Pune: The School Education Department has uncovered 51 unauthorised schools operating within the limits of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the district administration. These institutions are part of a larger group of over 800 bogus schools identified across Maharashtra, out of which nearly 100 have already been shut down permanently.
Officials believe the actual number of unauthorised schools in Pune district may be significantly higher. This revelation comes after a state-wide survey of 1,300 educational institutions ahead of the 2025–2026 academic year.
A senior education department official, speaking anonymously to Pune Times Mirror, stated, “We’ve examined over 1,300 schools that were suspected of operating without proper authorization. More than 800 were found with discrepancies in their documentation. Of these, 51 schools are in Pune. The numbers are likely to increase. We urge parents to report such schools to the department.”
The Commissioner of School Education has issued directives to shut down all illegal schools operating in Maharashtra. This includes schools in key urban zones like Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Palghar, and Pune. District officials have been instructed to ensure students from these institutions are smoothly transferred to government-recognised schools. The Deputy Director of Education has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report on the matter.
Unauthorised schools not only lead to financial exploitation of parents through high fees but also compromise the academic future of students. Despite repeated circulars and public awareness efforts, many parents remain unaware of how to verify a school’s legitimacy.
Education authorities advise parents to use the Unified District Information System for Education (U-DISE) portal to confirm whether a school is registered and approved by the government. This portal provides key details like the school’s registration status, approvals, and other official documents.
Within the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits, there are nine unauthorised schools currently operating. Additionally, five institutions have obtained a letter of intent but lack official approval, while another nine schools have migrated without proper authorisation. In the wider Pune district jurisdiction, eight unauthorised schools have been identified, along with five that possess a letter of intent without formal approval, and 15 migrated schools functioning without the required authorisation.
Before enrolling your child in any school, it is crucial to ensure that the institution possesses all the necessary authorisations. This includes a valid No-Objection Certificate (NOC), a board recognition letter, a letter of intent from the state government, and proper registration under the Unified District Information System for Education (U-DISE). Verifying these documents helps confirm that the school is legally approved and meets the required educational standards.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of public vigilance, urging parents to remain alert and make informed decisions while choosing educational institutions for their children.
