CBSE Board Exam 2026: In an effort to enhance academic discipline and provide for regular classroom attendance, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made it clear that students of Class 10 and 12 will be required to have a minimum attendance of 75% to sit for the 2026 board exams.
The board made it clear that though learning flexibility is available, regular school attendance remains non-negotiable. CBSE has directed all affiliated schools to enforce this attendance policy strictly and warned of consequences for non-compliance for both students and institutions.
Strict Attendance Monitoring for Exam Eligibility
CBSE has stated that students short of the 75% attendance requirement will not be allowed to appear for the board examinations, unless in genuine cases like:
- Serious medical conditions
- Participation in national/international sports or competitions
- Other critical or justified circumstances
However, automatic relaxation will not be given. Formal leave applications, along with documentary proof, have to be submitted by students at the time of taking leave. If this is not done, the absence will be marked as unauthorised.
Schools Held Responsible
The board has released a detailed advisory for schools to:
- Inform students and parents about the attendance rule and its consequences.
- Keep a record register, duly signed by class teachers and authenticated by the school authority, as a daily updated register.
- Send written notifications to parents in case of persistent low attendance of a student.
- Store leave records for all absent students, particularly for medical or exceptional cases.
If students are absent from classes without submitting proper documentation, CBSE has the right to treat them as non-attending or dummy candidates, preventing them from appearing in the exam.
Inspections and Penalties
To prevent violations, CBSE can conduct surprise checks in schools. Schools with partial or falsified attendance records may be penalised severely, including disaffiliation. The board also made it clear that after submitting cases of shortage of attendance for consideration, no change or appeal will be accepted.
