Misleading Branding: Maharashtra Bans ‘International’, ‘Global’, ‘CBSE’ In School Names Without Affiliation
Misleading Branding: Maharashtra Bans ‘International’, ‘Global’, ‘CBSE’ In School Names Without Affiliation
Education department flags misleading branding, directs schools to change names before approval
The Maharashtra education department has barred schools from using words such as “international”, “global”, “CBSE” and even “English Medium” in their names unless they are officially entitled to do so, citing concerns that such labels mislead parents and students about a school’s actual affiliation and status.
The directive was issued by the Directorate of Education on December 15 after officials observed that several schools affiliated to the state board were using names that suggested international presence, CBSE affiliation or English-medium instruction without the required approvals. In some cases, Marathi-medium schools were also found using “English Medium” in their names, creating confusion about the medium of instruction.
According to the department, these practices can have “adverse effects on parents and students” by giving a false impression about academic standards, curriculum and recognition. The name “CBSE”, officials clarified, refers specifically to a central government examination board and using it without affiliation is “not legally correct”.
In December alone, 11 proposals for school recognition were sent back at the divisional level, with instructions to submit revised applications after changing the school names. The scrutiny applies not only to new schools seeking approval, but also to existing institutions that continue to use such terms without eligibility.
Shriram Panzade, Joint Director for Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, said the use of these words creates an assumption of overseas branches or central-board affiliation. “Education officers must carefully examine school names, board affiliation and medium of instruction while processing proposals. If a name is found to be misleading, the institution will be instructed to change it before approval is granted,” he said.
While there is no direct legal provision to force an immediate name change for existing schools, officials said such institutions will be asked to amend their names when they apply for renewal of recognition — a mandatory process conducted every three years under the Right to Education Act.
The move is aimed at increasing transparency in the school education system and ensuring that parents are not influenced by branding that does not reflect a school’s actual academic framework or regulatory standing.
