Published on November 05 , 2025
Delhi, India
In a significant push for administrative efficiency, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has reiterated its stance against countersigning transfer certificates (TCs), directing all affiliated schools to cease forwarding such requests to headquarters or regional offices. Announced via a circular on November 5, 2025, this guideline builds on prior discontinuations, aiming to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that have long plagued inter-school transfers. With over 28,000 CBSE schools nationwide serving 24 million students, this update promises smoother transitions, particularly amid rising mobility due to job relocations and urban migrations, while aligning with national digitization goals under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The Core Announcement: No More Countersignature Requests
CBSE’s directive is crystal clear and immediate in intent:
- Primary Instruction: Schools must not send any TC countersignature requests to CBSE headquarters or regional offices, effective as a reinforcement of existing policy.
- Historical Precedent: The board had already discontinued countersignatures for TCs issued from one CBSE-affiliated school to another, yet persistent non-adherence prompted this fresh reminder.
- Scope of Application: Applies universally to all TCs, regardless of the receiving institution—be it another CBSE school, state board, or international setup.
- Enforcement Mechanism: Schools are urged to self-attest TCs internally, leveraging digital verification tools for authenticity.
This policy underscores CBSE’s commitment to reducing paperwork, with the circular serving as a formal nudge to comply without specified penalties for violations.
Reasons Driving the Policy Change: Tackling Inefficiencies Head-On
The decision stems from practical pain points identified through stakeholder feedback and operational reviews:
- Stakeholder Inconvenience: Persistent requests from non-compliant schools have delayed TC processing, causing distress for parents and students during critical admission windows.
- Barrier to Digitization: Manual countersignatures contradict CBSE’s digital initiatives, such as the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+) and PARAKH assessments, slowing the shift to paperless ecosystems.
- Resource Drain: Regional offices report hundreds of such queries annually, diverting staff from core functions like exam reforms and curriculum updates.
- Equity Concerns: Delays disproportionately affect migrant families and economically weaker sections, exacerbating access gaps in a diverse nation like India.
By addressing these, CBSE aims to foster a more responsive system, potentially cutting processing times from weeks to days.
Implications for Schools, Students, and the Education Ecosystem
This shift carries wide-reaching benefits, reshaping daily operations and long-term strategies:
- For Schools: Reduced administrative burden allows focus on teaching; principals must update internal protocols and train staff on digital attestation via the CBSE portal.
- For Students and Parents: Faster TC issuance means quicker admissions—vital for mid-year transfers—with no loss of academic continuity; safeguards against fraud via QR-coded digital TCs.
- Systemic Gains: Accelerates NEP goals for flexible schooling, supporting multi-board exposures and reducing dropout risks during transitions.
- Potential Challenges: Initial resistance from habit-bound institutions; CBSE plans awareness webinars to ensure smooth adoption.
Overall, it could save millions in opportunity costs, empowering 24 million CBSE learners with greater fluidity.
Insights from CBSE Leadership: Quotes and Vision
CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj articulated the urgency in the circular: “However, the CBSE Headquarters and regional offices still receive requests for countersignature of transfer certificates. Non-compliance of CBSE guidelines by schools causes huge inconvenience to stakeholders and is also a hindrance to facilitating all in this age of digitisation.” He further emphasized, “Hence, all schools are once again reminded that there is no need for countersignature of any transfer certificate.” These words highlight a vision for a tech-forward board, echoing CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh’s broader push for “student-centric reforms” at recent conclaves.
Historical Context and Related Guidelines: Building on Reforms
This isn’t CBSE’s first rodeo in simplifying processes:
- Evolution Timeline: Countersignatures were routine pre-2018 but phased out amid Aadhaar-linked verifications; the 2023 circular formalized discontinuation for intra-CBSE transfers.
- Linked Initiatives: Ties into the CBSE’s Digital Initiative for Quality Education (DIQE) and the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), enabling seamless credit transfers without physical docs.
- Compliance Tools: Schools can access templates and FAQs on cbse.gov.in; related circulars include those on e-TC formats from 2024.
- Monitoring: Annual audits via the CBSE School Affiliation Byelaws will track adherence, with incentives for digital frontrunners.
As India marks the NEP’s fifth year, this fits a tapestry of reforms prioritizing ease over excess.
