CBSE has also instructed schools to retain footage for a minimum of 30 days and make it available to authorities when required
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India has directed all affiliated schools to install advanced, high-resolution CCTV systems with live, real-time audio-visual monitoring across their campuses, in a move aimed at bolstering student safety.
In a circular issued earlier this week, the board stated that schools must ensure 24/7 CCTV coverage, with clear visibility in classrooms, corridors, entrances, and other critical areas. The surveillance systems must support remote access and real-time monitoring, allowing school authorities and designated officials to track activity live.
CBSE has also instructed schools to retain footage for a minimum of 30 days and make it available to authorities when required. Non-compliance with the directive could affect a school’s affiliation status, the board warned.
While the initiative has been welcomed by some as a necessary step to enhance safety, others have raised concerns over privacy, data protection, and the psychological impact of constant surveillance on students and staff.
The move follows several high-profile incidents in schools that have drawn attention to security lapses and the need for stricter monitoring protocols.