CBSE 10th Second Board Exams 2026: Second Window for CBSE Board Exams Opens Today; Know the Rules, Dates, and Fees

CBSE 10th Second Board Exams 2026: According to CBSE guidelines, schools can submit the List of Candidates (LOC) from April 16 to April 20, 2026. During this same period, the examination fees for both the first and second phases must also be deposited.

CBSE 10th Second Board Exams 2026: Immediately after releasing the Class 10 results yesterday—April 15—CBSE has now initiated the process for the Second Board Exams of 2026. Concurrently, the process for schools to submit the List of Candidates (LOC) has commenced today, April 16. This second examination offers students an opportunity to improve their scores or clear compartment subjects within the same academic session. Under the ‘Two Exam System’ implemented this year, the second board examination is considered a crucial stage, requiring applications to be submitted strictly within the stipulated rules and deadlines.

LOC Submission and Fee Payment Dates

As per CBSE guidelines, schools may submit the LOC between April 16 and April 20, 2026. The examination fees for both the first and second phases must also be deposited during this timeframe. If a school fails to complete this process within the given deadline, a window has been provided on April 21 and 22 to submit applications with a late fee. No applications will be accepted thereafter, and the entire process is to be conducted exclusively online.

Who is Eligible to Appear for the Second Board Exam?

The Board has clarified that not all students are eligible to appear for this examination. Students who have already passed the main examination may appear to improve their scores in a maximum of three subjects. Students falling under the ‘Compartment’ category are also eligible to appear for the exam, subject to the applicable rules. Additionally, students who were unable to appear for the first phase of the examination may also apply by depositing the requisite fees. Furthermore, students from the 2024-25 session with compartment status may apply under the provision for a third opportunity. However, students categorized under ‘Essential Repeat’ status will not be eligible to appear for this examination.

What Changes Will Be Permitted?

This time, CBSE has permitted a limited number of changes. Students may switch between the ‘Standard’ and ‘Basic’ levels in Mathematics. No changes will be permitted in any other subject; however, students who do not wish to appear for the examination may withdraw their applications. Once an application has been submitted, no modifications of any kind will be accepted. Furthermore, the Board has clarified that the syllabus for the Second Board Examination will remain identical to that of the Main Examination held in 2026. If a student fails to appear for the examination after having paid the fees, their result from the Main Examination will be considered the final result. The concessions and facilities currently being provided to students in the CWSN (Children with Special Needs) category will continue; however, no new registrations under this category will be accepted. All applications must be submitted online; offline forms will not be accepted. Additionally, for students in India and Nepal, the examination fee has been fixed at ₹320 per subject, with a total fee of ₹960 applicable for a maximum of three subjects. An additional late fee of ₹2,000 will be applicable.

What are the Provisions for Private Candidates?

CBSE has also initiated the application process for private candidates. These students, too, may submit their applications between April 16 and April 20 with the standard fee, and on April 21 and 22 with a late fee. The Board has explicitly stated that forms submitted without the requisite fee will be automatically rejected, and under no circumstances will offline applications be accepted. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the Second Board Examination is expected to be conducted in 2026. The examination will be held from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.