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IS 13716:1993 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for fire safety of educational buildings. This code of practice outlines the fire safety requirements for educational buildings like schools and colleges. It provides guidelines for planning, design, and construction to ensure life safety, covering exit requirements, fire resistance of materials, and provisions for fire detection and firefighting systems.
Covers fire safety requirements for the design, construction, and operation of educational buildings, including schools and colleges.
Quick Reference — Top IS 13716:1993 Values
Key values for occupant load, exit design, fire resistance ratings, and fire fighting systems in educational buildings.
✓ Verified 2026-04-27
Reference
Value
Clause
Occupant Load Factor— For classrooms and institutional areas.
1.8 m²/person
Cl. 5.2 (Table 1)
Min Number of Exits per Floor— Required for every floor, including basements.
2 exits
Cl. 5.3.1
Exit Capacity (Stairs)
25 persons per 0.5m width
Cl. 5.3.2 (Table 2)
Exit Capacity (Doors)
75 persons per 0.5m width
Cl. 5.3.2 (Table 2)
Max Travel Distance (Unsprinklered)— For Type 1, 2 or 3 construction.
30 m
Cl. 5.4.2
Max Travel Distance (Sprinklered)— 50% increase over unsprinklered distance.
45 m
Cl. 5.4.2
Min Exit Doorway Width
1000 mm
Cl. 5.5.1
Min Corridor Width
1.5 m
Cl. 5.6.1
Min Staircase Width (General)
1.5 m
Cl. 5.7.1
Min Staircase Width (Assembly Areas)— For areas like auditoriums within the school.
2.0 m
Cl. 5.7.1
Staircase Riser (Max)— For buildings ≤ 24 m height. Reduces to 150 mm for buildings > 24 m.
180 mm
Cl. 5.7.4
Staircase Tread (Min)— For buildings ≤ 24 m height. Increases to 300 mm for buildings > 24 m.
250 mm
Cl. 5.7.4
Max Risers per Flight
12 risers
Cl. 5.7.3
Min Headroom on Stairs
2.2 m
Cl. 5.7.6
Ramp Slope (Max)
1 in 10
Cl. 5.9.2
Fire Resistance (Frame, >24m Bldg)— For structural frame, columns, and beams in high-rise educational buildings.
3 hours
Cl. 6.2.3 (Table 3)
Fire Resistance (Floors, 15-24m Bldg)
2 hours
Cl. 6.2.3 (Table 3)
Compartmentation Area (Max)— Maximum area on any floor between fire separation walls.
2000 m²
Cl. 6.3
Min Basement Exits— One must open directly to the exterior or an interior open-air space.
2 staircases
Cl. 7.3
Wet Riser / Down-comer Trigger Height
> 24 m
Cl. 8.2.1
Automatic Sprinkler Trigger Height
> 24 m
Cl. 8.3.1
Portable Extinguisher Provision— Minimum of 2 extinguishers per floor.
1 per 500 m²
Cl. 8.6.1 (Table 4)
⚠ Verify against the latest BIS/IRC publication and project specifications. Amendment Slips may modify values.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! This code is now largely supplemented by the National Building Code (NBC) 2016, Part 4. It's crucial to consult the latest NBC for comprehensive requirements.
! The primary focus is on quick and orderly evacuation of students. Therefore, generous widths for corridors and stairs, and clear, unobstructed exit routes are paramount.
! Regular maintenance of fire safety installations and conducting fire drills are mandatory for compliance and effective safety management.
Provides comprehensive life safety requirements with dedicated chapters (14 & 15) for new and existing educational occupancies.
Building Bulletin 100Department for Education (UK)
HighCurrent
Design for fire safety in schools
The definitive UK government guidance document specifically for fire safety design and management in schools.
IBC 2024ICC (International)
MediumCurrent
International Building Code
Covers fire safety for 'Group E' (Educational) occupancies within a comprehensive model building code framework.
BS 9999:2017BSI (UK)
MediumCurrent
Fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings — Code of practice
A general, risk-based code of practice for fire safety in buildings, applicable to schools but not specific to them.
Key Differences
≠Automatic Sprinkler Systems: NFPA 101 (2024) mandates automatic sprinkler systems in all new educational occupancies. IS 13716:1993 only recommends sprinklers for buildings exceeding 15 meters in height, making it a much less stringent requirement.
≠Maximum Travel Distance: IS 13716 specifies a single, short maximum travel distance of 22.5 meters. In contrast, NFPA 101 allows for significantly longer travel distances, up to 46 meters (150 ft) in unsprinklered buildings and 61 meters (200 ft) in sprinklered buildings, reflecting a modern, performance-based approach.
≠Occupancy Classification Nuance: IS 13716 uses a broad 'Group B - Educational' classification. NFPA 101 provides more detailed sub-classifications, with distinct requirements for 'New' versus 'Existing' educational occupancies, and specific rules for day-care facilities based on the age of children.
≠Fire Drill Frequency: NFPA 101 mandates a very specific fire drill schedule, including one drill per month school is in session, with variations for severe climates. IS 13716 recommends regular fire drills but is less prescriptive about the exact frequency and execution.
Key Similarities
≈Focus on Egress: Both standards prioritize the 'Means of Egress' as a fundamental life safety principle, with detailed requirements for the number, capacity, and arrangement of exits, corridors, and stairways.
≈Occupancy-Specific Approach: Both IS 13716 and its international counterparts are dedicated codes or chapters specifically addressing the unique risks of educational buildings, such as high occupant density and the need to evacuate minors.
≈Requirement for Fire Alarms: Both codes mandate the installation of fire alarm systems to ensure timely notification of occupants in the event of a fire, specifying manual call points and audible alarms.
≈Exit Signage and Lighting: Both standards require the provision of clear, visible, and often illuminated exit signs to guide occupants to safety, along with emergency lighting for egress routes in case of power failure.