CBSE Releases Detailed Guidelines for 2026 Board Exams; LOC Submission Made Compulsory
New Delhi, 29th August 2025: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a fresh set of mandatory guidelines for schools ahead of the 2026 Class 10 and 12 board examinations, placing special focus on the timely and error-free submission of the List of Candidates (LOC). The Board has made it clear that the students not included in the LOC will not be allowed to appear for the exams.
For the first time, CBSE’s new two-exam policy for Class 10 will come into effect from the 2025–26 academic session. All students must be enrolled in the LOC and appear for the first compulsory exam in February 2026. A second exam in May 2026 will serve as an additional chance. Schools have been directed to brief students and parents about this significant change.
Schools must carefully verify student details—including name, date of birth, parent names, subject codes, and categories—before submission. CBSE has warned that no corrections will be allowed once the deadline closes, as LOC entries will directly impact admit cards, exam records, and final certificates.
Key Requirements & Fee Structure
APAAR IDs: Mandatory for all Indian students (not for overseas schools).
Digital payments only for exam fees.
Photo uploads as per prescribed formats.
Practical exam fees: ₹160 per subject (India), ₹175 (Nepal), ₹375 (other countries).
Exemption: Students with visual impairment will not be charged exam fees.
Deadlines to Remember
LOC submission (regular window): 29th Aug – 30th Sept 2025
With late fee: 3rd Oct – 11th Oct, 2025
Challan-based payments (India): 22nd Sept (Normal), 8th Oct (Late)
Additional Directives to Schools:
Hold awareness sessions for parents on the new two-exam policy.
Register on OASIS and HPE portals (mandatory for new affiliates).
Follow CBSE’s Scheme of Studies rather than rigid “streams” like science or commerce.
Maintain proper student–teacher ratios, as these will be used to appoint evaluators.
Upload details of Children With Special Needs (CWSN) through CBSE’s dedicated portal before the deadline.
The Board has cautioned that incomplete or incorrect data could lead to students being barred from exams or even having their results withheld.
