1) I want to know about admissions for grade 8th for the academic year - 2026. (Currently my daughter is in grade 7th) 2) Is it CBSE or state board? 3) Is there any entrance test or merit based admissions? And what is the admission procedures?

For admissions to Grade 8 in the 2026-2027 academic year in India, you'll need to start the application process in the coming months, as many schools open admissions for higher grades a year in advance. It's common for schools to be affiliated with either CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) or a state board. Admissions are often merit-based or through entrance tests, especially for popular schools, and the specific procedures vary by school.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. CBSE or State Board?

CBSE:

The Central Board of Secondary Education is a national-level board widely adopted across India.

State Board:

Each state also has its own board of education (e.g., UP Board for Uttar Pradesh).

Selection:

Decide which board aligns with your preferences and your daughter's academic needs.

2. Admission Timeline & Procedures:

Early Action:

Start researching schools and their admission schedules well in advance. Many schools begin accepting applications for Grade 8 in the year preceding the actual academic year.

Application:

Online: Many schools use online application portals. You'll need to create an account and fill out the application form carefully.

Offline: Some schools may still accept physical forms.

Entrance Tests/Merit-Based:

Entrance Tests: Some schools administer entrance tests covering subjects like English, Mathematics, and General Knowledge. These tests assess a student's aptitude and knowledge.

Merit-Based: Admission may also be based on academic performance in previous classes (Grade 6 and 7).

Documents:

Prepare necessary documents like the birth certificate, previous mark sheets, transfer certificate (if applicable), and passport-sized photographs.

Interactions/Interviews:

Some schools may conduct interactions or interviews with students and parents.

Fee Payment:

If selected, you'll need to pay the admission fee to secure the seat.

Orientation:

Schools usually organize an orientation program for new students to familiarize them with the school environment.

3. Specifics for Grade 8:

Age Criteria:

Ensure your daughter meets the age criteria for Grade 8, which is typically around 13 years of age, as of March 31st of the academic year.

Curriculum:

Grade 8 marks the beginning of the secondary stage in CBSE, preparing students for board-level understanding.

Subject Selection:

Students start exploring more subject-oriented knowledge and may have some flexibility in choosing subjects.