CBSE Issues Class 10, Class 12 Board Exams 2026 New Guidelines

CBSE Issues Class 10, Class 12 Board exams 2026 New Guidelines provide the students with a strict and organized learning process.

They emphasize the Two-Year Structure, mandatory 75% attendance, compulsory internal assessments, and strict rules for Additional Subjects. These measures aim to improve accountability, prevent shortcuts and prepare students fully for board exams.

CBSE Issues Class 10, Class 12 Board Exams 2026 New Guidelines to Appear in Board Exams

CBSE issues Class 10, Class 12 Board exams 2026 New Guidelines to appear in board exams set clear eligibility rules for students:

• Students must follow a Two Year Structure for their board classes.

• A minimum 75% Attendance is required to sit for exams.

• Completion of all internal assessments over two years is mandatory.

• Rules for Additional Subjects must be strictly followed.

Two Year Structure for CBSE Board Exams 2026

Two Year Structure is a major reform under the new guidelines:

• Class 10: Students must complete Classes IX and X together as a continuous two-year program before appearing for the board exam.

• Class 12: Students must complete Classes XI and XII together as a two-year program.

Attendance Requirements 2026

Attendance is an important eligibility criterion under the CBSE Board exams 2026 rules. Students must maintain at least 75% attendance throughout the academic year.

• Up to 25% absence is allowed only for exceptional reasons such as medical emergencies, bereavement or participation in national-level sports or cultural events.

• Proper documentation is mandatory for these exceptions.

• Students failing to meet the attendance requirement without valid reasons will not be allowed to appear in board exams.

Internal Assessments Mandatory for Eligibility

Internal assessments are now compulsory according to the CBSE issues Class 10, Class 12 Board exams 2026 New Guidelines to appear in board exams. These assessments are conducted over two years and include:

• Periodic tests

• Projects and assignments

• Classroom participation

Students who miss internal assessments due to irregular attendance will not have their results declared. Even if they appear for theory exams, they may be placed in the Essential Repeat category.

Rules for Additional Subjects

The rules of the Additional Subjects are stated clearly in the guidelines:

Class 10 Students: Are allowed a maximum of two more subjects on top of the five compulsory subjects.

Class 12 Students: Are allowed to undertake one more subject only.

All additional subjects must be studied continuously for the full two-year period. Schools without proper CBSE approval, qualified teachers or required facilities cannot offer these subjects. Students from such schools will not be allowed to register for these subjects in board exams.

Private Candidates and Repeaters

Students who previously failed or were placed in the Essential Repeat category can reappear as private candidates. However, they must comply with the Two Year Structure and attendance rules to be eligible to register for additional subjects.

Why These Guidelines Are Important

CBSE issues Class 10, Class 12 Board exams 2026 New Guidelines to appear in board exams are important for:

• Preventing students from bypassing classroom learning.

• Stopping schools from offering unapproved subjects.

• Ensuring completion of internal assessments.