The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued tougher rules against dummy schools, schools in which students get admitted but don’t attend classes. According to the new guidelines, students with chronic absenteeism can be denied appearing in Class 12 board exams. The move, taken to maintain academic integrity and attendance, will come into effect from the 2025-2026 academic year.
‘Dummy schools’ have emerged as a rising issue in India, especially among students studying for competitive entrance exams like JEE and NEET. Students attend CBSE-affiliated schools but avoid regular classes to go to private coaching institutes, sparking worries about their academic engagement and overall development. The new attendance requirement is likely to check this trend, mandating schools to keep strict attendance records and report extended absences to the board.
CBSE authorities have clarified that the action is not taken to punish students unfairly but to ensure that they undergo proper education rather than just banking on coaching centers. Schools will have to report attendance figures periodically, and students with less than the stipulated number of attendances can be penalized, including being barred from exams. The step is likely to nudge students towards a more balanced learning method, balancing classroom learning with exam preparation.
The decision has elicited mixed reactions from students, parents, and educators. While some have welcomed the move as a step in the direction of restoring the essence of school education, others are concerned about its implications for aspirants who are preparing for high-stakes entrance exams. As enforcement is to kick in only in 2025, stakeholders have sought more clarity on exemptions, attendance thresholds, and special cases in order to have a smooth transition for those students impacted by the policy change.
