Central Board of Secondary Education – CBSE

Formation

The Central Board of Secondary Education CBSE was established on July 2, 1929, by a resolution of the Government of India. Initially known as the Board of High School and Intermediate Education, Rajputana. It was set up to serve the British territory of Ajmer, Merwara, Central India, and Gwalior. In 1952, the board was reconstituted as the Central Board of Secondary Education. The headquarters of CBSE is located in New Delhi, India.

Functions

Central Board of Secondary Education – CBSE’s primary objectives include:

• Affiliating institutions for the purpose of examinations and raising the academic standards of the country.
• Conducting annual examinations for Class 10 (All India Secondary School Examination) and Class 12 (All India Senior School Certificate Examination).
• Prescribing and updating the course of instructions, textbooks, and teaching methodology for affiliated schools.
• Granting affiliations to schools in India and abroad, ensuring they meet the prescribed standards and guidelines.
• Providing academic and training support to schools, teachers, and principals for improving the quality of education.
• Organizing various capacity-building and empowerment programs to update the professional competency of teachers.

Growth

Over the years, Central Board of Secondary Education – CBSE has expanded significantly. As of 2024, CBSE has more than 29,179 schools affiliated with it, including schools in 28 foreign countries. The board conducts examinations for over 44 lakh students annually. Each year sees a significant increase in the number of students and examination centers.

Reach

CBSE is one of the most widely recognized educational boards in India, with a significant presence in both the public and private education sectors. It affiliates all Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, private schools, and most of the schools approved by the central government of India. The board’s extensive reach and recognition make it a preferred choice for many parents and students seeking quality education.

Integration with State Boards

In recent years, CBSE has made efforts to integrate with state education boards to create a more cohesive and unified education system in India. This integration aims to standardize educational practices, share best teaching methodologies, and facilitate the transfer of students between CBSE and state board-affiliated schools. Collaborative initiatives and projects are often undertaken to improve the overall quality of education, ensuring that students across various regions have access to a consistent and high-quality learning experience.

Integration with ICSE Board

CBSE and the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) boards have been working towards greater integration to provide a seamless educational experience for students. This collaboration focuses on aligning curriculum standards, sharing resources, and facilitating student transfers between the two boards. The goal is to ensure that students benefit from the strengths of both systems, whether they choose CBSE or ICSE for their education.

Future

The future of CBSE looks promising with continuous efforts to improve the quality of education. The board is committed to providing a stress-free, child-centered, and holistic education to all children without compromising on quality. CBSE plans to adapt and innovate methods to achieve academic excellence in conformity with psychological, pedagogical, and social principles. The introduction of new subjects and initiatives, such as Artificial Intelligence, Financial Literacy, and Storytelling & Experiential Learning, reflects CBSE’s commitment to keeping pace with the changing educational landscape.