By The Sampadak Express
In a significant move aimed at curbing the growing trend of “dummy schools” that allow students to bypass regular schooling, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is considering new rules that will prevent students from appearing for the Class 12 board exams if they do not attend regular classes. This decision, expected to affect thousands of students aspiring for competitive exams, could reshape the landscape of schooling for Class 12 aspirants in the coming years.
The Crackdown on Non-Attending Students
According to a senior official from CBSE, the board is now considering strict actions against students who do not attend classes regularly. These students, often enrolled in “dummy schools,” will face the possibility of being barred from sitting for the board exams.“
In case candidates are found missing from school or are not attending during surprise inspections undertaken by the board, such students may not be allowed to appear for the board examination,” the official said. The responsibility of ensuring regular attendance will fall on the students and their parents, further emphasizing the importance of classroom participation.
This move comes in response to the growing practice where students enroll in schools but do not attend classes regularly, instead focusing entirely on preparing for competitive exams like engineering and medical entrance tests. Such practices have become widespread, particularly in cities like Delhi, where students often take advantage of state-specific quotas.
Disciplinary Measures Against Schools
The CBSE has also warned that schools promoting or facilitating such practices by submitting examination forms for non-attending students will face disciplinary action under the board’s affiliation and examination bye-laws.
The issue was recently discussed in the CBSE Governing Board Meeting, where it was concluded that attendance norms should be enforced strictly. The board clarified that a minimum of 75% attendance would be mandatory for students to be eligible for the Class 12 board exams. Simply enrolling in a school without fulfilling this attendance requirement would not be sufficient to sit for the exams.
Options for Non-Attending Students
The CBSE official clarified that students failing to meet the attendance requirements would not be eligible for CBSE exams. However, the board acknowledged that students in such situations could explore other options like the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to take their exams.
Furthermore, the board has outlined a 25% relaxation in attendance requirements for students who face legitimate circumstances such as medical emergencies, participation in national or international sports events, or other serious reasons. These students would be allowed to sit for the exams, provided they can justify their absence.
Future Plans for Strict Guidelines
CBSE is also considering developing specific guidelines in collaboration with NIOS to address this issue more effectively in the upcoming academic session. These guidelines will likely include clear rules on how schools should handle attendance and how students can appeal for relaxation under special circumstances.
The Rise of Dummy Schools
The trend of “dummy schools” has been a growing concern in recent years. These schools often cater to students who are solely focused on preparing for entrance exams, such as those for engineering and medical colleges. These students enroll in the schools but do not attend classes, instead dedicating their time exclusively to coaching centers and self-study for their competitive exams.
This practice has been especially common in cities like Delhi, where students use the opportunity to qualify for state-specific quotas, including those for medical colleges in Delhi. These dummy schools provide a way for students to bypass regular schooling and still sit for their Class 12 exams. However, with CBSE’s new initiative, such practices could be significantly reduced, ensuring that students are engaging in regular classroom learning alongside their preparation for competitive exams.
The CBSE’s move to enforce attendance rules marks a significant shift in how the board will regulate student participation in the Class 12 exams. With strict measures set to be implemented from the 2025-26 academic session, students will no longer be able to bypass regular schooling in favor of solely preparing for competitive exams. The new policy aims to emphasize the importance of holistic learning, ensuring that students are receiving a well-rounded education while also pursuing their goals in competitive exams.
