CBSE Updates Guidelines: Classroom Size Capped at 45 Students Under Special Conditions
New Delhi, July 25, 2025 — The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has re-emphasized its directive to schools regarding classroom capacity, aiming to improve learning quality and ensure adequate infrastructure across its affiliated institutions. According to the latest notification, schools must limit each classroom section from Classes 1 to 12 to ideally 40 students, with a maximum cap of 45 students under special conditions.
Classroom Size & Space Requirements
As per the updated guidelines, schools must maintain a minimum classroom size of 500 square feet, ensuring at least 1 square metre of space per student. This measure is intended to reduce overcrowding and promote an environment conducive to interactive and personalized teaching.
Standard vs. Exceptional Admission Limits
CBSE recommends that every section accommodate no more than 40 students. However, recognizing practical challenges faced by institutions, the board has allowed limited flexibility—permitting up to 45 students in a section, strictly under defined circumstances.
Special Cases for Admission Beyond 40 Students
Schools may admit more than 40 students per section in the following exceptional situations:
Transfer of Parents: Children of parents working in the armed forces, central or state government, public sector undertakings (PSUs), or the private sector who are transferred mid-session.
Repeating Students: Learners who must repeat the academic year.
Serious Health Conditions: Students rejoining school after prolonged medical leave.
Change of Boarding Status: Students shifting from hostel to day-scholar format.
Academic Improvement: Re-admission sought to enhance academic performance (allowed only if no other option exists).
CBSE mandates that the reason for each such admission be documented and uploaded to the relevant portal during student registration.
Documentation & Portal Compliance
To ensure transparency and compliance, schools are required to:
For Classes 9–12: Upload admission reasons on the CBSE registration portal and record them in the Admission and Withdrawal Register.
For Classes 1–8: Record the admission reasons in the school register and update them on the CBSE OASIS portal.
Mid-Session Admissions: Must receive approval from the respective CBSE Regional Office.
Strict Upper Limit & Future Planning
CBSE has clearly stated that under no circumstances can the student count in a section exceed 45. The board emphasizes the importance of proper infrastructure and adherence to Affiliation Bye-laws (Clause 4.8, 2018), which outline basic facility requirements.
Additionally, schools are encouraged to plan for future implementation of the strict 40-student limit, which may involve expanding classroom capacity or upgrading existing facilities.