In order to be eligible for the 2026 board exams, students in Classes 10 and 12 must maintain a minimum attendance of 75% during the 2025–2026 academic year, according to a confirmation from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
In spite of the CBSE Examination Byelaws’ Rules 13 and 14, participation has varied amongst schools. These standards have not been sufficiently followed by many schools and students, which has resulted in inconsistent attendance, shaky record-keeping, and a rise in dummy or absent candidates. Reinforcing academic discipline and standardizing attendance monitoring across the country are the goals of the renewed enforcement.
Mandatory Attendance Threshold
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Minimum Requirement: 75% of total working days in the academic year.
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Cut‑off Date: Attendance is calculated as of January 1, 2026
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Students failing to meet this threshold will be barred from appearing in the board exams, unless they qualify for condonation under specified conditions
Condonation: Valid Grounds & Documentation
CBSE permits limited relaxation (up to 25%) only under specific valid reasons:
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Prolonged illness (documented by government‑accredited medical practitioners)
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Bereavement or serious family emergencies (with official certificates)
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Authorized participation in national/international sporting events
Procedural details include:
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Written application from parents immediately after absence.
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Supporting documents—medical certificates, death certificates, or sports authority endorsements.
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School recommendation using the prescribed CBSE proforma.
All applications must be sent to the relevant CBSE regional office by January 7, 2026. Late submissions will be rejected, but further review may go on until the middle of February.
Schools’ Responsibilities
CBSE has outlined a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for schools:
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To educate students and parents at the start of the session about attendance requirements.
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To send written alerts (via registered post or email) to parents when student attendance drops.
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To maintain daily attendance registers, signed by class teachers and principal, always available for inspection.
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To conduct random surprise audits—schools found manipulating or falsifying attendance records may face serious consequences, including disaffiliation and student disqualification
Negligence is not tolerated under the new directive. Parents and students need to make sure that the right paperwork is kept, plan their leaves wisely, and keep a careful eye on attendance. After the January deadline, schools are unable to update attendance in the past.
There are now actual repercussions for chronic absences without a good reason. Students risk losing their eligibility for the 2026 board exams if they don’t meet the 75% threshold or if they don’t have an authorized condonation.
In actuality, CBSE’s renewed emphasis on attendance is more than just an administrative regulation; it is a strong step towards improving academic discipline, guaranteeing equity, and getting rid of dummy candidates in all schools.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on official updates and circulars released by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) as of August 2025. Students, parents, and schools are advised to regularly check the official CBSE website (www.cbse.gov.in) or contact their respective institutions for the most accurate and updated guidelines. The article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute legal or official advice.
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