Before preparing school information, it is important to understand some specific instructions mentioned in the official 2026–27 Data Capture Format.
The current document includes several requirements that schools should review carefully.
1. School General Information May Not Be Editable
One important detail in the 2026–27 DCF is that questions 1.1 to 1.30 under Section 1 are non-editable by school users in the application.
These details include basic school identification and administrative information.
If a school finds an error in these fields, it cannot necessarily correct the information directly through its regular school login.
Instead, the school should contact the Block, District, or State MIS administration and submit a correction request in the prescribed format.
This is important because incorrect school identification information can create problems during annual data reporting.
2. All Fields Are Mandatory Unless Marked Optional
The official 2026–27 DCF states that all fields are mandatory unless they are specifically marked as optional.
Schools should therefore read the instructions accompanying each field before entering information.
Do not leave required fields blank. If a particular field does not apply to your school, follow the instructions provided in the official DCF rather than entering random information.
3. The DCF Covers Pre-Primary to Class 12
The 2026–27 Data Capture Format is intended for schools covering grades from Pre-Primary to Class 12.
However, the information required from each school may differ depending on its category, management, classes offered, and applicable educational activities.
Schools should complete the relevant information according to their actual operations and the official reporting instructions.
Documents and School Records to Prepare Before Filling Out the DCF
Preparing school records in advance can make UDISE+ data entry more organised and reduce the possibility of incorrect information.
Before starting the reporting process, authorised school personnel should review the following records.
School Identification and Administrative Records
- School UDISE code.
- School recognition certificate or relevant recognition details.
- Affiliation information, where applicable.
- School address and location details.
- Management and category information.
- Head of School contact details.
- Classes and sections offered.
Student-Related Records
- Admission register.
- Student names and personal details.
- Date of birth records.
- Class and section information.
- Student enrolment details.
- Transfer and progression records.
- Other applicable student information.
Teacher and Staff Records
- Teaching staff details.
- Non-teaching staff information.
- Educational qualifications.
- Appointment and service records.
- Professional training information.
- Other required employment details.
Infrastructure and Facilities Records
- Classroom information.
- Building and infrastructure details.
- Drinking water and sanitation facilities.
- Electricity and digital facilities.
- Library and laboratory information.
- Playground and other available facilities.
Financial and Other Records
- School receipts and expenditure records.
- Grant-related information, where applicable.
- Vocational education information.
- School safety and disaster management records.
Important: This is a preparation checklist, not a list of documents that every school must upload. The official DCF and applicable government instructions determine the information and supporting documents required.
How Is UDISE+ DCF Data Verified?
Submitting school information is not the final step of the UDISE+ reporting process. The submitted information is also subject to review and validation by designated education officials.
The UDISE+ system supports data validation at different administrative levels.
School-Level Verification
The school should review the information before submission.
The Head of School and authorised personnel should ensure that the entered details match the available school records.
Block-Level Verification
Block-level officials and MIS personnel support schools and review submitted information according to their assigned responsibilities.
District-Level Verification
District-level officials monitor reporting activities and help review and validate school information.
State-Level Monitoring
State-level authorities coordinate the overall reporting process and monitor the data received from different districts.
This multi-level process helps maintain consistency and improve the reliability of the information collected through UDISE+.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During DCF Preparation
Incorrect information can create unnecessary problems during UDISE+ reporting. Schools should carefully review their records before entering data.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Using an Old DCF
Always use the correct academic-year version. Previous-year documents may contain different questions or instructions.
2. Entering Incorrect Student Information
Student names, dates of birth, class details, and other personal information should match the school’s authorised records.
3. Incorrect Teacher Records
Review staff qualifications, appointment information, and other required details before submitting them.
4. Leaving Mandatory Fields Blank
Check the official instructions because fields are mandatory unless specifically marked optional.
5. Ignoring Non-Editable School Information
If basic school information is incorrect and cannot be edited by the school user, contact the relevant MIS administration instead of attempting an unauthorised change.
6. Incorrect Infrastructure Information
Report only the facilities that actually exist and are available at the school.
7. Submitting Information Without Reviewing It
Always check the information before completing the submission and certification process.
Difference Between DCF, UDISE Code, PEN and APAAR ID
These terms are associated with the UDISE+ ecosystem, but they serve different purposes.
| Term | Meaning | Main Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| DCF | Data Capture Format | Lists information required for school reporting |
| UDISE Code | Unique school identification code | Identifies an individual school |
| PEN | Permanent Education Number | Identifies and tracks a student’s educational record |
| APAAR ID | Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry ID | Provides a lifelong academic identity to a student |
The DCF is a school data collection document, while the UDISE code identifies the institution.
PEN is used for student identification and record tracking, whereas APAAR provides a broader academic identity.
These identifiers should not be confused with school login usernames or passwords.
For more information, see our upcoming guides on PEN Number in UDISE+ and APAAR ID and UDISE+.
What Happens If You Find Incorrect Information in the DCF?
If you notice incorrect information while preparing the DCF, do not submit inaccurate details just to complete the reporting process.
First, compare the information with the school’s original records.
If the error relates to information that can be updated by an authorised school user, follow the applicable correction procedure.
If the information belongs to a non-editable field in Section 1, contact the relevant Block, District, or State MIS administration and request an official correction.
For student or teacher record issues, use the relevant authorised module and follow its correction instructions.
Keep a record of any correction requests and follow up with the responsible officials when necessary.
Is the UDISE+ DCF Filled Online or Offline?
The DCF is published as a reference document, generally in PDF format. Schools can use it to understand the information required for annual reporting and prepare their records.
The actual UDISE+ reporting process is conducted through the relevant online system using authorised credentials.
Where an offline preparation or physical format is provided under applicable instructions, schools should follow the directions issued by their education department.
Completing a downloaded PDF does not automatically update the school’s online UDISE+ records.
For online reporting instructions, read our UDISE+ Login Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About DCF Preparation
Can schools edit all information in the UDISE+ DCF?
No. According to the 2026–27 DCF, questions 1.1 to 1.30 in Section 1 are non-editable by school users in the application. Corrections must be requested through the relevant Block, District, or State MIS administration.
What should a school do if a field is not applicable?
Follow the instructions provided for that particular field in the official DCF. Do not enter invented information or leave mandatory fields blank without checking the applicable instructions.
Does every school need to complete all DCF sections?
Schools should follow the applicable reporting requirements. Certain details depend on the school’s management, category, classes, and educational activities.
Can I use the 2025–26 DCF for 2026–27 reporting?
No. Use the official DCF for the relevant academic year. The 2026–27 document contains updated reporting requirements and should not be replaced with an older version.
Who should I contact if my school information cannot be edited?
Contact your Block MIS Coordinator or the relevant District or State MIS administration for assistance with non-editable school information.
Does the DCF contain student and teacher information?
Yes. The official DCF includes separate sections for teaching and non-teaching staff information and student-related details.