Some CBSE students could turn into overnight celebrities, thanks to the board starting a new initiative of podcasts and other digital content, which will be hosted on its social media handles. With CBSE’s ecosystem of students, teachers, and parents running into millions, these student-hosted podcasts are looking at a mammoth ‘captive’ audience.

Himanshu Gupta, secretary of CBSE, said schools have been asked to identify articulate and confident students who can represent their peers. “Students from anywhere in the country can become a part of this as all training and grooming of students will happen online. There won’t be any need for students to travel to Delhi,” said Gupta.

While this is an entirely voluntary exercise, it’s expected that schools will participate in huge numbers as their student hosting a podcast will also help the institution to get good branding.

Entries will be submitted to the board through school principals. Selected candidates will then undergo training before beginning to record. The podcasts will be published on CBSE’s official social media channels, complementing existing content streams.

CBSE already produces content for its social media handles, but now it wants it to be student-driven. The board noted that including student voices will add fresh perspectives and increase the relatability of its outreach efforts. It stated the initiative is designed not only to showcase student talent but also to develop their communication skills in a structured environment.

To apply for participation, school principals have to fill up a form, which includes a short write-up on the reason for participation and a paragraph on the student’s interest in the initiative. The form further mandates consent confirmation by the school. This includes verifying that the student is volunteering, that parents or guardians have been informed, and they agree to the recordings being used on CBSE’s official digital platforms. These checks, the board noted, are designed to ensure informed participation and smooth coordination.