CBSE sets strict attendance criteria for 2026 board exam candidates, check latest update

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has reinforced its mandate requiring Class 10 and 12 students to maintain a minimum of 75% attendance during the 2025–26 academic year to be eligible for the 2026 board examinations. This directive, officially issued on August 4, aims to curb increasing non-compliance and promote academic discipline.

Tightened Rules to Prevent Dummy Candidates

According to CBSE Examination Bye-Laws (Rules 13 and 14), students who fail to meet the 75% attendance requirement will be barred from taking the board exams unless they qualify for specific exceptions. Acceptable exemptions include medical emergencies, family bereavement, or participation in officially recognized sporting events—each requiring verifiable documents.

CBSE has emphasized zero tolerance for attendance tampering. It warned that absences without prior written approval would be deemed unauthorised, and schools manipulating data could face penalties.

Clear Guidelines for Documentation and Parental Involvement

Schools are required to inform students and parents at the beginning of the session about the strict attendance policy and its implications. Written warnings via registered post or email must be sent to parents if a student’s attendance drops below the required threshold.

Medical leaves must be supported by certificates from government-approved practitioners, while other cases—like bereavement—require valid documents. All evidence must be submitted promptly after leave is taken.

CBSE also clarified that attendance will be tallied up to January 1, and schools must submit all attendance shortage cases by January 7. Late submissions will not be considered.

Schools Under Increased Scrutiny

CBSE will conduct random inspections across affiliated schools to check attendance accuracy. Schools found guilty of record manipulation risk facing serious consequences such as disaffiliation or disqualification of their students from board exams.

Daily updates to attendance registers, signed by both class teachers and principals, are now mandatory. Schools must maintain all correspondence with parents and use the standardized formats and procedures outlined by CBSE.