The Central Board of Open Schooling and Examination (CBOSE) is an autonomous, national-level open schooling education board in India that provides an alternative and inclusive academic pathway for learners who are unable to pursue education through the conventional school system. Established in 2021 through a resolution of its Governing Council, CBOSE was founded with the objective of delivering secondary and senior secondary education through open and distance learning.
One of the defining strengths of CBOSE is its nationwide network of affiliated open schools and ARC/PRC (Accredited Resource Centers and Program Resource Centers), which collectively form a strong academic support system across India.
Overview of CBOSE Affiliated Open Schools and ARC Centers
CBOSE operates more than 1,000 affiliated open schools and ARC/PRC centers across different states and regions of India. These institutions function as the backbone of the Board’s open schooling framework, ensuring educational access for learners from diverse socio-economic and geographic backgrounds.
CBOSE affiliated open schools are authorized institutions that deliver academic instruction aligned with the CBOSE curriculum. They support learners enrolled in Class 10 and Class 12 programmes and provide academic guidance, learner mentoring, and localized support while maintaining the academic standards prescribed by the Board.
Role of ARC and PRC Centers Under CBOSE
ARC and PRC centers play a crucial role in strengthening the open schooling ecosystem under the Central Board of Open Schooling and Examination. These centers act as facilitation and support hubs for learners enrolled through the open schooling system.
Their key functions include student admission assistance, academic counseling, learner orientation, distribution of study materials, examination coordination, and vocational guidance. Through these centers, CBOSE ensures learners receive structured support while remaining part of a nationally standardized education system.
History and Establishment of the Central Board of Open Schooling and Examination
The establishment of the Central Board of Open Schooling and Examination was driven by India’s growing need for flexible and alternative education systems. A significant section of learners, including adult learners, working professionals, school dropouts, women, and individuals from remote areas, required an academic framework beyond traditional classroom-based schooling.
CBOSE was founded in alignment with national education reforms aimed at increasing educational access, promoting equity, and encouraging lifelong learning. The Board was conceptualized as a complementary academic route that works alongside existing school boards.
Institutional Development and Academic Framework
During its initial phase, CBOSE focused on developing academic standards suitable for open and distance learning. While maintaining equivalence with conventional schooling practices, the Board adopted a learner-centered approach that allowed flexibility in subject selection and learning pace.
The academic framework of CBOSE is aligned with the National Education Policy, NCERT curriculum guidelines, NSQF standards, and relevant Government of India policies. This alignment ensures both quality and national relevance.
Role of CBOSE in India’s Open Schooling System
As part of India’s open schooling ecosystem, CBOSE holds responsibility for curriculum development, assessment, and certification. Its teaching and learning methodology emphasizes accessibility, academic equity, and recognition of learner achievement.
Through its affiliated open schools and ARC centers, CBOSE contributes to the national goal of education for all by providing structured yet flexible academic pathways.
Examinations and Assessments Through CBOSE Affiliated Centers
The Central Board of Open Schooling and Examination conducts regular examinations for Secondary Education (Class 10) and Senior Secondary Education (Class 12) under the open schooling framework.
The examination system is designed to balance flexibility with academic rigor. Learners are assessed through structured evaluation methods that ensure transparency, fairness, and convenience. ARC and affiliated open schools play an important role in examination coordination and learner support.
Academic Flexibility and Continuous Reforms
CBOSE is recognized for its learner-centric academic approach. It provides flexible academic and examination options that cater to diverse learner profiles, including employed individuals and adult learners.
The Board regularly updates its academic and assessment processes to stay aligned with evolving education policies and the changing needs of learners, reinforcing its commitment to continuous improvement.
Objectives and Social Commitment of CBOSE
The primary objective of CBOSE is to promote inclusive education for learners who face barriers to conventional schooling. Its focus groups include economically weaker sections, working children, school dropouts, women and housewives, minority communities, persons with disabilities, and marginalized and backward classes.
In accordance with Article 21-A of the Indian Constitution and the Right to Education Act, 2009, CBOSE aims to expand access to quality education across India and internationally.
Educational Programmes Offered Through CBOSE Network
Through open and distance learning, CBOSE offers Secondary Education (Class 10), Senior Secondary Education (Class 12), vocational education programmes, skill development and self-reliance training, and special educational schemes for women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
These programmes are delivered through its extensive network of affiliated open schools and ARC/PRC centers.
Vision and Mission of CBOSE
The vision of the Central Board of Open Schooling and Examination is to create an education system where quality, equality, and opportunity are unified. Its mission is to establish an open learning environment that accommodates diverse learner needs and encourages both traditional and non-traditional educational pathways.
CBOSE views education as a tool for empowerment, personal growth, and nation-building.
Nature of Organisation
CBOSE is an autonomous, national-level academic authority engaged in open schooling, alternative education models, and inclusive learning frameworks. It does not function as a commercial or charitable relief organization.
Achievements and Recognition
Through its wide network of affiliated open schools and ARC centers in India, the Central Board of Open Schooling and Examination has contributed significantly to improving access to education for marginalized and non-traditional learners. Its student-centered and flexible approach aligns with constitutional values and national education policies supporting inclusive and lifelong learning.