Central Board of Secondary Education
The Central Board of Secondary Education, usually called CBSE, is a national school education board in India under the Ministry of Education, not an entrance examination. It prescribes the curriculum for its affiliated s…
Overview
What is CBSE?
CBSE stands for Central Board of Secondary Education. It is a national board of education in India, governed under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. CBSE was established in 1962 and is headquartered in New Delhi. The board is responsible for prescribing the curriculum, conducting board examinations, and certifying students who pass.
CBSE conducts two major board examinations every year:
- Class 10 Board Exam — also called the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination
- Class 12 Board Exam — also called the Senior Secondary Certificate or Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination
More than 28,000 schools across India and other countries are affiliated with CBSE. In 2026, more than 42 lakh students appeared for CBSE board examinations — around 24.7 lakh for Class 10 and 17.7 lakh for Class 12. CBSE follows the NCERT curriculum and prescribes NCERT textbooks for most subjects. The board promotes a competency-based learning approach, testing whether students can apply concepts to real-life situations, not just memorise them.
From 2026, CBSE introduced a landmark new policy for Class 10 — two board examinations in a single academic year. This is the first time in the board’s history that Class 10 students can attempt a second formal board exam within the same session, aligned with NEP 2020’s aim of reducing single high-stakes exam pressure.
CBSE 2026 Key Highlights
- Class 12 Result: Declared on May 13, 2026 with an 85.20% pass rate.
- Class 10 First Board Exam Result: Declared on April 15, 2026 with a 93.70% pass rate.
- Class 10 Second Board Exam: Held from May 15 to 21, 2026; around 6.68 lakh students appeared. Result not declared as of June 16, 2026 and is expected in the second or third week of June.
- Class 12 Compartment Exam: Scheduled for July 15, 2026. Around 1,63,800 students (approximately 9.26% of the 17,68,968 students who appeared) are in the compartment category.
- Compartment Exam Registration: LOC window closes on June 17, 2026. Fee is ₹300 per subject plus ₹150 for practical subjects.
CBSE 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Class 10 First Board Exam Result | April 15, 2026 |
| Class 12 Result | May 13, 2026 |
| Class 10 Second Board Exam | May 15 to 21, 2026 |
| Class 12 Compartment Exam LOC Registration Deadline | June 17, 2026 |
| Class 10 Second Board Exam Result (expected) | Second or third week of June 2026 |
| Class 12 Compartment Exam | July 15, 2026 |
| Class 12 Compartment Exam Result (expected) | August 2026 |
CBSE Eligibility Criteria 2026
CBSE sets eligibility rules for appearing in Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. Students must be enrolled in a CBSE-affiliated school and meet the attendance and subject requirements prescribed by the board.
For Class 12 compartment eligibility, students who failed in 1–2 subjects in the May 13 result are placed in the compartment category. They must apply through their school for the compartment exam.
CBSE Exam Pattern 2026: Class 10 and Class 12
CBSE follows a competency-based exam pattern that tests application of concepts. The Class 10 exam pattern now includes two board examinations in a single academic year under NEP 2020.
The Class 10 Second Board Exam was held from May 15 to 21, 2026. Around 6.68 lakh students appeared for it. Once the result is declared, CBSE will release a consolidated best-of-two marksheet.
CBSE Syllabus 2026
CBSE prescribes the NCERT curriculum for most subjects. NCERT textbooks are the primary study material for both Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations.
CBSE Admit Card 2026
CBSE issues admit cards for board examinations through affiliated schools. Students must collect their admit cards from their respective schools before the exam dates.
CBSE Result 2026: Class 10 and Class 12
CBSE declared the Class 12 result on May 13, 2026 with an 85.20% pass rate. The Class 10 First Board Exam result was declared on April 15, 2026 with a 93.70% pass rate.
The Class 10 Second Board Exam result has not been declared yet as of June 16, 2026. It is expected in the second or third week of June. CBSE will also release the consolidated best-of-two marksheet once the result is out.
CBSE Grading System and Pass Criteria
CBSE uses a grading system for board examinations. Students who fail in 1–2 subjects in Class 12 are placed in the compartment category and must appear for the compartment exam to pass.
