CBSE tightens eligibility: 2-year study, 75% attendance and internal assessments now mandatory

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued new rules tightening eligibility for Class X and XII board examinations. Under the updated directive, students must meet stricter academic and attendance requirements to appear for the final exams.

Key changes include treating Class X and Class XII as two-year programmes, meaning subjects for board exams must be studied across the full two-year period. Late admissions or attempts to skip foundational classes will not be permitted.

Attendance has been made compulsory: students are required to maintain a minimum of 75% attendance. Schools must keep daily attendance records, and condonation of up to 25% will be allowed only in exceptional cases (medical emergencies, bereavement, or national-level representation) with proper documentation. Those without valid justification will be deemed ineligible.

Continuous internal assessment is now a core requirement, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Internal evaluation including periodic tests, projects and classroom participation — spans the two years. Without these records, CBSE may withhold results and place students in an “Essential Repeat” category despite their appearance in theory exams.

The board has also clarified rules on additional subjects: Class X students may take up to two extra subjects beyond the five core ones, while Class XII students may take one additional subject. Any additional subject must be pursued for the full two-year duration. Schools offering subjects without CBSE approval, adequate staff or facilities risk having those registrations rejected.

CBSE emphasised that these measures aim to strengthen discipline, ensure comprehensive learning and prevent attempts to bypass regular schooling. The board warned affiliated schools that non-compliance could invite disciplinary action, including possible disaffiliation.