Schools across Maharashtra have been instructed to avoid using terms such as “international”, “global”, “CBSE”, or “English Medium” in their names unless they are officially authorised to do so. The directive, issued by the state education department, is aimed at stopping institutions from misrepresenting their status or affiliations through misleading branding.
According to the order, only schools with valid recognition or formal affiliation to the respective boards or systems are permitted to use such labels. Institutions that do not meet these criteria will now be required to remove these terms from their names, ensuring greater transparency for parents and students while choosing schools.
I am writing about this decision because school names strongly influence how parents choose institutions for their children. Many families assume that words like “international” or “CBSE” automatically mean better infrastructure or curriculum, which is not always true. This move by the government brings much-needed clarity and transparency to the education system and helps parents make decisions based on facts rather than marketing language.
What the New Directive Says
As per the directive issued by the Maharashtra government through its education department, schools can use specific terms in their names only if they have official approval or affiliation. This includes recognition from national or international education boards and proper documentation to support the claim.
The rule applies to all schools across the state, regardless of whether they are private, aided, or unaided institutions.
Terms That Are Now Restricted
Schools cannot use the following words in their names unless they are officially authorised:
- International
- Global
- CBSE
- ICSE
- English Medium
Using these terms without approval is considered misleading and against education norms.
Why the Government Took This Step
Education officials have observed that many schools adopt impressive-sounding names to attract admissions, even when they do not meet the standards associated with those terms. This often leads to confusion, unrealistic expectations, and dissatisfaction among parents later.
The directive is meant to ensure honesty in school branding and fairness across the education sector.
What Schools Are Expected to Do
Schools that currently use restricted terms without valid affiliation will be asked to:
- Review their official name
- Remove or change misleading words
- Update records, signboards, and documents
- Comply within the deadline set by authorities
Failure to comply may lead to further action by the education department.
How This Helps Parents and Students
For parents, this move makes it easier to understand what a school actually offers. It reduces the risk of choosing a school based on assumptions created by its name. Students also benefit when institutions are transparent about their curriculum and standards from the beginning.
Clear naming helps build trust in the education system.
