How to Set Up a CBSE School Outside India: A Step-by-Step Guide
Establishing a CBSE-affiliated school in a foreign country is a powerful way to provide high-quality Indian education to the global diaspora and international learners seeking a robust academic foundation. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), under India’s Ministry of Education, has specific provisions and categories to guide foreign schools through the affiliation process.
Let’s break down everything you need to know to set up a CBSE school abroad:
Step-by-Step Process to Set Up a CBSE School Outside India
- Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Foreign schools must procure an official NOC/letter from the Indian High Commission/Consulate/Embassy in the host country. This is a prerequisite before initiating the affiliation process.
- Acquire Local Government Authorization
The school must have a license or permission from the host country’s government to operate legally as an educational institution.
- Recruit Qualified Teachers
Teachers employed must meet the qualification standards of the host country for various teaching levels (Primary, Secondary, and Senior Secondary).
- Ensure Competitive Salaries
Staff should be paid as per the salary norms of the host country, ensuring fairness and alignment with local labor laws.
- Form a School Management Committee (SMC)
If the host country requires it by law, the school must constitute an SMC for effective governance and oversight.
- Obtain Infrastructure Safety Certificates
The school must obtain Building Safety and Fire Safety Certificates as per the local rules and standards.
- Comply with Financial Laws
All school finances must be accounted for as per the host country’s regulations, with transparent and auditable records.
Required Documents for Application
Depending on whether the school is newly applying or already exists, documentation slightly varies.
For New Foreign Schools:
- NOC from Indian Mission
- License/Permission from local government
- Self-certification signed by Principal and Manager
- OR
- Certificate signed by Indian High Commission/Consulate
For Existing Foreign Schools:
- All the above, plus:
- New address details (for site shifting)
- Reasons for previous disaffiliation (if applicable)
- Proof of compliance for reinstatement
- Disaffiliation letter (for restoration cases)
Categories of Applications Foreign Schools Can Apply Under
CBSE allows foreign schools to apply under various categories, depending on their academic level and operational changes:
| S.No | Application Type | Description |
| 1 | Middle School Syllabus | Initial approval to run classes up to middle school |
| 2 | Fresh Affiliation – Secondary | Affiliation up to Class 10 |
| 3 | Switch-over – Secondary Level | Transition from another board to CBSE at Class 10 level |
| 4 | Fresh Affiliation – Senior Secondary | Affiliation up to Class 12 |
| 5 | Switch-over – Senior Secondary | Transition from another board to CBSE at Class 12 level |
| 6 | Site Shifting | Changing the school location |
| 7 | Restoration of Affiliation | Reinstating a previously disaffiliated school |
| 8 | Upgradation to Secondary | From middle to secondary level (up to Class 10) |
| 9 | Upgradation to Senior Secondary | From secondary to senior secondary (up to Class 12) |
| 10 | Extension of Affiliation | Renewing ongoing affiliation |
| 11 | Permission for Two Shifts | Operate in morning and evening shifts |
| 12 | Introduction of New Subject | Adding CBSE-approved subjects |
| 13 | Section Increase | Expanding number of sections per class |
| 14 | Name Change | School or society name change as per host country’s law |
| 15 | School Transfer | Changing school management to a new registered entity |