CBSE’s New Directive on Class Size

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a directive to its affiliated schools, emphasizing a strict limit of 45 students per section. This policy is detailed in Circular No. 11/2025 and aims to address the challenges schools face in accommodating students, particularly those who transfer mid-year. The directive builds on previous relaxations introduced in August 2023 and May 2024, which allowed schools some flexibility in managing class sizes.

Addressing Student Accommodation Challenges

The decision to cap class sizes at 45 students comes as a response to ongoing issues related to student accommodation. Schools often struggle with an influx of transfer students, which can lead to overcrowded classrooms. By setting a clear limit, CBSE aims to ensure that educational quality is maintained and that all students receive adequate attention from teachers.

Documentation and Compliance Requirements

Schools are required to document the reasons for exceeding the standard class size limit and must ensure that classroom sizes are adequate to accommodate the number of students. This documentation is crucial for compliance with CBSE regulations and helps maintain transparency in school operations.

Impact on Schools and Students

This new regulation is expected to have significant implications for both schools and students. Schools will need to carefully plan their admissions processes and classroom allocations to adhere to the new limits. For students, particularly those transferring from other schools, this policy could affect their placement options.

Building on Previous Relaxations

The current directive is part of a series of measures introduced by CBSE over the past few years. The relaxations in August 2023 and May 2024 provided schools with temporary relief in managing class sizes, but the new directive seeks to establish a more permanent solution.