FAQs on Dummy Schools in India
- What are dummy schools?
Answer: Dummy schools are formally registered educational institutions, typically affiliated with boards like the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), where students are enrolled but not required to attend regular classes. These schools allow students to focus on preparing for competitive entrance exams, such as JEE (engineering) or NEET (medical), while maintaining eligibility for board examinations.
- Why do students enrol in dummy schools?
Answer: Students enrol in dummy schools to dedicate their time to coaching institutes that specialize in preparing them for competitive exams. These schools enable students to bypass regular school attendance, optimize their study schedules, and sometimes gain access to state-specific quotas for admissions to medical or engineering colleges.
- What is the CBSE’s new policy regarding dummy schools?
Answer: As of March 27, 2025, the CBSE has announced that students found enrolled in dummy schools and not attending regular classes during surprise inspections will be barred from appearing in Class 12 board examinations. Such students may need to take the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) exams instead. The policy aims to curb the practice of dummy schools and enforce mandatory attendance requirements.
- Why are dummy schools considered a problem?
Answer: Dummy schools undermine the holistic education provided by regular schools, which includes academic learning, extracurricular activities, and social development. They violate CBSE regulations, such as the mandatory 75% attendance rule, and contribute to inequities by favouring students who can afford coaching fees. Additionally, they place excessive pressure on students to focus solely on entrance exams, potentially impacting their mental health.
- How are coaching institutes related to dummy schools?
Answer: Coaching institutes, which prepare students for competitive exams like JEE and NEET, often collaborate with dummy schools. Students attend coaching classes full-time while remaining formally enrolled in dummy schools to meet board exam eligibility requirements. This relationship benefits both parties, as coaching institutes gain students, and dummy schools collect fees without instruction.
- Why do parents prefer dummy schools for their children?
Answer: Parents prefer dummy schools because coaching institutes offer better preparation for entrance exams than regular schools. These schools provide flexibility, reduce scheduling conflicts, and allow students to claim state-specific quotas for admissions. Social pressure to secure prestigious careers in engineering or medicine also drives parental preference.
- What are the benefits of dummy schools for students?
Answer: For students, dummy schools offer focused preparation for competitive exams, access to state quotas for college admissions, and reduced stress from managing regular school schedules. They allow students to prioritize coaching classes tailored to entrance exam syllabi.
- What are the consequences for schools promoting dummy enrollment?
Answer: Schools found promoting dummy enrollment or sponsoring non-attending students face disciplinary action under CBSE’s affiliation and examination bylaws; this could include fines, disaffiliation, or other penalties, as the CBSE aims to enforce compliance with educational standards.
- Can students from dummy schools still appear for board exams?
Answer: Under the new CBSE policy, students identified as non-attending during inspections may be barred from appearing for Class 12 board exams. They may be required to take the NIOS exams instead. However, students who meet the 75% attendance requirement or qualify for relaxations (e.g., medical emergencies) can still appear for CBSE exams.
- What is the role of state quotas in the popularity of dummy schools?
Answer: Dummy schools in certain states, like Delhi, allow students to claim state-specific quotas for admissions to medical and engineering colleges. These quotas reserve seats for students who complete their senior secondary education in the state, providing a significant incentive to enrol in dummy schools in those regions.
- Are there any mental health concerns associated with dummy schools?
Answer: Yes, the intense focus on entrance exam preparation, facilitated by dummy schools and coaching institutes, can lead to significant mental health challenges. Studies indicate that many JEE and NEET aspirants experience anxiety, depression, or burnout due to the high-pressure environment, particularly in coaching hubs like Kota.
- What alternatives exist for students barred from CBSE exams due to dummy school enrollment?
Answer: Students barred from CBSE board exams can approach the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to appear for equivalent examinations. The CBSE is exploring guidelines with NIOS to streamline this process, with implementation expected from the 2025-2026 academic session.
- Why don’t regular schools suffice for competitive exam preparation?
Answer: Regular school curricula are designed for holistic education and may not fully align with the specialized syllabi of competitive exams like JEE or NEET. Coaching institutes offer targeted training, practice tests, and strategies that students and parents perceive as more effective, leading to the preference for dummy schools.
- How will the CBSE enforce its policy against dummy schools?
Answer: The CBSE plans to conduct surprise inspections to identify non-attending students enrolled in dummy schools. Schools violating regulations will face disciplinary action, and students may be redirected to NIOS. The board is also considering amending its examination bylaws to strengthen enforcement.
- What can address the root causes of dummy schools?
Answer: Addressing dummy schools requires systemic reforms, such as aligning school curricula with entrance exam requirements, improving access to quality education, and reducing reliance on coaching institutes. Promoting holistic education, supporting student mental health, and expanding seats in top institutions could also reduce the demand for such schools.
