CBSE Big Action: The Central Board of Secondary Education has taken a decisive step to reinforce student safety standards by suspending the affiliation of G D Goenka High School located in Sohna, Gurugram. The suspension will remain effective for one full academic year, covering the 2026–27 session. This decision follows an in-depth inspection that revealed serious lapses in infrastructure management and non-compliance with mandatory affiliation norms, particularly those related to campus security and student well-being.
During a routine inspection, the board discovered that the school was operating from a campus that was simultaneously being used by two other educational institutions. In addition, a university-level programme was reportedly running from the top floor of the same building. The inspection team found that there was no permanent physical separation between these institutions, nor was there a defined boundary that clearly marked exclusive school premises.
Such an arrangement directly contradicts CBSE affiliation requirements, which clearly state that an affiliated school must function from an independent and secure campus dedicated solely to school students.
The inspection report highlighted that all floors of the building were being used by multiple academic entities. Despite catering to different age groups and academic levels, these institutions shared common spaces without proper demarcation. Most concerning was the absence of a boundary wall or any structured segregation that could restrict access between institutions.
From a regulatory standpoint, this kind of shared infrastructure is unacceptable for a school environment, especially when young students are involved.
CBSE raised serious concerns about student safety due to unrestricted access to the campus. A shared facility increases the likelihood of interaction with unauthorised individuals, which can potentially lead to issues such as bullying, harassment, or other security threats.
The Board reiterated that maintaining a safe and controlled learning environment is a fundamental obligation of school management. Any compromise in this area is treated as a critical violation, regardless of intent or operational constraints.
In its official order, CBSE made it clear that student safety cannot be negotiated or delayed. Although the school management was given an opportunity to address the issues, it failed to ensure timely separation of the different institutions operating from the same premises.
Given the scale of non-compliance and the inability to implement immediate corrective measures, the Board concluded that suspension of affiliation was necessary to enforce accountability and uphold regulatory standards.
As part of the disciplinary action, several academic restrictions have been imposed. Admissions to Class 9 and Class 11 will not be allowed during the suspension year. However, students who are already enrolled in Classes 9 to 12 will be permitted to continue their education at the same school to avoid disruption in their academic progress.
This balanced approach aims to protect current students while preventing further intake until compliance is achieved.
The Board has issued clear directions regarding infrastructure upgrades that must be completed before affiliation can be restored. All other institutions must be completely disengaged from the premises, ensuring that the building and playground are used exclusively by school students.
Additionally, the school is required to construct a concrete boundary wall at least six feet high around the entire campus. Separate entry and exit gates directly connected to the main road must also be developed to control access and movement.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the school must also meet academic standards outlined in CBSE regulations. This includes setting up a Composite Science Laboratory that meets prescribed norms. Proper documentation, record maintenance, and adherence to the Affiliation Bye-Laws 2018, along with relevant circulars and standard operating procedures, are mandatory.
The Board has categorically stated that no facilities, staff, or resources should be shared with any other institution under any circumstances.
While taking action against this particular institution, CBSE has also sent a strong message to other affiliated schools. The Board has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward violations that compromise student safety or infrastructure standards. Schools are expected to proactively review their compliance status and rectify any shortcomings without waiting for regulatory intervention.
This case serves as a reminder that adherence to affiliation norms is not merely a formality but a critical responsibility toward students and their families.
