New Delhi, Aug 2025 — The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to launch its own community radio station in a bid to strengthen educational outreach and improve communication with students, teachers, and schools across the country.
The proposal, approved during CBSE’s recent Governing Body meeting, marks the first time a national education board in India will operate a dedicated radio platform.
Licence and Planning in Progress
According to senior officials, CBSE will apply for a community radio licence in the coming months. The next six months will see consultative meetings with stakeholders and technical experts to finalise the application, design the content framework, and work out financial planning for the project.
“Once the licence is procured, we will determine the modalities for the content that will be broadcast,” a CBSE official confirmed.
How It Will Work
Unlike CBSE’s existing “Shiksha Vani” podcast platform — which offers nearly 400 audio episodes for Classes 9–12 based on the NCERT curriculum — the new community radio station will be live and interactive.
Planned programming will deliver educational updates, career guidance, and subject-related discussions directly to listeners. The content will cater to CBSE’s large, diverse audience, with the flexibility to include local languages and dialects to increase engagement.
Why Community Radio Matters
Community radio is recognised as India’s third tier of broadcasting, distinct from public and commercial stations. It plays a vital role in rural and remote regions by providing inclusive, localised communication and giving space to marginalised voices often missing in mainstream media.
Currently, India has 540 licensed community radio stations, mostly run by educational institutions, NGOs, and non-profit organisations. These stations typically cover topics such as education, health, agriculture, and social awareness.
Potential Benefits for CBSE
For CBSE, the move could be a game-changer — especially in areas with limited internet access. By broadcasting in a low-cost, high-reach format, the board can:
Bridge information gaps in remote communities.
Strengthen participation in academic initiatives.
Offer a reliable medium for exam updates, teacher training, and student guidance.
If planning and licensing proceed on schedule, CBSE’s community radio could go live in the near future, setting a precedent for other education boards in India.