CBSE Board Exams 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has unveiled new guidelines for the List of Candidates (LOC) submission for the academic year 2025-26. Significant modifications have been introduced, particularly concerning the submission process for two board exams, the APAAR ID, and the LOC for 10th-grade students. It is essential for school administrators and students to be aware of these updates.
Understanding the LOC Process
The LOC is a crucial step for schools to register eligible students for board examinations. Only those students whose names are submitted via the online LOC portal will be permitted to take the exams.
New Two-Board Exam Policy and APAAR ID Requirement
Starting from the academic year 2025-26, CBSE will implement a two-board exam policy for class 10 students. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to alleviate exam-related stress and offer greater flexibility to students.
The first board exam is set for mid-February 2026, followed by an optional improvement exam in May. Students will have the opportunity to retain their best scores in each subject. All Class 10 students must submit the LOC for the initial exam.
Linking APAAR ID to LOC:
The board mandates that the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID be linked to the LOC. Schools can only submit LOC for students possessing an APAAR ID, with exceptions for schools located outside India. The APAAR ID serves as a unique 12-digit digital identity for students across the nation, aimed at consolidating their academic records.
Guidelines for Schools and Students with Special Needs
Schools must ensure that all details, including names and subjects, are accurately entered, as corrections are typically not allowed post-submission. CBSE has also issued specific circulars and established a dedicated portal for the inclusion of children with special needs (CWSN). Schools are required to utilize the CWSN portal to upload necessary documents for these students and to request any exam concessions or exemptions.
Key Dates and Fees for LOC Submission
Schools can begin submitting LOC online in September 2025, with the deadline for submissions without a late fee set for October 2025. The registration process for private candidates will commence in October 2025. The exam fees for the 2025-26 session are as follows:
| Indian Schools | Rs 1,500 per candidate for up to five subjects |
| Additional Subject | Rs 300 per subject |
| Practical Exam Fee | Rs 150 per subject |
| Late Fee | Rs 2,000 per candidate if applied after the deadline |
| Visually Impaired Students | Exempt from exam fees |
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