CBSE 2026-27 Reforms: SQAA Plus Framework, APAAR ID, and Stricter Exam Norms
The decisions were made at the board's 142nd governing body meeting in December 2025, with the minutes released recently.
CBSE 2026-27 Reforms: SQAA Plus Framework, APAAR ID, and Stricter Exam Norms
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved a major set of reforms to overhaul school evaluation, strengthen rules against examination malpractice, and digitise student records, with most changes taking effect from the 2026–27 academic session.
The decisions were made at the board’s 142nd governing body meeting in December 2025, with the minutes released recently. CBSE will replace its compliance-heavy self-assessment system under the School Quality Assessment and Assurance (SQAA) framework with an inspection-led model called SQAA Plus. Schools will now be evaluated through real-time, on-site inspections covering academics, governance, infrastructure, leadership, inclusivity, and student well-being. Institutions will be graded from A+ to C, with improvement pathways outlined.
The pilot phase will include about 500 central schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and Eklavya Model Residential Schools. CBSE has appointed three consultants from Ernst & Young LLP, empanelled with NICSI, to oversee, validate, and evaluate the framework in an 18-month project valued at Rs 2.89 crore.
From 2026, the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID will be mandatory for students in Classes 9 and 11, providing a lifelong academic identity. Examination rules under the Unfair Means (UFM) policy have been tightened, cancelling papers for students caught cheating and placing them in the compartment category.
CBSE will launch the Annual Young India Culinary Championship for Classes 6–12 and commission a study on the Right to Education Act. Certificate correction fees for students passing from 2026 will increase to Rs 5,000, with an additional Rs 1,000 for each year of delay.
Source: The Tribune