New Delhi, August 11 — In a landmark move aimed at strengthening its communication and outreach, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is preparing to launch a dedicated community radio station for students, teachers, and other stakeholders. The proposal received formal approval during the board’s recent Governing Body meeting, officials confirmed.

The new platform will mark a significant expansion of CBSE's educational communication tools, complementing existing digital initiatives such as “Shiksha Vani,” a podcast platform launched in 2019 to share subject-related content for Classes 9 to 12. Unlike Shiksha Vani’s pre-recorded episodes, the upcoming community radio station is planned as a live and interactive medium, offering real-time guidance, information, and updates.

A senior CBSE official stated that the board will apply for a community radio licence in the coming months. “Once the licence is procured, we will work out the modalities for the content that will be broadcast,” the official said. The board is expected to hold a series of consultative meetings with stakeholders and technical experts over the next six months to shape the content framework and finalise technical and financial plans.

Designed to cater to CBSE’s large and diverse community across the country, the radio station aims to serve areas with limited internet access, ensuring that vital educational content reaches even the remotest regions. It will feature programming in local languages and dialects, increasing accessibility and community engagement.

Community radio is recognised in India as the third tier of broadcasting, distinct from public and commercial media. These low-power, non-profit stations are often operated by educational institutions, NGOs, and community groups, and focus on issues such as education, health, agriculture, and social welfare. Currently, there are 540 licensed community radio stations in the country.

Experts believe that CBSE’s entry into the community radio space could set a precedent for other national institutions. The government, through various schemes, actively encourages the use of community radio, especially in rural and underserved areas, viewing it as a tool for inclusive and participatory communication.

If the planning and licensing proceed as scheduled, the CBSE community radio station could be on air in the near future, becoming the first such initiative by a national education board in India.