The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a firm directive mandating a minimum of 75% attendance for Class 10 and 12 students during the 2025–26 academic session to be eligible for the 2026 board examinations.
The circular, dated August 4, emphasises academic discipline and aims to curb the rise of “dummy candidates.” Students falling short of the attendance threshold will be barred from appearing unless they qualify for specific exemptions—such as medical emergencies, bereavement, or participation in recognised national/international sports events—with valid documentation.
Schools have been instructed to notify parents early in the session and issue written warnings if attendance dips below the required level. All leave applications must be supported by government-recognised medical certificates or official documents, and must be submitted immediately after the leave is taken.
Attendance will be calculated as of January 1, and condonation cases must be submitted to CBSE by January 7. Late submissions will be rejected outright.
To ensure compliance, CBSE will conduct surprise inspections. Schools found manipulating attendance records may face disaffiliation, and students may be disqualified from exams. The board has made it clear that once shortage cases are submitted, no revisions will be entertained.
This move reinforces CBSE’s stance that regular attendance is foundational to academic integrity and student accountability.
