CBSE introduces Real-Time CCTV Guidelines for safer school environments

On 21-7-2025, the Central Board of Secondary Education (‘CBSE’) issued a notification amending the Affiliation Bye-Laws, 2018, mandating the installation of high-resolution CCTV cameras with real-time audio-visual recording across school premises. This move aims to foster a safer, more secure learning environment by enhancing vigilance through advanced surveillance technologies.

Key points:

1. To ensure a cohesive and secure school environment, CBSE has revised Chapter 4 of Affiliation Bye-Laws, 2018 of the Board, introducing Clause 4.7.10.
2. By revising Chapter 4, CBSE increases institutional accountability and responsibility of the schools install camera:
   • Entry and exit gates
   • Classrooms, corridors, staircases
   • Laboratories, libraries, canteens
   • Playgrounds, storerooms, and other common areas
   • Toilets and washrooms are excluded to protect student privacy are expressly excluded.
3. These CCTV cameras will be equipped with real-time audio-visual recordings and these recorded footages from these cameras will be retained for a minimum of fifteen days and made readily available to relevant authorities upon request.
4. This mandate of CBSE aligns with guidelines by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (‘NCPCR’) for safer environment of students at school defined under ‘School Safety’. NCPCR’s manual on safety and security of children under Clause 1(X) states that ‘CCTV in schools needs to be monitored and maintained regularly.’
5. CBSE highlights that student safety is a multifaceted obligation of the schools, which includes protection of physical, emotional, psychological wellbeing of students.
6. Through this initiative, CBSE emphasizes that surveillance technologies serve as a preventive mechanism and proactive tool to nurture trust, safety, and institutional transparency and discourage any means of misconduct or threat to students.
7. CBSE has directed all affiliated institutions need to implement this Amendment in letter and spirit, ensuring the CCTV cameras are installed, monitored and maintained responsibly.