PROCESS OF SCHOOL REGISTRATION IN WEST BENGAL

Starting a school in West Bengal involves several approvals depending on the level of the school (Primary / Secondary / HS). Below is a step-by-step guide.

1. Decide Type of School

You must decide whether the school will be:

• Primary School (Class I–V)
• Upper Primary School (Class VI–VIII)
• Secondary School (Class IX–X)
• Higher Secondary School (Class XI–XII)

Each level requires separate approval from different authorities.

2. Set Up a Legal Entity (Mandatory)

The school must be run by a Registered Society or Trust.

Documents required:

• Registration certificate
• Memorandum/Trust
• PAN
• Address proof
• Governing body list

Private individuals cannot directly run a school—must form Society/Trust.

3. Land & Building Requirements?

• Minimum land as per School Education Department norms
• Land must be owned or registered lease (minimum 30 years)
• Building plan approved by Municipality / Panchayat / Local Authority
• Ensure availability of:
        o Classrooms
        o Library
        o Laboratory (for Secondary/HS)
        o Staff room
        o Playground (desirable)
        o Drinking water
        o Toilets for boys & girls

4. Obtain “NOC” (No Objection Certificate)

NOC is required from the District Inspector of Schools (DI).

For Primary Schools:

• Apply to District Primary School Council (DPSC) or Sishu Shiksha Mission.

For Secondary/HS:

• Apply to the District Inspector of Schools (Secondary).

Documents needed for NOC:

• Society/Trust registration documents
• School project report
• Land documents
• Building plan
• Infrastructure details
• Proposed staff list
• Financial capability certificate

5. Apply for Recognition / Affiliation

A. Primary School (I-V)

Authority:

District Primary School Council (DPSC) or WBBPE (West Bengal Board of Primary Education).

Steps:

1. Submit application with land, building, and management details
2. Inspection committee visit
3. Fulfilment of RTE Act norms
4. Grant of recognition certificate

B. Upper Primary / Secondary / HS School

Authority:

WBBSE (West Bengal Board of Secondary Education)for Class VI–X

WBCHSE (West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education)for Class XI–XII

Steps:

1. Submit application to DI of Schools (Secondary)
2. DI forwards to WBBSE/WBCHSE
3. Inspection committee verification
4. Recommendation sent by District Authority
5. Recognition/Affiliation Granted

Additional requirements for Secondary/HS:

• Laboratories (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
• Additional rooms
• Qualified subject teachers
• Library with minimum books

6. Staffing Requirements

As per state norms:

• Teachers must have required qualifications (B.Ed, D.El.Ed, etc.)
• Non-teaching staff like:

        o Clerk
        o Group-D staff
        o Librarian (for Secondary & HS)

7. Fire Safety, Building Stability & Health Certificates

Mandatory certificates:

• Fire Safety Certificate from Fire Department
• Building Stability Certificate from licensed engineer
• Sanitation/Health Certificate from Health Department

8. Apply for School Code (U-DISE Code)

After recognition, apply for a U-DISE Code through:

• BEO/DI Office
• Samagra Shiksha Mission portal

U-DISE Code is compulsory for:

• School grants
• Government schemes
• Exam registration

9. Registration Under RTE Act (For Classes I-VIII)

Mandatory compliance:

• RTE teacher-student ratio
• Free & compulsory education provisions
• Inclusive education norms

10. Final Approval & Operational Status

After:

• NOC
• Recognition/Affiliation
• Fire safety & stability certificates
• U-DISE registration

The school becomes officially eligible to run classes.

Documents Generally Required

• Society/Trust registration
• Land documents
• Building plan (approved)
• Completion certificate
• Fire certificate
• Health/Sanitation certificate
• Staff details
• Infrastructure details
• Project report
• Financial capability certificate
• Photos of school building