The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked all its affiliated schools to strictly follow new rules on menstrual hygiene, after a recent judgment by the Supreme Court of India.

This comes after the Court’s January 20, 2026 decision, which said that menstrual health is an important part of a girl’s right to dignity under Article 21. The Court also highlighted that proper menstrual hygiene is necessary for girls to continue their education without barriers.

In its circular, CBSE directed schools to ensure clean and separate toilets for girls, provide biodegradable sanitary napkins, and create special MHM corners on campus.

Schools have also been asked to arrange safe disposal of sanitary waste and organise awareness programmes about menstrual health and puberty. They should encourage open and respectful discussions, following NCERT and SCERT guidelines.

To make sure these rules are followed, District Education Officers will conduct regular inspections. Schools must also submit monthly reports by March 31 and April 30, 2026, through an online portal.