The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued new guidelines for students appearing in Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The board has made it mandatory for students to maintain a minimum of 75% attendance and complete a two-year study program to be eligible for the exams.
According to the circular, Class 10 and Class 12 are considered two-year programs, comprising Classes 9–10 and 11–12 respectively. Students must study all subjects for the full duration to qualify. Additionally, internal assessment has been made a compulsory component of evaluation. Students who fail to attend school regularly will not be assessed internally and will be placed in the ‘Essential Repeat’ category, even if they are enrolled as regular students.
CBSE also clarified rules regarding additional subjects. Class 10 students may opt for two extra subjects beyond the five compulsory ones, while Class 12 students may choose one additional subject. These subjects must also be studied for two years.
Importantly, schools must have prior CBSE approval and adequate infrastructure to offer any subject. Students from schools lacking permission or facilities cannot opt for such subjects. Those previously placed in ‘Compartment’ or ‘Essential Repeat’ categories may reappear as private candidates, but only under specific conditions.
The board emphasized that students failing to meet these criteria will not be allowed to appear for additional subjects as private candidates. The announcement serves as a critical reminder for students, parents, and schools to adhere strictly to CBSE norms.
