The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued strict rules for students appearing in Class 10 and 12 board exam. For the first time, CBSE has linked exam eligibility with two-year classroom study, minimum 75% attendance, and continuous internal assessment. The notice is one of the toughest directives by the board in recent years.
Two-Year Structure Made Compulsory
CBSE has formally declared that:
- Classes IX and X together form a complete programme for the Class 10 exam.
- Classes XI and XII together form a complete programme for the Class 12 exam.
Any subject taken in Classes 10 or 12 must have been studied continuously for two academic years. Students cannot skip foundation classes or enroll late. If they do, they will be disqualified from appearing in the board exam.
75% Attendance Mandatory
CBSE has made it clear that students must have at least 75% attendance to sit for the exams.
- Schools must track attendance daily and maintain proper registers.
- A maximum condonation of up to 25% is allowed only in special cases such as:
- Medical emergencies
- Death of immediate family members
- Participation in national-level sports or cultural events
Students failing to meet the requirement without valid reasons will be declared ineligible for board exams.
Internal Assessments Cannot Be Skipped
In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, internal assessments are now an essential part of evaluation.
- Conducted over two years
- Includes periodic tests, projects, and classroom participation
- Students missing school will automatically lose assessment records
Without an internal assessment, CBSE will not declare results. Even if students appear for theory papers, they will be placed in the “Essential Repeat” category.
Rules for Additional Subjects
CBSE has also restricted the number of additional subjects:
- Class X: Students can choose up to two additional subjects.
- Class XII: Students can choose one additional subject only.
These subjects must also be studied for the entire two-year programme.
The board has warned schools not to offer subjects without CBSE’s approval. The board will not allow schools to register students for subjects if the school lacks qualified teachers, labs, or formal permission.
Private Candidates and Repeaters
CBSE has clarified rules for private candidates:
- Students in Compartment or Essential Repeat categories can reappear as private candidates.
- However, if they have not followed the two-year study and attendance requirement, they cannot take additional subjects as private candidates.
CBSE Board Exams 2026: Schedule for Private Candidates Released
Why This Notice Matters
This step is a strong move to ensure discipline and accountability in CBSE schools. It directly targets:
- Dummy candidates who enroll without attending classes
- Schools offering subjects without approval or proper facilities
- Students are trying to bypass the internal assessment system
