Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) has significantly eased the recognition process for unaided secondary schools by introducing a series of amendments to its regulations, making it simpler for new institutions to obtain affiliation and expanding eligibility to schools established on government land.
The changes, introduced through amendments to Chapter 7 of the Board’s regulations, are aimed at streamlining the approval process and encouraging the establishment of educational institutions across the state.
UPMSP Secretary Bhagwati Singh said the revisions have been implemented in line with state government directives and include several key relaxations in infrastructure and application requirements.
Under the revised norms, schools in urban areas must have a minimum land area of 3,000 square metres, including a 1,000-square-metre playground. The playground may now be located up to 200 metres away from the main school campus.
For rural areas, institutions will be required to have a minimum of 6,000 square metres of land, including a 2,000-square-metre playground.
One of the major reforms is that the online recognition application portal will remain open throughout the year, enabling educational institutions to apply at their convenience instead of within a limited application window.
The revised regulations also broaden the category of organisations eligible to establish schools. In addition to registered societies, trusts, and not-for-profit companies, statutory bodies, autonomous institutions, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and local bodies will now be permitted to apply for recognition.
The Board has also approved recognition for schools operating on the basis of a registered lease deed with a minimum validity of 30 years, including institutions established on government land. Furthermore, the earlier provision requiring a ₹20,000 late fee for delayed applications has been abolished.
Under the updated timeline, District Inspectors of Schools (DIOS) will be required to submit their inspection reports and recommendations by August 20.
In another significant relaxation, schools that received recognition before December 26, 2022, will only need to demonstrate the availability of additional classrooms and laboratories when seeking approval for new classes or subjects. Several other pre-existing conditions have also been eased.
Bhagwati Singh said the amended regulations have been brought into effect under Section 16(2) of the Uttar Pradesh Intermediate Education Act, 1921. Educational institutions and applicants can access the detailed guidelines and revised recognition rules through the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad’s official website.
