New Academic Year Checklist for Principals: 10 Must-Do Tasks for a Smooth Start

The start of a new academic year is a crucial time for school principals. It sets the tone for how smoothly the year will run. From making sure the school infrastructure is ready to planning staff training and student safety measures, there is a lot to take care of. A well-prepared checklist helps principals stay organised and focused. In this blog, we share a simple yet effective new academic year checklist for Principals that can guide principals in getting their schools ready for a successful year ahead.

New Academic Year Checklist for Principals

Starting a new academic year can feel overwhelming, but a clear new academic year checklist for principals can make the process smooth and stress-free. From preparing staff to checking infrastructure and planning student activities, principals play a key role in setting the right foundation for the year.

1. Academic Planning

   Careful academic planning helps ensure that the school year runs smoothly. It keeps students, teachers, and parents on the same page and allows the school to meet board guidelines and timelines without stress.

   • Review the Academic Calendar
     Finalise the academic year calendar, including important dates for CBSE, ICSE, or State Board exams. Make sure holidays, school functions, and other key events are planned in line with board rules.
   • Coordinate Curriculum Updates
     Check for any syllabus updates or changes from CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards. Share these changes with all departments so that teaching plans and materials are updated on time.
   • Plan Assessment Schedules
     Set dates for term exams, unit tests, and formative assessments, making sure they match board requirements. This will help teachers and students prepare well in advance.With tools like the Extramarks Assessment Centre, principals can create, monitor, and review assessments more easily, ensuring timely feedback and better learning outcomes.

2. Staff Preparation

   A well-prepared staff sets the tone for a productive school year. Principals must ensure all team members are informed, aligned with school policies, and ready to take on their roles from day one.

   • Conduct Staff Orientation
     Host an induction session to familiarise staff with school rules, cultural norms, and board-specific expectations. This helps everyone start the year with clarity and confidence.
   • Manage Staffing Needs
     Review staffing to make sure all teaching and non-teaching positions are filled. Complete hiring for any remaining roles, including temporary or guest teachers, before school begins.
   • Assign Leadership Roles
     Appoint academic coordinators, activity heads, and compliance leads. These roles help distribute responsibilities and ensure the smooth execution of board guidelines and school programmes.

3. Infrastructure & Facilities

   Strong infrastructure and well-maintained facilities help create a safe and supportive learning space. Principals should make sure all physical and digital resources are ready before students return.

   • Inspect Facilities
     Check that classrooms, labs, playgrounds, and shared spaces are clean, safe, and in good working order. This ensures students and staff can focus on learning without concerns about hygiene or safety.
   • Verify Technology Readiness
     Test all digital tools, including smartboards, projectors, and internet connections, to support effective teaching. This will help teachers use technology confidently from the first day of school.Solutions like Extramarks SmartClass Plus make it easier to deliver engaging, interactive lessons. Ensuring the technology works well helps teachers make the most of these digital resources.
   • Ensure Safety Compliance
     Review fire safety systems, emergency exits, CCTV cameras, and sanitation facilities. Make sure everything meets government standards to protect students, staff, and visitors.

4. Student Enrollment & Records

   Managing student admissions and records carefully helps schools stay compliant with regulations and keeps operations smooth. Principals should ensure all processes are completed accurately before the term begins.

   • Oversee Admissions
     Make sure all admissions are completed in line with reservation policies and board guidelines. Check that the necessary documents like Aadhaar cards, caste certificates, and transfer certificates are collected and verified.
   • Monitor Record Management
     Keep student records updated, covering academic progress, health details, and attendance. This helps schools meet the Right to Education (RTE) Act norms and ensures easy access to key information when needed.
   • Supervise ID & Uniform Distribution
     Plan and oversee the distribution of ID cards and school uniforms. This ensures that students follow the dress code and have their identity cards ready for use from the first day.

5. Parent Communication

   Good communication with parents builds trust and keeps them informed about school matters. Principals should set up clear ways to share updates and involve parents right from the start of the year.

   • Send Welcome Communication
     Send welcome letters, emails, or WhatsApp messages, preferably in regional languages where needed. Share key details about school timings, transport arrangements, and fee structures so parents feel well-informed.
   • Schedule Parent-Teacher Meetings
     Fix dates for parent-teacher meetings in line with the exam calendar. Let parents know these dates early through student diaries, SMS alerts, or school apps to ensure strong participation.
   • Establish Communication Channels
     Set up and maintain active channels like school apps, WhatsApp groups, emails, and notice boards. This helps keep parents updated on school activities, notices, and their child’s progress throughout the year.

6. Compliance & Safety

   Ensuring legal and safety compliance is a key part of school leadership. Principals must review documents, policies, and emergency plans to make sure the school meets all required standards.

