CBSE Initiates Crackdown on Dummy Schools Following JEE Topper's Success

New Delhi, February 16, 2025 - In a significant move to preserve the sanctity of the educational system, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has flagged and taken action against SGN Public School in Nangloi, Delhi, labeled as a "dummy school." This action was precipitated by the revelation that a student who achieved a perfect score in the recent Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains was listed as a student at this institution, which was disaffiliated last year.

Background of the Issue:

The term "dummy school" refers to educational institutions where students enroll primarily to fulfill the requirement of being in school while they focus on coaching for competitive exams like the JEE, NEET, or other entrance tests. These schools often allow students to attend classes sporadically or not at all, prioritizing their coaching schedules over regular school attendance. 

SGN Public School came under scrutiny after it was found during an unannounced CBSE inspection that many students, including the JEE topper, were not regularly attending classes, instead spending their time at coaching centers. This practice not only undermines the educational ethos but also raises concerns about the quality and credibility of the education these students receive.

CBSE's Response:

• Disaffiliation: Last year, CBSE disaffiliated SGN Public School due to non-adherence to educational norms, particularly the absence of students in regular classes.
• Broad Crackdown: Beyond this single case, CBSE has identified over 300 schools across India engaging in similar practices, leading to various actions ranging from warnings to outright disaffiliation.
• Policy Reinforcement: CBSE has reiterated its commitment to the guidelines laid out by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for an education system that nurtures critical thinking, practical application of knowledge, and holistic development, not just exam-centric learning.

Educational Implications:

• Quality of Education: The proliferation of dummy schools has sparked a debate on the quality of education imparted. Critics argue that such systems bypass the comprehensive learning required for a student's overall development, focusing instead on rote learning for exams.
• Student Pressure: The practice has also come under fire for contributing to the immense pressure on students, who often spend long hours at coaching centers, sometimes at the expense of school education.
• Regulatory Measures: There's a call for stricter regulations and monitoring by educational authorities to ensure schools comply with educational norms, providing a balanced curriculum that includes both academic and extracurricular activities.

Community Reaction:

• Parents: Many parents, while understanding the competitive nature of entrance exams, are now reconsidering the value of sending their children to dummy schools, fearing long-term academic and personal growth drawbacks.
• Educators: There's an ongoing dialogue among educators about creating an educational environment where competitive exam preparation and school education can coexist harmoniously.
• Students: For students, the news brings mixed feelings; while some see it as a relief from the dual burden of school and coaching, others worry about their preparation for critical exams without the flexibility dummy schools offered.

CBSE's decisive action against dummy schools like SGN Public School serves as a wake-up call to the educational sector, highlighting the need for a systemic overhaul to align with the principles of comprehensive and quality education. As this discussion continues, the focus is increasingly on how to ensure that the pursuit of excellence in competitive exams does not come at the cost of a student's overall education.