The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that students appearing for the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations in 2026 must secure at least 75 percent attendance to qualify.

In a circular issued on 15 September, the board clarified that attendance will be directly linked to internal assessment, which it emphasised is a two-year process rather than a one-off activity. Students who fail to meet attendance requirements risk being placed in the ‘Essential Repeat’ category, even if they are enrolled as regular candidates.

The directive also underscores that Classes 10 and 12 are part of two-year learning cycles (9-10 and 11-12), and regular classroom participation is essential for schools to complete continuous assessment.

In addition, CBSE has set new guidelines for subject choices. Class 10 students may opt for two additional subjects besides the compulsory five, while Class 12 students may choose one. However, schools may not offer subjects without adequate trained staff, laboratory facilities, or prior approval.

Students falling in the ‘Compartment’ or ‘Essential Repeat’ categories in additional subjects will be permitted to reappear as private candidates. However, those failing to meet attendance or assessment conditions will not be eligible for additional subjects in this manner.

By making attendance a deciding factor for results, CBSE has reinforced its commitment to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which prioritises continuous evaluation, participation, and competency-based education.

Students and schools now have over a year to adapt, but the move is expected to discourage last-minute exam preparation and encourage consistent engagement throughout the academic cycle.

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