Misleading School Names: Maharashtra Govt Instructs Schools Not to Use Global, International or CBSE Tags Unless Verified
The state education department cracks down on misleading school names, including unauthorized use of ‘CBSE’ and ‘English Medium’ tags.
In a move to protect parents from deceptive branding, the Maharashtra School Education Department has issued a strict directive prohibiting schools from using terms like ‘International’, ‘Global’, and ‘CBSE’ in their names without meeting specific eligibility standards. The circular, issued on December 15, 2025, marks a significant regulatory shift aimed at ensuring transparency in the state’s educational landscape.
New Rules for ‘International’ and ‘Global’ Branding
Under the new guidelines, the state has clearly defined who can use prestigious titles. Schools can now only use the word ‘Global’ if they operate campuses in two or more countries.
Similarly, the term ‘International’ is now reserved exclusively for institutions officially affiliated with globally recognized boards such as Cambridge International Education or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Schools following the State Board (SSC) or other national boards can no longer use these tags to enhance their market appeal.
Misuse of ‘CBSE’ and ‘Medium of Instruction’
The directive also addresses the widespread misuse of board names. Many schools were found incorporating “CBSE” into their registered names despite being affiliated with the State Board. The department clarified that “CBSE” refers to a specific Central Government examination board and cannot be part of a school’s title unless officially sanctioned.
Furthermore, a crackdown is underway against schools registered as Marathi-medium institutions that use “English Medium” in their names to attract admissions. The state has warned that the school’s name must strictly reflect its approved medium of instruction and board affiliation.
Impact on New and Existing Schools
The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has already begun enforcement. During a high-level meeting on December 10, 2025, officials flagged 11 new school proposals that were sent back for mandatory name revisions.
For existing schools, the review process will be triggered during the renewal of approval, which occurs every three years under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Education officers have been instructed to scrutinize names, board affiliations, and international linkages before granting renewals.
What Parents in Pune and Maharashtra Should Know
Education officials, including Joint Director Shriram Panzade, emphasized that these misleading names often lead to “wide variations” in fee structures and false expectations regarding curriculum. Parents are advised to:
- Verify Affiliation: Check the official board website (CBSE, IB, or Cambridge) for the school’s code.
- Check Registration: Ensure the school’s medium of instruction in government records matches its public name.
- Report Discrepancies: Note that schools failing to comply may face delays in their recognition or official penalties.
