The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a flexible policy for class sizes. Schools can now increase student strength to a maximum of 45 under specific conditions. This exception applies to situations where students join mid-semester due to parental transfers or require essential repeat (ER) of a grade.
Previously, CBSE mandated a maximum of 40 students per section. This modification addresses concerns raised by schools regarding accommodating mid-session transfers and essential repeaters.
"In partial modification to the circular dated 02.08.2023, it has been decided that in cases where students join mid-session due to parental transfers or fall under the ER category, schools may increase the class size from the prescribed limit of 40 to a maximum of 45," clarified CBSE in an official notice.
However, CBSE emphasizes that this flexibility shouldn't become the norm. Schools must maintain a maximum intake of 40 students in entry-level classes and utilize this provision judiciously.
To manage student influx, CBSE advises schools to regulate admissions in junior classes. They can also increase the number of sections if they meet the required infrastructure standards as per affiliation guidelines. Applications for increasing sections can be submitted online on the SARAS portal until June 30, 2024.