In a move aimed at reinforcing student safety, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has amended Chapter 4 of the Affiliation Bye-Laws (2018).
This amendment introduces a crucial guideline for all affiliated schools—mandatory installation of high-resolution CCTV cameras across the school campus.
CBSE mandates CCTV Surveillance
Importance Behind CBSE’s Step Toward School Safety
Safety isn't just physical, it's emotional, social, and psychological. As emphasised by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), schools are not just learning spaces but second homes. Students deserve a secure, supportive environment. They should be free from bullying, abuse, violence, and other threats.
This CBSE mandate strengthens that foundation by adding real-time surveillance as a standard part of school infrastructure.
New CBSE Mandate: CCTV Monitoring Across School Premises
All CBSE-affiliated schools are now required to install high-resolution CCTV cameras with audiovisual recording. These cameras should be installed at the following points:
- Entry and exit points
- Corridors, staircases, and lobbies
- Classrooms, labs, library, canteen, storeroom, and playground
- Other common areas (excluding washrooms)
Furthermore the schools must ensure real-time audiovisual monitoring.
And maintain a minimum of 15 days of backup footage which would be accessible to authorities if required.
The Bigger Picture: Safety Beyond Surveillance
While CCTV serves as a strong deterrent and monitoring tool, CBSE emphasises that true safety goes beyond surveillance. It must also be supported by the following practices:
- Staff vigilance and sensitisation
- Technology integration with ethical use
- Early detection of emotional and social distress in students
- Creating a zero-tolerance environment for bullying and discrimination
In essence, everyone in the school ecosystem i.e teachers, staff, students, and visitors, share the responsibility of making the campus a secure haven.
Steps Schools Must Take to Comply with CBSE’s CCTV Rule
The following measures are recommended for school heads and academic authorities:
✅ Conduct a surveillance audit of your campus
✅ Install or upgrade CCTV systems as per CBSE’s specifications
✅ Ensure 15-day audiovisual backup with secure access
✅ Train your staff on privacy protocols and student sensitivity
✅ Communicate transparently with parents and guardians
Stay compliant. Stay vigilant. Stay student-first.
Source
Official notice by CBSE, 21 July, 2025: click here to read.
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per the CBSE, Education Ministry, and Government of India.
