The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released a thorough set of guidelines governing the operations of its sports competitions. These guidelines address various aspects such as competition structure, eligibility criteria, roles of technical officials, provisions for grants, and mechanisms for grievance redressal.

According to the newly established framework, competitions are categorised into three levels: Cluster, Zonal, and National. Events with higher participation, including Athletics, Basketball, Football (Boys), Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Table Tennis, and Volleyball, will be held at the Cluster level. Other events such as Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Chess, Football (Girls), Handball, Hockey, Judo, Shooting, Skating, Swimming, Taekwondo, Tennis, and Yogasana will take place at the Zonal level. Direct participation at the National level is reserved for events like Aerobics, Gymnastics, and Rope Skipping. Winners from Cluster and Zonal stages will qualify for the National competition.

International schools participating in these events can compete under designated Foreign Zones and will be eligible to qualify directly for the national competitions. This structured approach aims to enhance competitive standards while encouraging participation across varying skill levels.

Eligibility Criteria and Registration Process for Participants

The guidelines stipulate that the age of participants will be determined as of December 31 of the year in which the events occur. For the 2026-27 competitions, eligibility is defined for categories as follows: Under-11 for students born on or after January 1, 2016; Under-14 for those born on or after January 1, 2013; Under-17 for participants born on or after January 1, 2010; and Under-19 for those born on or after January 1, 2008. Students are required to register through an online platform, using a UID-based system to gain approval from the organising institution.

This online registration aims to streamline participant entries and ensure proper documentation. Furthermore, only students actively enrolled in member schools will be permitted to compete in these competitions, fostering an environment of fair representation.

In addition to age verification, schools must ensure that all students meet the necessary academic and eligibility standards established by CBSE before registration is finalised.

Requirements for Organising Schools and Grants Provided

The CBCB guidelines specify that the responsibility for hiring sufficiently qualified technical officials, including umpires and referees, rests with the schools organising the competitions. These officials should be sourced from their respective District or State Sports Associations or Federations to maintain fairness in play.

The selection of organising schools will involve an online application process, recommendations from Regional Sports Committees, and final approval from the National Sports Committee. Organising schools are also required to demonstrate adequate infrastructure, meeting the criteria set forth by the Sports Authority of India, and must provide supporting documentation such as videos of their facilities.

CBSE will provide fixed sports grants to these schools, amounting to Rs 2 lakh for Cluster and Zonal competitions and Rs 3 lakh for National competitions. Specific grants for Athletics and Swimming will be Rs 4 lakh at Cluster and Zonal levels and Rs 5 lakh at the National level. The total amount allocated for grants is set at Rs 6.32 crore for 2023-24, Rs 12.13 crore for 2024-25, and Rs 9 crore for 2025-26.

These grants may be utilised for a variety of approved expenses, including referee fees, technical official payments, infrastructure maintenance, sports equipment, and other logistical needs.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share