centers: While coaching centers can be helpful, they should supplement, not replace, regular school education.

• Verify School Affiliation: Before enrolling in any school, parents should confirm that the institution is officially affiliated with CBSE and complies with all regulations.

FAQs

1. What are dummy schools?

• Dummy schools are institutions where students are enrolled but do not attend classes. They often rely on coaching centers for exam preparation, bypassing traditional school education.

2. Can students from dummy schools take the CBSE board exams?

• No. Students who fail to meet the attendance requirements set by CBSE, including those enrolled in dummy schools, may be disqualified from appearing for their board exams.

3. Why is regular school attendance important?

• Regular school attendance is crucial for a comprehensive education. It ensures that students engage with a broad curriculum, build social skills, and develop emotionally, all of which are essential for success in life and exams.

4. What should parents do to avoid dummy schools?

• Parents should ensure their children attend school regularly, avoid over-reliance on coaching centers, and check the school’s affiliation with CBSE to make sure it adheres to all educational standards.

Final Thoughts

The CBSE’s crackdown on dummy schools serves as an important reminder for both students and parents about the value of regular school attendance. With the board exams just around the corner, it’s crucial for students to take their education seriously and attend school as required. By following the guidelines set by CBSE, students can ensure they meet the necessary criteria for exams and benefit from a well-rounded, holistic educational experience.

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