The Maharashtra government will review and regulate school names to prevent misleading terminology. The state education department aims to stop institutions from using terms like ‘international’, ‘global’, and ‘CBSE’ without meeting strict criteria. This initiative seeks to reduce confusion among students, parents, and the public regarding school affiliations and standards.
Curbing Misleading Terminology
A senior education department official confirmed the decision. Many schools currently use terms like ‘international’ or ‘global’ in their names without having overseas branches or affiliations with recognized international boards. Similarly, schools not affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) inappropriately use ‘CBSE’ in their titles.
The state’s Directorate of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education highlighted wide variations in school names. This includes schools affiliated with the state board, Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), and CBSE using terms that create public confusion. This review will address both new proposals and existing schools.
Review Process for School Names
New proposals for school recognition will undergo a detailed examination. Officials will assess the school’s proposed name, board affiliation, medium of instruction, and whether it operates other schools nationally or internationally. If a name is found misleading, the school must change it before its proposal moves to state authorities for approval.
Existing schools with misleading names will also face review. Field officers have been instructed to verify compliance. The department has already identified **11 new schools** across Maharashtra using the word ‘international’ improperly. Revised proposals are now required from these institutions.
Defining ‘International’ and ‘Global’
Specific criteria now define the use of certain terms:
- ‘Global’ : Only schools with branches in two or more countries can use this term.
- ‘International’ : Schools must be affiliated with Cambridge International Education or the International Baccalaureate (IB) to use ‘international’. Alternatively, they must have overseas branches.
- ‘CBSE’ : Using ‘CBSE’ in a school name is legally inappropriate. CBSE refers to the Central government’s examination board, not a type of school.
The circular also noted that some schools approved as Marathi-medium institutions are incorrectly using ‘English medium’ in their names. Such practices mislead potential students and parents about the primary language of instruction.
Decision Follows December Meeting
The issue was discussed during a meeting on **December 10**. A state-level authority was reviewing proposals for new self-financed schools and upgradation. The panel concluded that misleading terms in school names deceive parents and students. Consequently, they directed such institutions to change their names.
The government aims to ensure transparency in school information. This review prevents misrepresentation and safeguards the interests of students and their families by providing clear, accurate details about school affiliations and standards.