In a landmark move aimed at bolstering school safety across India, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has amended Chapter 4 of its Affiliation Bye-Laws-2018.
Effective immediately, all CBSE-affiliated schools are now required to install high-resolution CCTV cameras equipped with audio-visual recording capabilities throughout their campuses.
The regulation mandates coverage of entry and exit points, lobbies, corridors, staircases, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, canteens, storerooms, playgrounds, and other common areas—excluding toilets and washrooms—to ensure real-time monitoring. Each camera system must retain footage for a minimum of 15 days, readily accessible for authorized inspections.
Highlighting the dual focus on protection from external threats and internal well-being, the notification references recommendations from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), emphasising vigilance against bullying, abuse, and emotional distress among students.
The circular, issued on July 21, 2025, and signed by CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta, frames the initiative as a technological step toward a safe and cohesive learning environment.
