This is not planned as a one-day celebration or a symbolic gesture. CBSE has clearly asked schools to take it up over the year, giving students time to slowly understand the meaning and importance of Vande Mataram. The focus is on steady engagement rather than a single event that gets forgotten soon after.

What is the objective of the CBSE Vande Mataram initiative?

At its core, the initiative is about helping students relate to national values in a more real way. Vande Mataram is often heard during assemblies, but many students do not fully know where it comes from or why it holds such importance.

Through activities spread across the year, schools can help students explore their connection with India’s freedom movement, culture, and sense of unity. Instead of memorising facts, students get a chance to think, ask questions, and express their understanding through art, writing, music, and discussion.

Who should follow these guidelines?

The circular applies to all CBSE-affiliated schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other central schools. Heads of schools are expected to ensure that activities are conducted and that updates are shared as required. CBSE has not asked for elaborate events. What matters more is regular participation and honest effort across the year.

Month-wise action plan shared by CBSE

To help schools plan without confusion, CBSE has suggested a month-wise set of activities. These are not strict instructions. Schools can adjust them based on their academic schedule, student age groups, and available time. Below is an overview of the suggested plan.

Reporting requirements for schools

Schools are expected to share monthly updates of the activities conducted. This usually includes short descriptions, a few photographs, and basic participation details. CBSE has provided an online form to make this process easier.

It would help schools to keep simple records month by month so that reporting does not feel rushed or last-minute.

How schools can implement this smoothly

This programme does not require extra periods or major changes to the timetable. Many of the activities can be included during morning assemblies, art classes, language periods, or club time.

Younger students may enjoy drawing, singing, or short performances. Furthermore, older students can be encouraged to write, discuss, or reflect on what Vande Mataram means in today’s context. With small adjustments, schools can fit these activities into their routine without adding pressure.

More than a celebration, a learning journey

The year-long Vande Mataram initiative is meant to go beyond celebration. It gives schools a chance to help students understand the ideas behind national symbols and why they still matter. When carried out steadily through the year, the programme can turn into a meaningful learning experience, one that students are likely to remember even after the celebrations come to an end.

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What is Swachh Evam Harit Vidyalaya Rating (SHVR)?

SHVR is a school assessment framework that checks how well schools maintain hygiene, sanitation, and green practices. It covers both school hygiene and environmental sustainability in education. A high SHVR score gives schools recognition at the district, state, or national level. The top-performing schools receive a 5-star SHVR rating.

Why SHVR matters today

Students spend a considerable amount of time in school. This is the place where they also learn good habits and values. They learn about hygiene, waste management, and sustainability among other things, that directly affect their health and well-being. Sustainable practices and environmental awareness are also important for preparing them to face global challenges.

With the previous Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar involving participation by over 8.23 lakh schools, with improvements made to SHVR, and starting to target every school, whether government, government-aided or private, either rural or urban, across India. SHVR will aim to promote awareness of citizenship skills, fundamental duties, and environmental values in young learners by incorporating simple methods of maintaining cleanliness and sustainability. Furthermore, SHVR embraces Samagra Shiksha and Mission LiFE – this initiative reached beyond rating for cleanliness but will also provide insights to establishing healthy schools and green schools.

What are the SHVR Evaluation Categories?

The SHVR assessment looks at six areas, with over 60 indicators in total:

1. Water
2. Toilets
3. Handwashing
4. Operation and Maintenance
5. Behaviour Change and Capacity Building
6. Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)

The SHVR Application Process

The Swachh Evam Harit Vidyalaya Rating application process is simple:

• Register on the SHVR portal using UDISE+ code or through the mobile app.
• Fill in the self-assessment form.
• Based on performance, a star rating will be given across different categories.

Schools can contact the helpdesk in case of any issues related to the portal, password ot SHVR certificate download errors.

Benefits of Swachh Evam Harit Vidyalaya Rating (SHVR) for Schools

• Students attend school more regularly when they are healthy. Provision of resources like clean classrooms, safe drinking water, and proper sanitation, reduce the chances of students falling ill.
• Students develop habits like handwashing, waste separation, etc. and these habits then become a part of daily routine.
• A school with a high SHVR rating builds trust among the parents and community members.
• Efficient use of resources lowers costs and ensures sustainable operations of the school.

