The Central Board of Secondary Education has officially released Circular No. Acad-19/2026, outlining detailed guidelines, schedule, and participation process for the CBSE Games 2026-27. The circular, dated April 10, 2026, invites affiliated schools across the country to participate in and organize sports events at cluster, zonal, and national levels.
Starting April 15, 2026, schools can begin the online registration process for their student-athletes. This year’s calendar introduces a rigorous selection process and digital enhancements to ensure transparency and broad participation.
Online Process Mandatory for Participation
CBSE has made it compulsory for schools to complete all processes online through its sports portal.
Schools must:
- Registration: A Unique Identification (UID) will be assigned to every student, which remains valid throughout their tenure at CBSE.
- Apply to Participate: Schools must specifically assign registered students to their chosen games. Completion of this step is mandatory for eligibility.
- Confirmation: Participating schools must email organizing schools to confirm attendance at least one week before the event.
Failure to complete all steps before the deadline will result in disqualification from participation.
Important Dates to Remember
- Proposal submission (organizing schools): April 10 to April 20, 2026
- Student registration & participation: April 15 to May 15, 2026
- Cluster/Zonal Events: June 1 to July 31, 2026
- National Events: September 20 to October 20, 2026
Late registrations will be allowed at a fee of ₹500 to ₹1000 per student, depending on the delay.
Wide Range of Sports and Age Categories
Students can participate in various sports, including athletics, football, basketball, chess, swimming, yoga, and more. Competitions will be held in age groups:
- Under 11
- Under 14
- Under 17
- Under 19
Age eligibility will be calculated as of December 31, 2026.
Selection and Fair Participation Emphasized
The Board has expressed concern regarding talented players being overlooked in previous years. Consequently, schools are now advised to conduct formal selection trials and maintain records, including photographs, of these trials. CBSE has reserved the right to conduct surprise inspections to ensure talent is being properly recognized.
To further ensure fairness, videography is now compulsory for all sports events. Organizing schools are required to maintain these records for three months following the competitions.
Financial Support for Organizing Schools
Schools hosting events will receive financial grants:
- ₹2 lakh (Cluster/Zonal level)
- ₹3 lakh (National level)
- Higher grants for athletics and swimming events
However, funds will be released only after the successful completion of events.
Facilities, Safety, and Transparency Measures
Organizing schools must provide accommodation, meals, and proper infrastructure. Videography of events has been made compulsory to ensure transparency. Participants may need to pay ₹500 per day for stay and meals if availing the facilities.
Pathway to National and International Opportunities
Winners at the national level will get opportunities to participate in prestigious events like Khelo India Games and School Games Federation of India (SGFI) competitions, further boosting their sports careers.
Certificates and Recognition
All participants will receive digital certificates, while winners will be awarded merit certificates and medals through the CBSE sports portal.
With a structured schedule, transparent process, and strong focus on student participation, CBSE aims to promote sports culture and holistic development among students through the 2026-27 games.
