CBSE enforces 75% attendance rule for 2026 board exams

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a firm reminder that students of Classes 10 and 12 must maintain at least 75% attendance during the 2025–26 academic year to be eligible for the 2026 board examinations.

The circular, dated Aug 4, cites Rules 13 and 14 of the CBSE Examination Bye-Laws and warns that students who fail to meet the attendance requirement will not be allowed to sit for the board exams unless they qualify for specific exemptions.

Acceptable reasons include medical emergencies, the death of an immediate family member, or participation in recognized national or international sports events. Relevant documentation must be submitted promptly for any leave to be considered.

“Leave without a written request will be considered unauthorized absence from the school,” the circular states.

The board also made clear that it will not tolerate any tampering with or misreporting of attendance records.

Schools have been directed to inform students and parents about the attendance policy at the start of the session and to send written warnings by registered post or email if a student’s attendance falls short. Schools must also keep all communications on record.

For medical leaves, a certificate from a government-registered doctor is mandatory. In cases of bereavement or other serious matters, documents such as death certificates or official notices are required and must be submitted without delay.

CBSE has specified that attendance will be calculated as of Jan 1. Schools must send in shortage of attendance cases by Jan 7.

The board will not accept late submissions and will reject any appeals claiming attendance compliance after this deadline.

“Such communication will be considered manipulation, and attendance status will not be changed,” the board warned.

To ensure transparency, schools have been instructed to maintain daily attendance registers signed by class teachers and heads of schools.

These records must be available for inspection at any time. CBSE will also conduct surprise visits, and any irregularities may lead to strict consequences such as student disqualification or even school disaffiliation.

In its closing remarks, CBSE emphasized that regular attendance is a basic but essential aspect of academic discipline and integrity.

Schools have been advised to clearly communicate attendance rules at the beginning of the academic session, keep students and parents informed about the consequences of poor attendance, monitor attendance closely while maintaining accurate daily records, and ensure that all cases of attendance shortage are submitted within the prescribed deadline.

CBSE’s directive reinforces its stance that consistent attendance is a non-negotiable element of academic responsibility.