July 23, 2025 — The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a new directive mandating the installation of high-definition (HD) CCTV cameras with audio-video (A/V) recording capabilities in all CBSE-affiliated schools. The notification, released on July 21, 2025, aims to enhance safety and surveillance across school campuses, following rising concerns over student security and discipline.
As per the guidelines, schools are required to install CCTV cameras at all vital points, including entry and exit gates, classrooms, corridors, libraries, laboratories, and playgrounds. The board has clearly stated that surveillance equipment must not be installed in washrooms or toilets to maintain the privacy and dignity of students and staff.
According to CBSE officials, the initiative is intended to act as a preventive measure against incidents such as bullying, unauthorized access, and violence within school premises. The board emphasized that audio-video recordings would serve as valuable documentation in case of disciplinary investigations or emergencies.
“Continuous monitoring of school activities through HD CCTV systems will improve institutional accountability and ensure a secure environment for students and staff,” a CBSE official said.
Schools have been instructed to retain video footage for a minimum period of 30 days. The stored data must be secured and accessible only to authorized personnel. The board has also directed schools to ensure that all installed systems support night vision and function effectively under diverse environmental conditions.
Furthermore, CBSE has advised schools to display visible signage indicating the presence of CCTV surveillance and to inform all stakeholders—students, parents, and staff—about the implementation of the system. This is in line with existing data protection norms.
While the directive has been welcomed by many as a positive step toward enhancing school safety, some experts and parents have raised concerns regarding student privacy. Addressing these apprehensions, CBSE clarified that the surveillance will be limited to public and semi-public areas, with strict restrictions on access and use of the recorded footage.
Education experts have noted that the move aligns with global best practices in school safety. “CCTV systems with audio-video capabilities can significantly improve vigilance and responsiveness. However, it is important that ethical use and data security are strictly enforced,” said Dr. Meera Sinha, a senior education consultant.
The directive will apply to more than 27,000 CBSE-affiliated schools in India and abroad. Schools failing to comply with the mandate within the stipulated deadline may face disciplinary actions, including warnings, fines, or in severe cases, de-affiliation.
CBSE is expected to release further technical specifications and implementation timelines soon. The decision marks a significant advancement in the digitalization of school infrastructure, reflecting a growing emphasis on student safety and institutional transparency.
