The New CBSE School Affiliation System (SARAS): An Overview
Introduction
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has redefined its affiliation process with the launch of the School Affiliation Re-Engineered Automation System (SARAS). This initiative is part of CBSE’s digital transformation to make school affiliation simpler, faster, transparent, and paperless.
The SARAS system is designed to ensure that schools across India can complete the entire affiliation process — from application to approval — online, promoting efficiency and accountability.
What is SARAS?
SARAS (School Affiliation Re-Engineered Automation System) is an advanced digital platform introduced by CBSE to manage and monitor the affiliation process of schools.
It brings all affiliation-related activities under one online system, replacing the traditional, manual approach with a transparent, technology-driven framework.
Objectives of SARAS
- To make the affiliation process simpler and faster
- To ensure transparency and accountability in approvals
- To promote digitalgovernance in the education sector
- To reduce human intervention and improve efficiency
Key Features of the SARAS System
- Fully Automated Workflow: The entire affiliation process — from application submission to final approval — is handled digitally.
- Online Application and Fee Payment:Schools can register, fill forms, and pay fees online through the SARAS portal.
- Document Upload and Verification: Mandatory documents are uploaded and verified digitally, minimizing paperwork and manual errors.
- Real-Time Status Tracking: Schools can track their application status at every stage on the portal.
- Transparency and Accountability: Every step in the process is time-stamped and monitored to ensure fairness and reduce delays.
Types of Affiliation Covered
The SARAS system manages multiple types of affiliation:
- Fresh Affiliation – For newly established schools.
- Upgradation of Affiliation – For schools adding higher classes.
- Extension of Affiliation – For renewal of existing affiliations.
- Switch Over / Additional Subjects – For changing streams or adding subjects.
Benefits of SARAS for Schools
- Paperless Process – Eliminates physical document submission.
- Time Efficiency – Reduces waiting time for approval.
- User-Friendly Dashboard – Easy access to status, notices, and updates.
- Improved Compliance – Built-in validation helps schools meet CBSE norms easily.
- Transparency – Schools can clearly see each step of the process.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply
- Visit the official portal – [https://saras.cbse.gov.in](https://saras.cbse.gov.in)
- Register your school using the online form.
- Fill in all required details and upload supporting documents.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Track your application through the dashboard until approval.
• Impact on School Governance
The SARAS system represents CBSE’s vision of “Ease of Doing Education’’ by reducing administrative delays and enhancing trust through transparency. It ensures that schools focus more on education quality and student outcomes rather than complex paperwork.
CONCLUSION :The CBSE SARAS system marks a significant step toward modernization in the education sector. By integrating technology into the affiliation process, CBSE has ensured efficiency, accountability, and convenience for schools across India.
SARAS is more than a portal — it’s a step toward digital transformation in school management.