75% attendance compulsory: CBSE issues new guidelines for Class 10 and 12 Board exam eligibility

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Monday issued a fresh set of guidelines outlining the essential requirements for students appearing in Class X and Class XII board examinations.

According to the notice, Class IX–X and Class XI–XII will continue to be treated as two-year programmes, and students must study all subjects for the full duration to qualify. The board has made it mandatory for students to maintain at least 75% attendance.

The circular also stressed the importance of internal assessment, which will be conducted over two years as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. CBSE said that in the absence of internal assessment, results cannot be declared, and such students will be placed in the ‘Essential Repeat’ category.

Important Information from #CBSE pic.twitter.com/Sxn9As6VYA

— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) September 15, 2025

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Students in Class X may take up to two additional subjects apart from the five compulsory ones, while Class XII students may opt for one additional subject. However, CBSE warned that schools must obtain prior approval before offering any new subjects and ensure proper facilities, including teachers and labs.

The board further clarified that students placed in ‘Compartment’ or ‘Essential Repeat’ categories in previous years can reappear as private candidates, but only if they meet the stated conditions. Those not fulfilling the criteria will not be eligible to sit for additional subjects as private candidates.

The notice, signed by Controller of Examinations Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, was issued ‘for the information of stakeholders’.