What is CBSE DSC? Meaning, Use, and Application Process

“Every CBSE-affiliated school must now operate in a digitally verified environment.”

YES! You heard that right!

The Central Board of Secondary Education has moved major processes such as affiliation, disclosures, and regulatory compliance entirely online. Today, schools must authenticate official submissions using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Without it, key applications simply cannot be completed.

CBSE DSC is more than just a technical requirement. It is a mandatory compliance tool for schools. From affiliation applications to mandatory disclosures, a valid DSC ensures secure, verified, and legally accepted submissions.
Get Your CBSE DSC Issued Today – Fast & Secure Process!

Central Board of Secondary Education

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is one of India's most prominent national education boards, responsible for affiliating schools, conducting examinations, and regulating academic standards across the country.

CBSE oversees thousands of affiliated schools and ensures they comply with prescribed norms related to infrastructure, governance, faculty qualifications, safety standards, and academic quality. To maintain transparency and efficiency, CBSE has steadily shifted its major administrative and regulatory functions to digital platforms.

CBSE's Digital Transformation

Processes such as new affiliation applications, affiliation renewal, OASIS data submission, mandatory public disclosures, and compliance reporting are now handled online through official portals. This digital transformation aims to:

- Increase transparency

- Reduce manual paperwork

- Prevent fraudulent submissions

- Ensure faster processing and accountability

As a result, secure digital authentication has become essential. To verify that submissions are made by authorized school authorities, CBSE requires the use of a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for many critical processes.

Digital Signature Certificate

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a secure digital key used to verify the identity of the person signing an electronic document. It serves as the digital equivalent of a handwritten signature, but with much higher security

Does DSC hold the same legal validity?

Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, digital signatures are legally recognized in India.

How DSC Works?

A DSC works through encryption technology. When a person signs a document digitally, the certificate:

- Confirms the identity of the authorized signatory

- Ensures the document has not been altered after signing

- Creates a secure and tamper-proof record

Classes of DSC

There are different classes of DSC. such as Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3, but for most government and regulatory portals, including CBSE processes, Class 3 DSC is required. It gives higher-level verification.

What is CBSE DSC?

CBSE DSC refers to the Digital Signature Certificate used specifically for completing official processes on CBSE's online portals.

It is a standard DSC that is registered and linked to a school's profile on the CBSE system for compliance purposes.

Why CBSE DSC is Important for Schools?

Here's why CBSE DSC is important:

1. Ensures Authenticity: Confirms that submissions are made by the school's authorized authority.

2. Prevents Fraud: Reduces the risk of unauthorized or manipulated applications.

3. Mandatory for CBSE Affiliation: Required for new affiliation, renewal, and compliance filings.

4. Legally Valid Authentication: Recognized under the IT Act, 2000.

5. Faster Processing: Digitally signed documents are processed more efficiently than manual paperwork.

Uses of CBSE DSC

Here are a few main uses of Digital Signature for CBSE:

1. Affiliation Applications – SARAS Portal

Schools applying for new affiliation, upgradation, extension, or renewal must digitally sign their applications using DSC before final submission.

2. OASIS Data Submission

Schools are required to upload and verify institutional data on the OASIS portal. DSC ensures the accuracy and authenticity of the information submitted.

3. Mandatory Public Disclosure

CBSE mandates schools to upload infrastructure details, faculty information, safety certificates, and other compliance documents. These submissions often require digital authentication.

4. Compliance and Regulatory Filings

Any corrections, updates, or compliance-related documents submitted to CBSE must be digitally verified.

5. Other CBSE Portals

The use of DSC is not limited to the OASIS portal. It is also required on other CBSE platforms such as the SARAS (School Affiliation Re-Engineered Automation System) Portal and Pariksha-related portals, wherever digital authentication of official submissions is mandatory.

Want to use your DSC but don't know how to upload it? Learn - How to Upload Digital Signature in CBSE OASIS Portal along with all the prerequisites needed before starting the process.

Step-by-Step CBSE DSC Application Process: Buy Digital Signature

Know which documents are needed to apply for a CBSE DSC

Below is the step-by-step process to buy CBSE DSC:

Step 1: Choose a Licensed Certifying Authority (CA)

Select a government-approved Certifying Authority authorized to issue Digital Signature Certificates in India, like Capricorn CA.

Step 2: Determine the Required Type of DSC

Don't get confused among all DSC types. For CBSE portal usage, schools typically require a Class 3 DSC issued in the name of the authorized signatory.

Step 3: Mobile OTP Verification

Enter your registered mobile number and verify it through OTP authentication.

Step 4: Fill the KYC Form

Complete the online KYC form with accurate personal and institutional details.

Step 5: Email Verification

Verify your registered email ID through an OTP or confirmation link.

Step 6: Upload Required Documents

Upload PAN card, photograph, and any required authorization documents.

Step 7: Record Video Verification

Complete the video verification process as required by the Certifying Authority.

Step 8: Submit the Application Form

Review all details carefully and submit the DSC application.

Step 9: Approval by Certifying Authority

The CA reviews your application and documents before granting approval.

Step 10: Make Payment

Pay the prescribed fee for the CBSE DSC.

Step 11: eSign Agreement and DSC Application Form

Electronically sign the subscriber agreement and application form as required.

Step 12: Set Download Key

Create a secure download key or password for CBSE digital signature certificate.

Step 13: Download Certificate into USB Token

Download Capricorn CA DSC and install the approved DSC securely into your USB token device.

Buy Class 3 DSC for CBSE Portal – Apply Online Now

Final Words

As CBSE continues to strengthen its digital governance framework, having a valid Digital Signature Certificate is no longer optional for affiliated schools. It is a core requirement for completing affiliation, compliance, and regulatory submissions smoothly.

In today's fully digital compliance environment, a valid CBSE DSC is not just a certificate — it is your school's official digital identity.

Get your Capricorn CA DSC and continue your filings effortlessly.

FAQ CBSE DSC

1. Is CBSE DSC mandatory for affiliated schools?

Yes, CBSE requires schools to use a valid Digital Signature Certificate for completing key online processes such as affiliation applications, compliance filings, and data submissions on its official portals.

2. Which type of DSC is required for CBSE portal?

DSC types: Generally, a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate issued in the name of the authorized signatory is required for CBSE portal usage.

3. Can one DSC be used for multiple CBSE portals?

Yes. Once registered, the same DSC can typically be used across CBSE platforms like SARAS, OASIS, and other CBSE-related modules where digital authentication is required.

4. How long is a DSC valid for?

A DSC is usually issued with a validity of 1 to 3 years, depending on the option selected at the time of application.

5. How to know if DSC is Class 2 or Class 3?

You can check the certificate details by opening the DSC token on your system and viewing the certificate information. The class/type of certificate is mentioned in the certificate description issued by the Certifying Authority.

6. What is DSC full form?

DSC stands for Digital Signature Certificate. It is a secure digital key issued by a licensed Certifying Authority that is used to verify the identity of the signatory and authenticate electronic documents. It serves as the digital equivalent of a handwritten signature and is legally recognized under the IT Act, 2000.