CBSE Affiliation Open for the 2026-27 Session under SARAS 6.0
TINA KHATRI
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) officially opened the online application window for various categories of school affiliation for the 2026-27 academic session on Tuesday. Schools seeking affiliation across multiple categories can now submit their applications via the automated system, SARAS 6.0, which will remain open until June 30, 2025.
Himanshu Gupta, CBSE secretary, urged schools to carefully follow the guidelines outlined in the SARAS Manual 6.0. He emphasized, "We strongly advise all applicant schools to carefully review the manual to ensure their applications meet the required standards."
Key Requirements for Schools
For existing schools, it is crucial that their OASIS data is accurately updated. No incorrect or misleading information should be submitted. Additionally, all schools are required to upload prescribed documents, including details of teachers and their qualifications, on the school’s website under the Mandatory Public Disclosure section. This step is compulsory for all schools applying for affiliation.
Special Provisions and Categories
Schools applying under special provision categories can submit their applications year-round. To apply, all existing schools must also complete the School Quality Assessment and Accreditation Framework (SQAAF), as this is a mandatory requirement for affiliation. Furthermore, schools wishing to introduce additional subjects, particularly non-science subjects, must ensure that the data is updated in the OASIS Portal and that these subjects comply with the norms set by the Board.
Extension and Upgradation
Schools whose affiliation is valid only until March 31, 2026, or those whose extension applications are pending, must first apply for an extension. Once the extension is granted, they can then proceed with applications under other categories. Schools affiliated under the Middle Class Syllabus category are required to apply for upgradation to either Secondary or Senior Secondary levels within five years of their affiliation with the Board.
Categories Available for Application
• Approval for Middle Class Syllabus
• Fresh Affiliation Up to Secondary Level
• Fresh Affiliation Up to Senior Secondary Level
• Fresh Affiliation up to Secondary Level (Switch-over from other Boards) – Only for schools already affiliated with another Board
• Fresh Affiliation up to Senior Secondary Level (Switch-over from other Boards) – Only for schools already affiliated with another Board
• Up-gradation to Secondary Level
• Up-gradation to Senior Secondary Level
• Branch School
• Extension of Affiliation
• Restoration of Affiliation
• Permission for Two Shifts
• Section Increase
• Introduction of Additional Subject (Science for Senior Secondary Level)
• Closure of School
The board asked all interested schools to submit their applications within the specified time frame to ensure smooth processing. "Please ensure compliance with all requirements before submitting your application," Gupta added. Schools can visit the official website for more details and are encouraged to consult the SARAS Manual 6.0 throughout the application process.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) officially opened the online application window for various categories of school affiliation for the 2026-27 academic session on Tuesday. Schools seeking affiliation across multiple categories can now submit their applications via the automated system, SARAS 6.0, which will remain open until June 30, 2025.
Himanshu Gupta, CBSE secretary, urged schools to carefully follow the guidelines outlined in the SARAS Manual 6.0. He emphasized, "We strongly advise all applicant schools to carefully review the manual to ensure their applications meet the required standards."
Key Requirements for Schools
For existing schools, it is crucial that their OASIS data is accurately updated. No incorrect or misleading information should be submitted. Additionally, all schools are required to upload prescribed documents, including details of teachers and their qualifications, on the school’s website under the Mandatory Public Disclosure section. This step is compulsory for all schools applying for affiliation.
Special Provisions and Categories
Schools applying under special provision categories can submit their applications year-round. To apply, all existing schools must also complete the School Quality Assessment and Accreditation Framework (SQAAF), as this is a mandatory requirement for affiliation. Furthermore, schools wishing to introduce additional subjects, particularly non-science subjects, must ensure that the data is updated in the OASIS Portal and that these subjects comply with the norms set by the Board.
Extension and Upgradation
Schools whose affiliation is valid only until March 31, 2026, or those whose extension applications are pending, must first apply for an extension. Once the extension is granted, they can then proceed with applications under other categories. Schools affiliated under the Middle Class Syllabus category are required to apply for upgradation to either Secondary or Senior Secondary levels within five years of their affiliation with the Board.
Categories Available for Application
• Approval for Middle Class Syllabus
• Fresh Affiliation Up to Secondary Level
• Fresh Affiliation Up to Senior Secondary Level
• Fresh Affiliation up to Secondary Level (Switch-over from other Boards) – Only for schools already affiliated with another Board
• Fresh Affiliation up to Senior Secondary Level (Switch-over from other Boards) – Only for schools already affiliated with another Board
• Up-gradation to Secondary Level
• Up-gradation to Senior Secondary Level
• Branch School
• Extension of Affiliation
• Restoration of Affiliation
• Permission for Two Shifts
• Section Increase
• Introduction of Additional Subject (Science for Senior Secondary Level)
• Closure of School
The board asked all interested schools to submit their applications within the specified time frame to ensure smooth processing. "Please ensure compliance with all requirements before submitting your application," Gupta added. Schools can visit the official website for more details and are encouraged to consult the SARAS Manual 6.0 throughout the application process.