The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the guidelines for school admissions in the upcoming academic year 2024-25.

These guidelines provide important information regarding the age criteria for admission to various classes.

Age criteria:

It is crucial for parents and guardians to be aware ofCBSE School Admission 2024-2025 guidelines to ensure a smooth admission process for their children. Every CBSE Primary school in Pune follows the age criteria mandated as per CBSE. 

• The criteria for any student seeking admission in Class I or Primary is that they should be at least 6 years of age at the time of admission. This is followed by all the CBSE Schools in Pune.
• The criteria for admission to the Upper Primary section or class 6 is that they should be at least 11 years of age at the time of admission. 
• The criteria for admission to the Secondary section or class 9 is that they should be at least 14 years of age at the time of admission. 

A student seeking admission to any class in a school will be eligible for admission to that Class only if he/she :

(i) has been studying in a School recognized by or affiliated to this Board or any other recognized Board of Secondary Education in India;

(ii) has passed qualifying or equivalent qualifying examination making him eligible for admission to that Class;

(iii) satisfies the requirements of age limits (minimum and maximum) as determined by the State/U. T. Government and applicable to the place where the School is located.

Documents required:

In the process of applying to schools, documents play a crucial role. As the foundation of a student's identity, documents are required by the school. They can also use it to get in touch with parents if the child/children need assistance.

The documents required are 

• Birth Certificate / Passport of the child, Residence proof of both permanent and current addresses (Ration Card/ Voter ID-Card/ Utility Bill/ Rent Agreement/ Sale Deed/ Aadhaar Card)
• Photo ID proof of both the parents and child (Aadhaar Card/Passport/Driving License/ Voter ID-Card)
• Caste Certificate- In case of SC/ST/OBC (if applicable).

Fees:

The fee charged is as per the guidelines of fee structure provided by CBSE. Every school may make minor changes in the same based on the facilities being provided by the school to the students.

• The fees for students seeking admission in the Primary section may range from 4k per month to 8k per month depending on the amenities provided by the school.
• The fees for students seeking admission in the Upper Primary-Secondary section may range from 8k per month to 15k per month depending on the amenities provided by the school.

Selecting a good school is crucial as it forms the basis for a child's educational journey. A quality institution provides a supportive environment, skilled educators, and diverse opportunities, shaping a solid foundation for lifelong learning and personal development. The right school can foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and essential skills that contribute to a well-rounded education.

Getting Your Child Ready for Nursery Admission Success 2024

There are few things that can ease the pressure while commencing  a voyage of  learning at the best CBSE schools in Pune

PreCursor: This is the first and most vital stage for the parents during Nursery Admission.

Set and prioritize the expectations for your child’s schooling. 

Clarity of thoughts and expectations: Based on the PreCursor consider the schools keeping the following points in mind

Proximity of the school, Student-centric infrastructure, co-curricular activities,  and teaching methodology.

Prepare a child for separation and accommodating to a new atmosphere:

Solo School Visit will be beneficial for the parents to the school campus with a prior appointment. This exercise will help them brief and make the child mentally ready about how the school looks like.

The child creates a visual image of the campus and in turn, makes the child mentally and emotionally ready for the day.

Impress fundamentals: Familiarisation not only aims to make a child academically soundness but also fundamental skills like social interactions, independent age-appropriate working, and navigating their emotions in a new atmosphere.

Introduction of set routine: A set and defined age-appropriate routine helps the child be organized and helps in becoming an independent and self-reliant individual.

A few amendments can be made with passing time to get a little flexibility and adaptability. 

Positive Approach: Most importantly a positive approach towards the admission process in a competitive environment is the need of the hour. It is a collaborative effort that needs openness, tolerance, and persistence.

Preeti Mittal,

Lower Primary Coordinator

The Orbis School, Keshav Nagar

What is the Difference Between Primary School and Secondary School?

Primary school and secondary school are two distinct levels of education with differences in terms of age groups, curriculum, and overall focus. Here are the key differences between primary and secondary schools:

Primary School

The primary school includes students from around 5 to 11 years old. It covers the early stages of formal education and focuses on building foundational skills. The primary school curriculum is designed to provide a broad educational foundation. It often includes subjects such as mathematics, English or language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education. The focus is on building basic literacy and numeracy skills. Primary schools lay the foundation for a child's future education, providing essential skills and knowledge that prepare them for more advanced learning in secondary school and beyond. The educational experiences during these formative years are crucial for a child's academic and personal development.

Secondary School

A secondary school, often referred to as a high school, is an educational institution that provides education to students in the age range of approximately 11 to 18 years old. The specific age range can vary depending on the country and its educational system.

The curriculum in secondary schools is more specialized and in-depth compared to primary education. Students study a range of subjects, including mathematics, sciences, languages, social studies, and often have the opportunity to choose elective courses based on their interests. Secondary schools play a crucial role in the overall development of students, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed for further education, careers, and personal growth.

Neha Gupte

CO, MS

Pune, a city known for its rich educational heritage, hosts several top-notch CBSE schools that go beyond conventional learning paradigms.

1. Quality Teaching
   • The hallmark of top CBSE schools is a faculty of experienced and dedicated educators committed to providing high-quality education.
   • Emphasis on continuous teacher training to keep educators abreast of the latest teaching methodologies and trends.
2. Holistic Development
   • A comprehensive approach to education that nurtures not only academic excellence but also focuses on the overall development of students, including their physical, emotional, and social well-being.
3. Curriculum
   • A well-structured CBSE curriculum that integrates national and global perspectives, fostering a broad and deep understanding of subjects.
4. Infrastructure
   • State-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure that support a conducive learning environment, including well-equipped classrooms, libraries, science labs, and sports facilities.
5. Co-curricular Activities
   • Robust co-curricular programs that encompass sports, arts, music, dance, and other activities to encourage students to explore and develop their talents beyond academics.
6. Supportive Environment
   • A nurturing and inclusive atmosphere that encourages students to express themselves, fostering a sense of belonging and emotional well-being.
7. Parent-Teacher Collaboration
   • Active involvement of parents in their child's education through regular parent-teacher interactions, workshops, and feedback sessions.
8. Value-Based Education
   • Integration of core values and ethical principles into the curriculum to instil a strong sense of morality and responsibility in students.
9. Assessment and Evaluation
   • Comprehensive and fair assessment systems that go beyond traditional exams, including continuous evaluation methods to gauge students' understanding and progress.
10. Technological Integration
    • Incorporation of modern technology into the teaching-learning process to enhance engagement and prepare students for the digital age.
11. Student-Centred Learning
    • Focus on personalized learning approaches that cater to individual learning styles and strengths, promoting self-directed learning.
12. Professional Development
    • Ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers to stay updated on the latest educational methodologies and technological advancements.
13. Inclusive Environment
    • Specialised support systems for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring an inclusive education for all.
14. Community Outreach
    • Active involvement in community service projects, encouraging students to contribute positively to society and develop a sense of social responsibility.
15. Local to Global Perspective
    • Exposure to a curriculum that incorporates both local cultural contexts and a global outlook, preparing students to thrive in an interconnected world.

In the dynamic landscape of education, these features make the top CBSE schools in Pune stand out as institutions that not only impart knowledge but also shape well-rounded individuals equipped to face the challenges of the future. As the educational leaders of 2023, these schools continue to redefine excellence in education.

Rina Anthony, PGT, English