CBSE Board Exams 2026: Eligibility Criteria for Class 10 & 12 Students Announced

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out new registration and eligibility rules for the 2026 Class 10 and 12 board exams. Designed to strengthen academic rigor and ensure consistency, these guidelines focus on attendance, continuous evaluation, and a structured two-year learning approach.

Registration on Pariksha Sangam Portal

All CBSE-affiliated schools must register students of Classes 9 and 11 for the 2025-26 session through the Pariksha Sangam portal. Accurate details such as name, date of birth, and subjects are crucial, and schools must ensure only bona fide students are registered. Parents should be informed about correction windows before final submission.

Two-Year Learning Period Now Essential

CBSE has declared that board exams are part of a two-year academic programme. Class 10 exams will be based on learning from Classes 9 and 10, while Class 12 exams will include content from Classes 11 and 12. Students cannot skip foundational classes or join late. Every subject must be studied continuously over two academic years to be eligible for the exam.

75% Attendance Rule Enforced

A minimum of 75% attendance is required to sit for board exams. Attendance will be tracked daily, and only exceptional circumstances such as medical emergencies, bereavement, or national-level sports/cultural participation will warrant relaxation, with valid documentation. Students lacking sufficient attendance without justification will be barred from exams.

Internal Assessments Are Mandatory

In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, internal assessments will be conducted throughout the two years, covering tests, projects, and classroom activities. Students missing school regularly risk being marked absent from assessments, and their results may be withheld or categorized as “Essential Repeat.”

Strict Guidelines on Additional Subjects

Class 10 students can choose up to two additional subjects, while Class 12 students may opt for only one beyond the core curriculum. These subjects must also be studied continuously for two years. Schools without qualified staff, labs, or CBSE approval cannot offer such subjects for registration.

Rules for Private Candidates and Repeaters

Repeat candidates placed in Compartment or Essential Repeat categories may reappear as private candidates, but only if they meet attendance and study requirements. Students failing to fulfill the two-year study mandate will not be allowed to register for additional subjects.

These new rules aim to ensure that board exams reflect thorough preparation and sustained learning, fostering discipline, accountability, and academic excellence.


Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on the official guidelines released by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for the 2026 Class 10 and 12 board exams. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to refer to official CBSE notifications and circulars for complete and updated details. The publisher or author is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this information.