CBSE New Guidelines for 10th and 12th Board Exams 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education has released fresh guidelines regarding the eligibility criteria and examination process for Class 10 and Class 12 board exams. The new CBSE notice highlights important changes related to attendance, course duration, internal assessment, and rules for additional subjects. These guidelines will be implemented from the 2026 board examinations and are crucial for students, parents, and schools to understand.
In this article, we will cover the latest CBSE guidelines for 10th and 12th board exams, the role of internal assessment, rules for additional subjects, and frequently asked questions about the upcoming exams.
CBSE Board Exams: Two-Year Regular Courses
According to CBSE, both Class 10 and Class 12 are two-year regular courses. This means:
- Class 10 is a two-year program covering Class 9 and Class 10.
- Class 12 is a two-year program covering Class 11 and Class 12.
To be eligible for the final board examinations, students must study all subjects across the two academic years. CBSE clarified that students cannot directly appear in the board exams without completing the two-year cycle of learning.
This clarification distinguishes CBSE’s approach from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). While CBSE offers education through face-to-face classroom learning, NIOS follows an open and distance education mode.
Minimum 75% Attendance Mandatory
One of the most important points in the CBSE new guidelines is that students must have at least 75% attendance to be eligible for Class 10 and Class 12 board exams.
- Students falling short of attendance may not be allowed to appear for the final board exams.
- Schools will monitor attendance closely and submit the data to CBSE.
- Exceptions may only be considered in rare and justified cases with proper documentation.
This step ensures that students attend classes regularly and actively participate in the learning process instead of relying only on last-minute exam preparation.
Internal Assessment: A Compulsory Requirement
CBSE has reiterated that internal assessment is a compulsory part of evaluation in all subjects as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- Internal assessment spans two years, not just one academic year.
- If a student does not attend school regularly, their internal assessment cannot be conducted.
- Without internal assessment scores, a student’s result cannot be declared.
In such cases, even if the student has attended some classes, they will be placed under the Essential Repeat Category and will not be promoted until requirements are met.
This policy emphasizes that consistent performance throughout the academic session is just as important as final board exam marks.
Guidelines on Additional Subjects
CBSE also issued clear rules about offering additional subjects in Class 10 and Class 12.
- In Class 10, students can choose two additional subjects besides the compulsory five.
- In Class 12, students can choose one additional subject in addition to the compulsory subjects.
However, these additional subjects can only be offered if:
- The school has official CBSE approval for those subjects.
- The school has adequate teachers, laboratories, and infrastructure to support learning.
If a school has not received permission from CBSE but still allows students to opt for such subjects, those students will not be permitted to appear in board exams for that subject.
Private Candidates and Repeat Categories
For students who could not clear their exams earlier, CBSE has made the following clarifications:
- If a student has failed or been placed in the Compartment or Essential Repeat category in previous years, they can reappear as a private candidate.
- However, they must meet all eligibility requirements, including attendance and internal assessment, if they are regular students.
- Students who fail to fulfill conditions will not be allowed to appear for additional subjects as private candidates.
This ensures transparency and equal treatment of both regular and private candidates.
Why Are These Guidelines Important?
The new CBSE guidelines for Class 10 and 12 board exams are a significant step towards:
- Ensuring Academic Discipline – Students will now have to attend school regularly and complete the full two-year course.
- Strengthening NEP-2020 Implementation – Internal assessments promote continuous learning instead of one-time exam-based evaluation.
- Maintaining Quality Education – Schools offering subjects without infrastructure or permission will no longer be able to compromise education quality.
- Preventing Misuse of the System – Students attempting to bypass learning requirements and directly appear in exams will be discouraged.
Conclusion
The CBSE new guidelines for Class 10 and 12 board exams mark a major shift towards discipline, accountability, and quality education. With rules on attendance, compulsory internal assessment, and eligibility for additional subjects, CBSE is ensuring that students engage in a holistic two-year learning process rather than just focusing on final exams.
Parents, students, and schools must carefully follow these guidelines to avoid last-minute eligibility issues. As the CBSE board exams 2026 approach, staying updated with official CBSE notifications is essential for a smooth and stress-free academic journey.
