The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has sounded the alarm for schools nationwide with a critical notice for the 2026 board examinations. Schools must submit the List of Candidates (LOC) for Class 10 and 12 students with precision and speed, as only those listed will be allowed to appear for the exams. For the first time, Class 10 students will navigate a groundbreaking two-board examination policy, adding a new layer of complexity. With strict deadlines, digital payment mandates, and APAAR ID requirements, schools are under pressure to get it right. Here’s everything you need to know about CBSE’s latest directives and how schools can stay compliant.
Key Points:
- CBSE mandates accurate LOC submission for 2026 board exams for Classes 10 and 12.
- New two-board policy for Class 10 includes a compulsory February 2026 exam and an optional May exam.
- Schools face strict deadlines, digital payment rules, and APAAR ID linking requirements.
Two-Board Policy for Class 10: A New Era Begins
For the first time, CBSE’s Class 10 board exams will operate under a two-board system, with a mandatory main examination in February 2026 and an optional second exam in May 2026. The LOC submission must include all Class 10 students for the February exam, ensuring no student is left out. Schools are tasked with orienting students and parents about this dual-exam structure to prepare them for the new format.
This policy aims to give students a second chance to improve their scores, but it also places additional responsibility on schools to ensure accurate data submission from the outset.
Key Points:
- Class 10 students face a mandatory February 2026 exam, with an optional May exam.
- Schools must include all Class 10 students in the LOC for the main exam.
- Orientation sessions are crucial to educate students and parents about the two-board system.
Strict LOC Submission Rules: No Room for Errors
CBSE has emphasized that only students listed in the LOC will be eligible to sit for the 2026 board exams. Schools must verify critical details like students’ personal information, subject codes, and categories before submission, as no corrections will be allowed post-deadline. The Board has warned that excuses for incorrect or incomplete data will not be tolerated, underscoring the need for meticulous preparation.
A data verification slip will be generated in October 2025, offering a brief window for limited corrections before records are finalized. Schools must act swiftly to avoid jeopard issues that could jeopardize students’ exam eligibility.
Key Points:
- Only LOC-listed students can appear for 2026 board exams.
- Schools must verify all student details before submission, with no post-deadline corrections.
- A verification slip in October 2025 allows limited fixes before finalization.
APAAR ID Linking and Digital Payments: Modernizing the Process
In a push for digitization, CBSE requires schools in India to link students’ APAAR IDs during LOC submission, except for international schools, which are exempt. Additionally, all fee payments must be made through digital modes, with no exceptions. The normal fee submission window runs from August 29 to September 30, 2025, while late fees will be accepted until October 11, 2025.
These measures aim to streamline processes and enhance transparency, but they also demand that schools upgrade their administrative systems to comply with digital requirements.
Key Points:
- APAAR ID linking is mandatory for schools in India, with exemptions for international institutions.
- Fee payments are digital-only, with deadlines from August 29 to October 11, 2025.
- Schools must adopt digital tools to meet CBSE’s modernized requirements.
Special Provisions for CWSN: A Dedicated Portal
Children With Special Needs (CWSN) continue to receive tailored support under CBSE’s 2026 exam framework. A new dedicated portal will allow schools to upload CWSN data before the LOC deadline, ensuring these students’ needs are addressed. Schools must carefully follow guidelines to ensure compliance and support for CWSN students.
Key Points:
- A new CWSN portal facilitates data submission for special needs students.
- Schools must upload CWSN data before the LOC deadline.
- Provisions ensure continued support for inclusive education.
Additional Mandates: New Schools and Teacher Ratios
Newly affiliated schools must complete registration on the OASIS and HPE portals before submitting LOC data. CBSE also requires schools to ensure the number of sponsored candidates aligns with their teacher strength, as this will influence evaluator appointments. This rule aims to maintain fairness and efficiency in the exam process.
Key Points:
- New schools must register on OASIS and HPE portals before LOC submission.
- Candidate numbers must match teacher strength for evaluator assignments.
- Compliance ensures a balanced and efficient exam process.
