The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the eligibility criteria for students appearing in the Class 10 and Class 12 Board Exams for the academic year 2026–27. According to the guidelines, students must maintain a minimum of 75% attendance and complete two years of study in all subjects to qualify for the board examinations.
Two-Year Study Requirement for Board Exams
CBSE clarified that Class 10 and Class 12 Board Exams are two-year programmes. Classes 9 and 10 together form the foundation for Class 10 Board exams, while Classes 11 and 12 comprise the preparation for Class 12 Board exams. Students must study each subject, including any additional subject, for two full academic years to be eligible for the exams.
The Board emphasized that internal assessment is a mandatory component of every subject offered under CBSE as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Without completing internal assessment requirements, students’ results cannot be declared, and such students will be placed in the “Essential Repeat” category, even if they are enrolled as regular students.
Attendance and Internal Assessment Requirements
To sit for the CBSE Board Exams 2026–27, students must achieve at least 75% attendance. This rule ensures active participation in classroom learning and discourages students from merely appearing for the final board exam without consistent study.
The internal assessment process spans two years and evaluates students’ performance through assignments, projects, and other learning activities. If a student fails to attend school regularly, their internal assessment marks cannot be awarded, making them ineligible for the final exams.
Additional Subjects in Class 10 and 12
According to the official CBSE statement, Class 10 students may offer up to two additional subjects beyond the compulsory five, while Class 12 students can take only one additional subject. However, these additional subjects also require two years of study.
Schools must obtain CBSE approval and have qualified teachers, laboratories, and facilities to offer such subjects. If a school lacks proper authorization or infrastructure, students cannot opt for that subject as a main or additional subject.
Private Candidates and Compartment Exams
CBSE clarified that students who had offered additional subjects in previous years and were placed in the “Compartment” or “Essential Repeat” category may appear as private candidates under the respective category. No student will be allowed to appear for the board exams unless they meet all the specified criteria.
CBSE vs. NIOS
The Board also highlighted that there are two national school boards under the Ministry of Education. CBSE offers education through face-to-face classroom teaching, whereas the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) operates under an open and distance learning model, for more details CLICK HERE
