CBSE Board Exam 2026: CBSE has introduced new strict rules for class 10 and 12 board exams. Now students will have to study the selected subjects for two years, minimum 75% attendance will be mandatory and results will not be declared without internal assessment. Under the new rules, strict provisions have also been added on subject selection and private candidate policy.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued new mandatory rules for class 10 and 12 board examinations. The aim of these rules is to encourage students to study seriously in a two-year academic program and strengthen the process of internal assessment. According to the board, classes 9–10 and 11–12 will be considered as a two-year academic program. Students will have to study the selected subjects for two consecutive years. Also, at least 75% attendance of each student will be mandatory.
CBSE has clarified that it will be necessary to complete the internal assessment for two years. The result of the students who fail in this assessment will not be declared. Students can choose a maximum of two additional subjects in class 10 and one additional subject in class 12, but these subjects will also have to be studied for two consecutive years. According to the rules, students can choose only those subjects for which teachers, laboratories and other facilities are available in the school.
Compartment exam rules
According to CBSE rules, if a student falls in the “compartment” or “essential repeat” category in an additional subject, he will be able to appear for the exam again as a private candidate. However, students who do not follow these rules will not be allowed to choose additional subjects as private candidates in the board exam. Board officials say that this change will promote discipline and a culture of in-depth subject study among students. This move of CBSE is considered important towards better resource management in schools and ensuring equal opportunities for students.