How to Achieve a 5-Star SHVR Rating

• Maintain and monitor toilets and handwashing stations daily.
• Conduct Mission LiFE activities regularly.
• Train staff and students on hygiene and environment.
• Keep proper records and upload evidence during self-assessment.
• Encourage student-led initiatives like cleanliness drives.

Important Dates for SHVR 2025-26

• Last Date for Registration: 30 September 2025
• Results & Recognition Ceremony: 2026

FAQs on SHVR

1. Is SHVR compulsory for all schools?
   Yes. All CBSE-affiliated schools with a valid UDISE code must register for SHVR 2025-26.
2. Can private schools apply for SHVR?
   Yes. Government, private, tribal, minority, KVS, NVS, and residential schools are all eligible.
3. How is the SHVR score calculated?
   The score is based on 60+ indicators across six categories like water, toilets, handwashing, and Mission LiFE.
4. What are the documents needed for SHVR registration?
   Basic school details, UDISE+ code, photos, and evidence of facilities.
5. How to download the SHVR certificate?
   After verification, schools can log into the SHVR portal to download their certificate in PDF.

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What’s Driving This Move?

In recent years, cases of Type 2 diabetes among children have risen sharply. This condition was once rare in school-age kids. Today, it’s becoming common because of one factor i.e. excessive sugar intake.

Studies show that children aged 4-10 get around 13% of their daily calories from sugar. For teens aged 11-18, that figure jumps to 15%. Experts recommend only 5%. The gap is alarming. Much of this extra sugar comes from snacks and drinks sold in schools or packed in lunch boxes.

High sugar diets don’t just lead to diabetes. They cause obesity, tooth decay, and other metabolic issues. Poor health affects learning too as students who fall sick or lack energy struggle in class.

What Are CBSE Sugar Boards?

According to the circular, every school must display information boards that educate students about the risks of excessive sugar intake. These are not decorative charts. They are tools for food literacy and healthy eating habits. A CBSE Sugar Board should show:

• How much sugar a child should have in a day.
• How much sugar is hidden in common foods like biscuits, cold drinks, and packaged snacks.
• The health problems linked to too much sugar such as diabetes, obesity, and tooth decay.
• Simple, better choices like fruits, nuts, and snacks with less sugar.

When placed in areas students frequently visit—canteens, corridors, or assembly points—these boards can start conversations and change choices.

Why This Matters for Schools and Students

This mandate is part of a broader push to build healthy school environments. Reducing sugar consumption is not just about diet, it’s about preventing long-term illness. Excess sugar can cause obesity, early diabetes, and tooth decay, but the effects don’t stop there. Children who consume high-sugar diets are at risk of poor concentration and low academic performance. A balanced diet supports mental clarity and physical stamina. The CBSE Sugar Boards initiative also supports childhood diabetes prevention and aligns with national priorities on student wellness.

Beyond the Display Boards

The circular advises schools to go a step further. Along with boards, schools should conduct awareness seminars and workshops for students and parents. These sessions can include:

• How to read nutrition labels.
• Understanding FSSAI guidelines for sugar in school foods.
• The impact of excessive sugar on student health.
• Tips for promoting low-sugar options in school cafeterias.

How to Make It Effective

Here are practical ways to implement the CBSE Sugar Boards mandate:

• Use visuals to compare sugar cubes with actual snacks for easy understanding.
• Keep the language simple so even primary students can follow.
• Update the board regularly with seasonal snack examples.
• Add a section with ‘Did You Know?’ facts about sugar and health.

Schools can also link these boards with student wellness programs, making healthy eating part of the curriculum.

The CBSE Sugar Boards directive is more than compliance, it’s an opportunity. When students learn why sugar matters and how to choose better, habits change. Schools play a big role here, Every board, every session can help reduce the risk of diabetes and create a healthier generation.

