CBSE Asks Schools to Promote Digital Payments: What Students and Parents Need to Know

The Central Board of Secondary Education has asked affiliated schools to promote the use of digital payments, including UPI and RuPay cards.

The board has advised schools to encourage cashless payments for areas such as fees, canteen services and library transactions. Schools have also been asked to provide demonstrations and support to help parents, students and staff understand digital payment systems.

Why are schools being asked to promote digital payments?

Digital payments are now widely used across India for everyday transactions.

Schools handle several types of payments, including fees, transport charges, event payments and purchases from school facilities.

Moving more transactions to digital platforms can make payment records easier to maintain.

What does the CBSE guidance involve?

Schools have been asked to create plans to promote digital payments.

This can include demonstrations, awareness activities and guidance for people who may not be familiar with digital payment systems.

The objective is not only to increase digital transactions but also to improve awareness about safe financial practices.

Why is digital financial literacy important?

Students increasingly interact with digital financial systems from an early age.

Understanding basic concepts such as payment authentication, transaction records and online safety can help students use these systems responsibly.

Parents and teachers also need to be aware of common digital payment risks, including sharing sensitive information or responding to fraudulent messages.

Schools will need to support users

Not every family may have the same level of access to smartphones, banking services or digital payment systems.

Schools therefore need to provide appropriate guidance and support during the transition.

Digital payments should also not create barriers for families who face genuine difficulties in accessing digital services.

What does this mean for education?

The development reflects a broader change in how schools interact with technology.

Education is no longer limited to classroom learning. Schools are increasingly becoming environments where students learn practical digital skills that they may use in everyday life.

Digital payment awareness is one part of this wider digital literacy.