The CBSE has invited self-nominations from eligible teachers and principals of CBSE-affiliated private independent schools for the National Awards to Teachers 2025–26 under the CBSE quota. The initiative follows a request from the Ministry of Education, Government of India, which has asked CBSE to recommend six nominations from its affiliated private independent schools.
Interested applicants can submit their applications online before the prescribed deadline, subject to the eligibility conditions and selection criteria outlined by the Board.
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CBSE Opens Self-Nomination Process for National Awards to Teachers 2025–26
According to Circular No. Acad-47/2026, dated 03 July, 2026, CBSE has started accepting online self-nominations from eligible teachers and principals working in private independent schools affiliated with the Board.
The Ministry of Education confers the National Awards to Teachers to recognize the outstanding contribution of teachers across the country. Under this process, CBSE has been asked to recommend six nominations from eligible applicants.
Eligibility Criteria for CBSE National Awards to Teachers 2026
Eligibility for Teachers
- Must have completed at least 10 years of regular service as a teacher in schools affiliated with a recognized Board of School Education by 31 March, 2026.
Eligibility for Principals
- Must have completed:
- 10 years of regular service as a teacher, and
- 5 years as a Principal in CBSE-affiliated schools by 31 March, 2026.
Other Eligibility Conditions
- Teachers or Principals who retired on or after 31 March, 2026 are also eligible to apply.
- Principals cannot apply under the Teacher category.
- Applicants may apply under only one category.
CBSE has also laid down detailed eligibility requirements, category-wise conditions, and supporting criteria for applicants. Candidates are advised to read the complete eligibility guidelines for Complete CBSE National Awards to Teachers 2026 before submitting their applications.
How to Apply for CBSE National Awards to Teachers 2026
CBSE will accept only online applications through the designated application portal.
Application Deadline
Eligible applicants must complete and submit their online application on or before 12 July 2026.
Documents Required
Applicants must upload the following documents while submitting their application:
- An undertaking declaring that all submitted particulars are correct and uploaded documents are genuine.
- Recommendation letters signed by the School Manager, including:
- Certification of continuous and regular service.
- Vigilance clearance.
- Confirmation of no break in service for:
- Last 10 years (Teachers).
- Last 15 years (Principals).
- Copies of:
- Class 10/11/12 (or equivalent) certificates and mark sheets indicating Date of Birth.
- Graduation certificates.
- Postgraduate certificates.
- Professional qualification certificates (NTT/ETE/B.El.Ed./B.Ed./Others).
- Board or School examination results.
CBSE Selection Process for National Awards to Teachers 2025–26
CBSE has prescribed a multi-stage selection process for recommending candidates.
Preparation of Merit List
The Board will prepare a merit list based on:
- Experience
- Age
- Academic qualifications
- Performance in qualifying examinations
- Other specified criteria
Based on this evaluation, the top 24 applicants will be shortlisted.
In the event of a tie, CBSE may apply additional criteria for shortlisting.
Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates will be given two days to upload verified documents.
The documents must:
- Be duly signed and verified by the Head of School (for teachers) and the Manager of School (for principals).
National Level Scrutiny Committee
A National Level Scrutiny Committee will further scrutinize the shortlisted applications and invite candidates for an interactive session.
Following this process, CBSE will finalize six nominations under its quota.
Selection Criteria for National Awards to Teachers 2025–26
Applicants will be evaluated using both General Criteria and Specific Criteria prescribed by CBSE.
General Criteria
The general assessment considers various aspects of an applicant's professional journey, including:
- Academic and professional qualifications.
- Scholarly contributions.
- Research and curriculum development.
- Mentoring fellow teachers.
- Professional development activities.
- Community development initiatives.
- Membership in educational organizations.
- Honours and recognitions received.
- Student development and welfare activities.
- NSS/NCC/Scouts & Guides or equivalent initiatives.
- Annual Performance Appraisal Reports of the previous five years.
Specific Criteria
Apart from the general evaluation, CBSE has prescribed separate assessment criteria for different categories of applicants, including:
- Teachers
- Primary Teachers
- Language Teachers
- Science, Mathematics, Social Science, Commerce and Humanities Teachers
- IT Teachers
- Physical Education Teachers
- Music and Dance Teachers
- Fine Arts Teachers
- Special Educators
- School Counsellors
- Vocational Education Teachers
- School Librarians
- CBSE Capacity Building Resource Persons
- Vice Principals and Coordinators
- Principals
The evaluation parameters vary according to the applicant's category and include performance-based evidence, student outcomes, professional contributions, and other role-specific achievements.
For the complete category-wise evaluation criteria, marking scheme, required evidence, and weightage, applicants should refer to the detailed guidelines issued by CBSE before applying.
Technical Specifications for Uploading Documents
Applicants must ensure that all uploaded files comply with the specifications prescribed by CBSE.
Document Specifications
- Documents must be uploaded in PDF format.
- Maximum file size: 1 MB.
Photograph Specifications
- Photograph must be uploaded in JPG format.
- Maximum file size: 50 KB.
Video Submission Requirements
Where applicable under the prescribed criteria, applicants must upload classroom teaching videos on YouTube and provide the corresponding links in the application.
CBSE Directs Schools to Disseminate the Circular
CBSE has requested all Heads of affiliated schools to ensure wide dissemination of the circular among eligible teachers and principals.
The Board has also reiterated that all required information and supporting documents must be uploaded through the online application portal on or before the last date, as incomplete or delayed submissions may not be considered.
Important Links
| CBSE R3 Language Assessment Framework for Class 9 Released | CBSE PRERANA Programme 2026: Important Update for Principals and Teachers |
Conclusion
The CBSE has opened the self-nomination process for the National Awards to Teachers 2025–26 for eligible teachers and principals of CBSE-affiliated private independent schools. Interested applicants should ensure they meet the eligibility requirements, submit all required documents, and complete the online application before 12 July, 2026 in accordance with the official guidelines.
Source
Official Notice by CBSE, 03 July, 2026: click here to read.
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per the CBSE, Education Ministry, and Government of India.
