The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has started preparations for the Class 10 and 12 board examinations to be held in 2026. This time, the board has introduced several new rules which will be mandatory for students. Along with filling out the examination form, it has been made clear that students who fail to meet the prescribed conditions will not be allowed to appear in the board examinations.

CBSE has implemented 7 important rules this year. First, students must study continuously for two years — from Class 9 to 10 and from Class 11 to 12. Second, a minimum of 75% attendance in school is compulsory. Third, internal assessment for both years is mandatory; otherwise, board results will not be issued. Fourth, students in Class 10 will have the option to choose two additional subjects, while Class 12 students can choose one, but these must also be studied for both years. Fifth, subjects for which the school does not have proper laboratories or teachers will not be included in the board exams. Sixth, if a student fails in an additional subject, they will be placed in ‘compartment’ or ‘essential repeat,’ and may reappear as a private candidate in the next attempt. Seventh, students who fail to meet these conditions will not be allowed to take additional subjects as private candidates.

In addition, CBSE has introduced a major change in the Class 10 board exams from 2026. From now on, the exams will be held twice a year. The first exam will be compulsory for all, while the second will be optional, giving students an opportunity to either improve their scores or secure a pass. The main aim of this system is to provide students with a fair chance to perform better and achieve success.