When you see a school advertised as "CBSE-affiliated" or "IB authorised," what does that actually mean? Understanding accreditation is important because it tells you whether your child's Class 10 and Class 12 exam marks will be recognised by universities and employers. Not all schools that claim international or national board status are actually affiliated. Here is how the system works.
How School Boards Work in India
| Board | Regulating Body | How to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| CBSE | Central Board of Secondary Education (Govt. of India) | cbse.gov.in — affiliated school search |
| ICSE/ISC | CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations) | cisce.org — school list |
| IB | International Baccalaureate Organization (Geneva) | ibo.org — IB World School finder |
| IGCSE (Cambridge) | Cambridge Assessment International Education (UK) | cambridgeinternational.org — school search |
| State Board | State Education Department (varies by state) | State Board website — affiliated schools |
CBSE Affiliation: What It Means
A CBSE-affiliated school has been approved by the Central Board of Secondary Education to run CBSE curriculum and register its students for Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. The affiliation number (e.g., 1234567) is publicly listed on cbse.gov.in. Always verify a school's affiliation number before admission — some schools advertise CBSE affiliation while their application is still pending.
IB Authorisation: The Strictest Process
Becoming an "IB World School" is the most rigorous accreditation process in school education globally. A school must: apply to the IBO, submit documentation on curriculum implementation, teacher training, and facilities, host an IB authorisation visit, and pass a review. Once authorised, schools undergo periodic re-authorisation reviews. You can verify any school's IB status on ibo.org.
Warning Signs of Fake Affiliations
- School claims "CBSE curriculum" but cannot produce an affiliation certificate or number
- "International" school with no Cambridge (IGCSE) or IBO (IB) listing
- School's affiliation number is not found on cbse.gov.in
- School that recently lost affiliation but still advertises board preparation
NAAC Accreditation for Colleges
For colleges and universities, the equivalent is NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) accreditation. NAAC grades institutions from A++ (highest) to C. An A+ or A++ NAAC grade indicates strong academic quality. Always check a college's NAAC grade on naac.gov.in before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify if a school is genuinely CBSE-affiliated?
Go to cbse.gov.in, click "Schools," and search by the school name or city. The affiliation number and expiry date are listed for all affiliated schools.
What happens if a school loses its CBSE affiliation?
Existing students in Classes 9-12 may need to transfer to another CBSE school. The board provides time for transition but it is disruptive. CBSE publishes a list of schools whose affiliation has lapsed — check it annually.
Find verified and accredited schools on Tyzmo.