CBSE Clarifies Eligibility Rules for Private Candidates Seeking Additional Subjects in 2026 Board Exams

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a detailed clarification regarding the eligibility criteria for private candidates wishing to appear for additional subjects in the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations scheduled for 2026. This announcement comes following concerns raised by many students about the removal of the ‘Additional Subject’ option from this year’s private candidate application forms.

CBSE clarified that private candidates must fulfill the same academic and attendance requirements as regular students to be eligible for any extra subject. Both Class 10 and 12 programs are two-year courses—Classes 9 and 10 for Class 10 exams and Classes 11 and 12 for Class 12 exams—and students must complete the full two-year study period for any subject, including additional ones.

Furthermore, a minimum attendance of 75% is required to ensure consistent classroom participation, which is essential for internal assessments. These assessments are critical as they contribute significantly to the final results under India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Private candidates lacking the necessary internal assessments or sufficient attendance cannot be evaluated and will likely be placed in the ‘Essential Repeat’ category.

CBSE also outlined strict guidelines to prevent misuse, emphasizing that private candidates must apply correctly using one category only, and any false information or document discrepancies will result in rejection and forfeiture of fees.

This clarification aims to guide private candidates clearly on the application procedure and eligibility to prevent misunderstandings as registrations progress. CBSE’s registration for private candidates opened on September 9, 2025, with deadlines stretching from September 30 to mid-October for those opting for late submission with additional fees.

As CBSE continuously updates its processes and guidelines, this move reflects the board’s commitment to maintaining academic standards and fairness across its examinations.

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