The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a clear directive for students appearing in the Class 10 and 12 board examinations in 2026: maintaining a minimum of 75% attendance is now a mandatory eligibility requirement. This move is aimed at fostering greater student engagement and accountability throughout the academic year.
In a circular released recently, CBSE highlighted the importance of regular attendance not only for academic success but also for the development of discipline, responsibility, and holistic growth among students. The board emphasized that this measure aligns with its goal of nurturing responsible and well-rounded individuals.
Limited Relaxations Available
CBSE has, however, made provisions for a 25% relaxation in specific cases. These include:
- Medical emergencies
- Participation in national or international sports or cultural events
- Other serious and genuine reasons
To avail this relaxation, students must submit valid documentation supporting their claims. This includes medical certificates, event participation records, or any other relevant documents. Without such records, the relaxation will not be considered, and students risk being disqualified from appearing for the board exams.
Instructions to Schools
To ensure the effective implementation of this attendance policy, CBSE has issued a detailed set of guidelines to affiliated schools. Key directives include:
Informing Students and Parents: Schools must clearly communicate the 75% attendance requirement and its consequences to both students and their guardians. Students must submit a leave application along with supporting documents at the time of leave. Unnotified absences will be treated as unauthorized.
Documentation of Leave: In the case of medical emergencies, students must submit a written application and valid medical documents immediately after returning. For any other absence, students must inform the school in writing with a valid reason. Failure to do so may result in students being treated as non-attending or dummy candidates.
Accurate Attendance Records: Schools are required to maintain daily updated attendance registers, signed by the class teacher and the competent school authority. These records must be kept in proper order to verify student attendance whenever needed.
Parental Notification: If a student frequently misses school or risks falling below the attendance threshold, the school must inform the parents in writing to take corrective steps.
Surprise Inspections by CBSE: The board reserves the right to conduct unannounced inspections to verify the authenticity and accuracy of attendance records. Schools found with incomplete or manipulated records may face strict penalties, including disaffiliation.
Final Deadline for Attendance Reporting
Once schools submit the final list of students with shortage of attendance, no further changes will be allowed, CBSE clarified. Therefore, schools must be diligent in reporting and students must avoid unnecessary absenteeism.
With this initiative, CBSE underscores that consistent attendance is not merely a formality, but a core part of a student’s academic responsibility. Students and parents are advised to take this directive seriously to avoid any complications during board exam registration. Regular attendance will now be a key criterion for success, not just in examinations, but in character building and lifelong learning, for more details CLICK HERE
