CBSE To Pilot School Grading System, Tighten Exam Rules From 2026; Culinary Championship Also Approved

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce a series of major reforms from 2026, including an inspection-led school rating system for centrally run institutions, stricter rules against unfair means in board exams, and a national culinary competition for students. The decisions were taken at the Board’s 142nd Governing Body meeting held in December 2025, the minutes of which were made public on Monday. The approved proposals also include a study on the impact of the Right To Education (RTE) Act and revised fees for certificate corrections, signalling a shift toward field-based evaluation and broader student development initiatives.

Key Takeaways: CBSE Reforms From 2026

• Inspection-led grading system (A+, A, B, C) for KVs, JNVs and EMRS
• New SQAA Plus framework with on-site, real-time evaluations
• Pilot rollout in 500 schools with trained inspection specialists
• Engagement of NICSI-empanelled Ernst & Young LLP consultants
• ‘Annual Young Culinary Championship’ for Classes 6–12 by December 2026
• Stricter Unfair Means rules for board exams from 2026
• Study on RTE Act impact in private unaided non-minority schools
• Increased fees for corrections in CBSE certificates

Inspection-Led School Ratings To Replace Self-Assessment Model

CBSE will pilot an inspection-led rating system under a new framework for centrally run schools — Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). Schools will be graded as A+, A, B or C based on defined quality parameters, marking a shift from the earlier largely compliance-based self-assessment model.

In its role as School Standards Authority (SSA), CBSE introduced the School Quality Assessment and Assurance (SQAA) framework in 2013 to strengthen accountability and institutional standards. In 2023, annual self-assessment under SQAA became mandatory for all affiliated schools across seven domains, including curriculum and assessment, infrastructure, human resources, inclusivity, governance, leadership and beneficiary satisfaction.

Also Read:  CBSE का बड़ा फैसला: अब स्कूलों में हर कोने पर लगेगा CCTV कैमरा

Completion of this self-review on the SQAA portal is compulsory for processing fresh affiliation, upgradation, extension and related applications.

SQAA Plus Framework To Focus On Field-Based Evaluation

“To have a more robust and field-oriented, quality assurance mechanism, CBSE is launching a revamped, inspection-led model under the SQAA Plus framework,” the meeting minutes stated.

The ‘SQAA Plus Framework’ is being developed for EMRS, KVS and NVS schools. It introduces real-time, on-site evaluations and multi-domain assessments linking academics with governance, infrastructure, inclusivity and student well-being, aiming to strengthen accountability and drive data-based school improvement.

The framework will be rolled out in phases, beginning with 500 selected schools. A dedicated cadre of inspection specialists will assess school management practices, academic quality, infrastructure readiness, governance and overall school health indicators. Schools will receive categorical ratings (A+, A, B+ etc.) along with clearly identified gaps and improvement pathways to enhance quality assurance more effectively.

Consultants Engaged For Monitoring And Impact Assessment

CBSE’s governing body has approved the engagement of three consultants from National Informatics Centre Services Inc (NICSI)-empanelled Ernst & Young LLP to support monitoring, field validation and impact assessment of the SQAA Plus pilot.

The 18-month project, including consultancy, training and framework development, is estimated to cost ₹2.89 crore. CBSE officials did not respond to queries for comment.

Although currently being developed for EMRS, KVS and NVS schools, principals of CBSE-affiliated private schools believe it may eventually be extended to them, as the earlier SQAA model, initially meant for centrally run schools, was later expanded to private institutions as well.

Educators Call Move Progressive, Urge Supportive Implementation

School leaders welcomed the initiative but cautioned that inspections should be supportive rather than punitive.

Alka Kapur, principal of Modern Public School, Delhi, said the framework could “encourage healthy competition” and foster “a culture of continuous improvement,” but stressed that inspections must remain “fair, consistent and supportive rather than punitive,” noting that “one size doesn’t fit all.”