   • Renew Affiliations & Licenses
     Double-check that all board affiliations (CBSE, ICSE, or State Board) and local authority licences are up to date. Submit renewals on time to avoid disruptions in academic operations.
   • Review School Policies
     Update essential school policies, including child protection, anti-ragging rules, and safety protocols. Follow the latest guidelines from the Ministry of Education and relevant state departments.
   • Conduct Emergency Drills
     Plan and conduct fire, earthquake, or lockdown drills. Make sure students and staff know the procedures so they are well-prepared to act quickly in case of emergencies.

7. Budget & Resources

   Careful planning of the school’s budget and resources helps ensure smooth operations throughout the year. Principals must see that funds, fees, and supplies are well managed from the start.

   • Finalize Annual Budget
     Set the annual budget by allocating funds for academics, building upkeep, extracurricular programmes, and meeting government scheme requirements. This helps the school stay financially balanced while meeting all its goals.
   • Oversee Fee Management
     Share clear information about the school’s fee structure, payment deadlines, and any concessions or scholarships. Make sure all details follow state education rules to avoid confusion for parents.
   • Manage Vendor Relationships
     Work with approved suppliers to arrange the timely delivery of textbooks (NCERT or board-approved), uniforms, and stationery. This ensures students have what they need right from the first day.

8. Technology Integration

   Technology plays a key role in modern education, supporting better teaching and learning. Principals must guide the right use of digital tools while ensuring data safety.

   • Oversee EdTech Implementation
     Make sure digital learning platforms like Extramarks SmartClass Plus or DIKSHA are set up and ready to use. This helps bring interactive, engaging lessons into classrooms right from the start.With Extramarks SmartClass Plus, schools can offer students a rich mix of videos, quizzes, and digital resources, helping teachers create a better learning experience.
   • Provide Staff Training Support
     Arrange training workshops so teachers and staff can use educational software and tools confidently. This helps them meet board or state requirements and make full use of available technology.
   • Ensure Data Security
     Put in place strong data protection policies to keep student records safe. Make sure all measures follow India’s IT Act and the latest Ministry of Education guidelines.

9. Extracurricular Activities

   Extracurricular activities are important for building confidence, teamwork, and creativity in students. Principals should plan these activities well so they add value to students’ overall growth.

   • Approve Activity Calendar
     Finalise the yearly calendar for sports, NCC, Scouts & Guides, and cultural events. Include national celebrations like Independence Day and Republic Day to foster respect for national values.
   • Assign Activity Coordinators
     Appoint teachers to lead clubs, competitions, and cultural programmes. This ensures activities are well-organised and students get the right guidance and support.
   • Promote Student Engagement
     Encourage students to take part in inter-school contests, Olympiads, and talent development activities. Such involvement helps students discover and sharpen their skills beyond academics.

10. Leadership & Vision

    Strong leadership sets the tone for academic excellence and a positive school environment. Principals must guide the school with clear goals and values that support every learner’s growth.

    • Set School Goals
      Define clear targets for academic outcomes, inclusive practices, and overall school development. Align these goals with NEP 2020 to support holistic and future-ready education.
    • Communicate Vision & Values
      Promote values like respect, discipline, and integrity through daily practices. Help students and staff understand and live by the school’s core principles, rooted in Indian cultural ethos.
    • Promote Positive Culture
      Lead efforts to build a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment. Encourage staff and students to support one another, creating a school culture where everyone can thrive.

How Extramarks Help Principals in the New Academic Year?

Extramarks offers digital solutions that make school planning and management easier for principals. With tools like Extramarks SmartClass Plus, principals can bring interactive learning into classrooms and support teachers with high-quality teaching resources.

The Assessment Centre helps principals plan, create, and monitor exams and tests, ensuring assessments are well-organised and aligned with board standards. The platform also provides detailed performance reports, making it easier to track student progress throughout the year.

In addition, Extramarks supports principals in managing school infrastructure, safety compliance, and teacher training needs through smart technology. These solutions help create an engaging, safe, and well-managed learning environment for students and staff.

A well-prepared back-to-school checklist for principals helps principals manage the start of the academic year smoothly and confidently. From academic planning and staff readiness to safety measures and technology use, every step plays a vital role in building a successful school year. By staying organised and using digital solutions like those offered by Extramarks, principals can create a positive, engaging, and safe environment where both students and staff can thrive.

Last Updated on July 31, 2025

Reviewed by

Prachi Singh | VP - Academics

Prachi Singh is a highly accomplished educationist with over 16 years of experience in the EdTech industry. Currently, she plays a pivotal role at Extramarks, leading content strategy and curriculum development initiatives that shape the future of education...read more.