75% attendance compulsory for 2026 board exams: CBSE

Students appearing for the CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board exams in 2026 must now secure at least 75 per cent attendance to qualify. The board has tied attendance directly to internal assessment, making it a deciding factor in whether a student’s result will be declared.

In a circular released on September 15, CBSE stressed that internal assessment is not a one-off activity but a two-year process.

If a student skips regular classes, schools cannot complete this assessment, and such students will be placed in the 'Essential



Repeat' category -- even if they are registered as regular candidates.

The announcement reaffirms CBSE’s position that Classes 10 and 12 are structured as two-year programmes, covering subjects across Classes 9-10 and 11-12.

The notice also clarified rules for choosing additional subjects.

Students in Class 10 may opt for two additional subjects besides the compulsory five, while Class 12 students may choose one.

However, students must study these subjects over two academic years.