CBSE Makes CCTV Installation Mandatory in All Affiliated Schools to Boost Student Safety

New Delhi, July 22, 2025: In a landmark move aimed at strengthening student security, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated the installation of high-resolution CCTV cameras with audio-visual recording in all its affiliated schools across the country. This step, introduced as a revision to the CBSE Affiliation Bye-Laws 2018 under Chapter 4 (Infrastructure Requirements), seeks to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for students.

According to the latest directive, schools are now required to install CCTV cameras in key areas of their campuses, including entry and exit points, corridors, lobbies, staircases, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, canteens, store rooms, playgrounds, and other shared spaces. However, in line with privacy considerations, CCTV installation in toilets and washrooms remains strictly prohibited.

The cameras must offer real-time recording capabilities, and all footage is to be securely stored for a minimum of 15 days. Schools are instructed to maintain reliable backups of recordings, which must be made accessible to authorities upon request.

This policy aligns with the Manual on Safety and Security of Children in Schools released by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). The manual defines school safety as protection not only from physical threats such as abuse and accidents but also from emotional harm including stress and bullying. While NCPCR had earlier recommended regular use of CCTV systems, CBSE has now formalized it as a compulsory condition for school affiliation.

CBSE emphasized that the objective is not merely surveillance but to create a proactive culture of vigilance, early detection of potential risks, and the establishment of a positive, supportive school atmosphere. The Board has urged the entire school community—including administrators, teachers, support staff, contractors, and even visitors—to participate actively in fostering a safe educational environment.

In its advisory, CBSE instructed all affiliated institutions to implement the CCTV provision “in letter and spirit,” highlighting that student safety must be treated as a collective, non-negotiable priority, not just a formality of compliance.

With thousands of institutions under its umbrella, this decision by CBSE marks a significant advancement in India's efforts to make schools safer and more accountable.