Also Read:  CBSE Mandates Mother Tongue as Medium of Instruction: Key Changes Under NCF-2023

Jyoti Arora, principal of Mount Abu School, said the new system promotes a holistic approach to school improvement but added that its success will depend on “adequate infrastructure, uninterrupted connectivity and proper training,” with phased implementation and capacity building being crucial.

‘Annual Young Culinary Championship’ For Students By December 2026

CBSE’s governing body has also approved launching the ‘Annual Young Culinary Championship’ for students of Classes 6 to 12 by December 2026.

The competition will provide a national platform for students to demonstrate culinary talent through fire and non-fire cooking, competing from school level to national level under the guidance of industry leaders. The modalities will be finalised by April 2026.

The initiative aims to build culinary skills among students, promote nutrition literacy, food sustainability and hygiene, and introduce them to careers in hospitality and culinary arts.

Stricter Unfair Means Rules From 2026 Board Exams

The governing body has approved ending the practice of allowing students booked under Unfair Means (UFM) Category-1 to pass by replacing the cancelled paper with a sixth or seventh subject.

From the 2026 board exams onwards:

• The subject in which unfair means is detected will be cancelled
• The student will be placed in the Compartment category
• Reappearance in that paper will be compulsory

UFM Category-1 refers to malpractice confined to a specific subject, not the entire examination cycle.

In the 2025 board exams, 388 of 608 Class 10 candidates and 132 of 577 Class 12 candidates booked under UFM Category-1 were still declared pass by replacing the cancelled subject with their sixth or seventh subject, meaning their overall result remained unaffected despite the malpractice booking.

Study Approved On RTE Act Impact In Private Schools

Noting gaps in understanding socio-emotional experiences and learning outcomes in blended classrooms of students admitted in private unaided non-minority schools under the Right To Education (RTE) Act, the Board has approved the proposal of hiring an NGO or non-profit to study the impact of inclusive education on students and their families.

The estimated cost of the study is around ₹10 lakh.

Higher Fees For Corrections In CBSE Certificates

CBSE has also approved an increase in correction fees for changes in certificates, including date of birth.

For students passing from 2026 onwards:

• Correction fee will be ₹5,000
• An additional ₹1,000 will be charged for each additional year

The revised fee structure will not apply to students who passed till 2025, for whom the earlier ₹1,000 rate will continue.

Board Decisions Mark Major Policy Changes Across Evaluation And Student Support

The proposals approved at the 142nd Governing Body meeting encompass institutional evaluation, examination integrity, skill development initiatives and administrative processes. With phased implementation beginning in centrally run schools and new rules taking effect from the 2026 board examinations, the measures are expected to influence both school functioning and student experience across the CBSE system.

True Education Beyond Academic Success

While the reforms focus on grading systems, stricter exam rules and skill development, many educators also emphasise that education ultimately shapes character, discipline and ethical values. Spiritual teachers often highlight that knowledge should lead to responsible conduct and compassion, not merely academic achievement. 

Tatvadarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj teaches that true education includes moral awareness and understanding of one’s duties toward society, which helps individuals avoid wrongdoing and make balanced decisions in life. Such perspectives underline the importance of integrity, self-control and positive values alongside institutional reforms in shaping well-rounded students.

For more information visit our
Website:www.jagatgururampalji.org
YouTube: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
Facebook: Spiritual Leader Saint Rampal Ji
X (Twitter): @SaintRampalJiM

FAQs on CBSE Reforms From 2026

1. What is the SQAA Plus framework?

An inspection-led evaluation system with real-time, on-site assessments across academics, governance, infrastructure, inclusivity and student well-being.

2. Which schools will be graded first?

The pilot will begin with 500 centrally run schools — KVs, JNVs and EMRS.

3. What happens if a student uses unfair means in 2026 exams?

The subject will be cancelled, the student placed in the Compartment category, and reappearance in that paper will be compulsory.

4. What is the ‘Annual Young Culinary Championship’?

A national cooking competition for Classes 6–12 progressing from school level to national level by December 2026.

5. What is the new fee for certificate corrections?

₹5,000 from 2026 onwards, plus ₹1,000 for each additional year; earlier fees apply to students who passed till 2025.