Change starts with awareness. However, this time, it begins with a simple board on a school wall.

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The CBSE Oil Board initiative 2025 is the latest in line of the health related campaigns being introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). This is to promote health awareness in students. All CBSE-affiliated schools must display oil boards in various parts of their school. These boards show the type of oil being used and key health details like saturated fat and trans fat content.

The goal is simple. It is to create awareness about oils and reduce the risk of obesity and lifestyle-related diseases among students.

Why Did CBSE Introduce Oil Boards?

India is facing an increase in childhood obesity. NFHS-5 data shows that more children today are overweight compared to a decade ago. Reports like the Lancet GBD 2021 obesity forecast predict this trend will grow if unhealthy eating habits continue. One major issue is the use of oils high in trans fats and saturated fats in school food. These increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and poor health in later years. To address this, CBSE partnered with FSSAI to set up guidelines that focus on healthy eating in schools. Oil boards are part of these guidelines.

What Do CBSE Oil Boards Include?

An oil board is a simple display board either digital or static, placed in a school’s common areas to raise awareness on harmful consumption, health messages to reinforce daily reminders on fighting obesity. They will also display healthier food alternatives and physical activity initiatives. This small step will make a big difference. It will inform students, teachers, and vendors about healthy choices every day.

How Does It Help Students?

Poor eating habits affect more than just physical health, they also affect energy levels and concentration. When students see these oil boards daily, they will understand why certain food alternatives are better than other items. With time, it builds the habit of checking nutrition labels and making informed choices. Oil boards along with other health related initiatives by the school, help in childhood obesity prevention and overall well-being.

How to Use CBSE Oil Boards in Schools

1. Install Oil Board Displays: Put digital or static posters in areas such as cafeterias, lobbies, meeting rooms, and other common areas to raise awareness about harmful oil consumption.
2. Print Health Messages on School Stationery: Add short health messages on letterheads, envelopes, notepads, folders etc. to keep the message visible every day.
3. Promote Healthy Meals and Physical Activity

•          Offer nutritious options in canteens (more fruits, vegetables, low-fat options).
•          Limit availability of sugary drinks and high-fat snacks like chips.
•          Encourage movement through stair use, exercise breaks, and walking routes in school.

1. Encourage creativity: Let students help design oil boards as a class activity. It makes the initiative engaging for students.
2. Use Official Resources
   Access FSSAI IEC materials (posters, videos) from the official YouTube channel and contact iec@fssai.gov.in for guidance.

Oil Boards vs Sugar Boards: How They Work Together

Earlier, CBSE introduced Sugar Boards to remind everyone in schools about the health risks linked to excess sugar. These boards made a simple point visible every day i.e. too much sugar can harm your health.

The new Oil Boards build on that idea, focusing on oils used in food. They are encouraging conversations around making better choices when it comes to food. While sugar boards encourage limiting sugary drinks and snacks, oil boards draw attention to the role of oils in our diet.

With these initiatives, CBSE is creating a school environment where healthy habits are more than a discussion in classrooms.

Benefits of CBSE Oil Boards

The CBSE Oil Boards initiative makes health messages part of everyday school life. When students see these boards in common spaces, the idea of healthy living becomes real, not just a chapter in a book. It changes the way schools talk about health. Instead of a one-time session, the message stays visible all day. This constant reminder can influence small choices like what to eat, how much to move, why good habits matter etc.

Students can also help design these boards. When they create something themselves, they remember the message better. With health tips on school stationery, the reminder goes beyond classrooms and into daily routines. These simple steps build a school culture where well-being is visible, practical, and part of the environment.

FAQs about CBSE Oil Boards

Q1. Why are oil boards mandatory?
They are mandatory because they create awareness and help schools follow CBSE’s health guidelines.

Q2. What should the oil board show?
It should display health messages about safe oil use and healthy lifestyle choices.

Q3. Is this a rule for all CBSE schools?
Yes, all CBSE-affiliated schools have to follow this.

Q4. How does this prevent obesity?
It encourages schools and students to make healthier food choices every day.

Read the Circular: Click Here!

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