The “dummy school” concept has gained significant traction in India, especially among students preparing for competitive exams like the IIT-JEE and NEET. This system allows students to enrol in a school in name only, freeing up their time to focus entirely on coaching classes aimed at cracking these high-stakes exams. This report delves into the legality of dummy schools, their effectiveness, and the perspectives of educationists and the government on this trend.
Legality of Dummy Schools in India
In India, the legality of dummy schools exists in a grey area. Technically, students are required to attend regular school and maintain a minimum attendance percentage as mandated by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and various state education boards. However, in practice, many private schools offer dummy admissions where students are enrolled but do not attend regular classes. These schools provide the necessary documentation and allow students to appear for board exams without attending daily classes.
While not explicitly illegal, this practice circumvents the spirit of educational regulations, leading to potential conflicts with educational authorities if discovered.
Effectiveness of Dummy Schools
Academic Performance
Dummy schools are often justified by their proponents on the grounds that they allow students to concentrate fully on their coaching classes, thereby increasing their chances of success in competitive exams. Data from coaching centers in Kota, a hub for competitive exam preparation, suggests that many toppers have been dummy school students. The intensive coaching and focused study schedules facilitated by dummy schools can indeed lead to high performance in entrance exams.
Holistic Development
Critics argue that the dummy school system undermines holistic education. Regular schooling provides not only academic knowledge but also opportunities for social interaction, extracurricular activities, and overall personality development. By bypassing traditional schooling, students miss out on these crucial aspects of education, which are essential for their all-round development.
Perspectives from Educationists and Government
Educationists’ Views
Senior educationists have voiced concerns about the dummy school trend. They argue that while the short-term gains in exam results might be attractive, the long-term consequences on students’ overall development and mental health are worrying. Prominent educationist Dr. Anil Sahasrabudhe, former chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), has emphasized the importance of a balanced education that includes both academics and extracurricular activities. He suggests that the overemphasis on competitive exams can lead to undue stress and burnout among students.
Government Stance
The government has been taking steps to address the issues related to dummy schools. The Ministry of Education has emphasized the need for regular attendance and participation in school activities. In 2020, the CBSE issued guidelines reiterating the importance of maintaining minimum attendance and warned schools against facilitating dummy admissions. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 also stresses the importance of holistic education and reducing the excessive focus on rote learning and competitive exams.
CBSE Cracks Down on Dummy Schools: 20 Institutions Disaffiliated for Enrolling Fake Students
In recent months, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken significant action against dummy schools across India. In March 2024, CBSE disaffiliated 20 schools due to various malpractices, including enrolling dummy students and presenting ineligible candidates. These schools are spread across several states, with five located in Delhi, three in Uttar Pradesh, and others in states like Kerala, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Assam.
The crackdown by CBSE reflects growing concerns about the integrity of the education system and the need to ensure that schools adhere to established norms and regulations. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has also acknowledged the issue, indicating that stricter measures will be enforced to prevent such practices
The dummy school concept in India presents a complex issue. While it offers a strategic advantage for students aiming to excel in competitive exams, it also raises significant concerns about the overall quality and balance of education. The perspectives of educationists and the government’s regulatory measures highlight the need for a more integrated approach that ensures academic excellence without compromising on the holistic development of students.
As India continues to evolve its educational landscape, it is crucial to find a balanced solution that meets the aspirations of students while fostering their overall growth and well-being.
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