CBSE allows up to 45 students per section in case of mid-session, repeat category admissions

NEW DELHI: In slight modification to the rule of 40 students per section in schools, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has relaxed the limit of student strength up to 45 in cases where students join a class in mid session due to the transfer of their parents and those who fall under the Essential Repeat (ER) category. The decision follows the representations made by schools regarding admission of such students.

“In partial modification to CBSE relaxes student strength up to 45 to accommodate mid-session, repeat category studentsthe circular dated 02.08.2023, it has been decided that in such cases

where on account of transfer of the parents from one station to another, the students are likely to join in a class in mid-session and also students who fall under essential repeat (ER) category, the schools may have students more than the prescribed limit of 40 in one section upto a limit of 45,” CBSE said in an official notice.

The board, however, clarified that the exception will be available on a case to case basis for which the school will have to apply to the concerned regional office along with supporting documents.

CBSE Admissions: Student limit

CBSE directed schools not to use the facility as a general rule and ensure to keep the maximum intake of students to 40. “However, this facility should not be treated as a general norm for the school and should be used very judiciously. Further, school shall ensure that number of students in the entry level class shall be restricted to 40 per section,” it said.

In August last year, the board had asked all schools to re-align the student strength to 40 per section over the time period of three years. Schools were also asked to use ‘judiciously’ the permission to take in 45 students in a class, in case of direct admissions, and control the student strength by regulating admissions in the junior classes.

The board reiterated that in case a school meets the infrastructural requirements of availability of land and number of rooms as per prescribed dimensions specified in Affiliation Bye-Laws, it can apply for increase in the number of sections in SARAS portal to accommodate more students. The link for submission of online application for increase or decrease of sections is already open in SARAS portal till June 30, 2024, CBSE further informed schools.