CBSE Class 10 Two Board Exam Policy 2026
CBSE introduced two board examinations for Class 10 students in 2026 under NEP 2020. This is the first time in the board’s history that Class 10 students can attempt a second formal board exam within the same session.
The Class 10 Second Board Exam was held in May 2026. Around 6.68 lakh students appeared for it. The result is expected in the second or third week of June 2026.
CBSE Compartment Exam 2026
CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 is scheduled for July 15, 2026. Around 1,63,800 students (approximately 9.26% of the 17,68,968 students who appeared for Class 12) have been placed in the compartment category as per the May 13 result.
The compartment exam registration window closes on June 17, 2026. Class 12 students who failed in 1–2 subjects must apply through their school immediately. The exam fee is ₹300 per subject plus ₹150 for practical subjects. CBSE does not accept applications after June 17 in any form.
CBSE Compartment Exam 2026 result for Class 12 is expected in August 2026. In 2025, CBSE declared the compartment result within 4–5 weeks of the exam date.
After CBSE Class 12: Entrance Exams and College Admissions
After Class 12, students typically appear for entrance examinations for college admissions. CBSE results are used for eligibility in various undergraduate admissions across India.
CBSE Board Exam Preparation Tips
CBSE board exams test whether students can apply concepts to real-life situations. Students should focus on understanding the NCERT curriculum and practising application-based questions.
FAQs
When was the CBSE Class 12 result declared in 2026?
CBSE declared the Class 12 result on May 13, 2026 with an 85.20% pass rate.
When was the CBSE Class 10 First Board Exam result declared in 2026?
The Class 10 First Board Exam result was declared on April 15, 2026 with a 93.70% pass rate.
When is the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026?
The Class 12 Compartment Exam is scheduled for July 15, 2026.
What is the fee for the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026?
The exam fee is ₹300 per subject plus ₹150 for practical subjects.
When is the last date for CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam registration?
The LOC registration window closes on June 17, 2026. CBSE does not accept applications after this date.
When will the CBSE Class 10 Second Board Exam result be declared?
As of June 16, 2026, the result
CBSE Overview
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is the national board of education in India. It was established in 1962 and has its headquarters in New Delhi.
The board is governed by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Its official website is cbse.gov.in.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Central Board of Secondary Education |
| Established | 1962 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Governing Body | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Official Website | cbse.gov.in |
| Affiliated Schools | More than 28,000 (India and abroad) |
| Exams Conducted | Class 10 Board Exam, Class 12 Board Exam |
| Total Students Appeared (2026) | More than 42 lakh (Class 10 + Class 12 combined) |
| Class 10 Pass Percentage 2026 | 93.70% (First Board Exam, declared April 15) |
| Class 12 Pass Percentage 2026 | 85.20% (declared May 13, 2026) |
| Curriculum | NCERT-based |
| Medium of Instruction | English, Hindi, and regional languages |
| New Policy 2026 | Two Board Examinations for Class 10 (NEP 2020) |
| Compartment Exam 2026 (Class 12) | July 15, 2026 | Registration deadline: June 17, 2026 |
Source: cbse.gov.in — Official CBSE Website
CBSE 2026 Important Dates
The table below shows all key CBSE 2026 events. Upcoming events appear first, in the order they will occur. Past events follow, listed from the oldest to the most recent.
Urgent for Class 12 compartment candidates: The registration deadline for the CBSE Compartment Exam 2026 is June 17, 2026 — tomorrow. Contact your school today. No extension will be given.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Class 12 Compartment Exam LOC Registration Deadline | June 17, 2026 | Closing Tomorrow |
| Class 10 Second Board Exam Result | Expected 2nd–3rd Week of June 2026 | Upcoming (not yet declared) |
| Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 | July 15, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Class 10 Compartment Exam 2026 | Expected July 2026 (date to be announced) | Upcoming |
| Compartment Exam Result 2026 | Expected August 2026 | Upcoming |
| CBSE Registration for 2026–27 Academic Session | Expected October–November 2026 | Upcoming |
| Practical Exams 2026 | January 1 – February 14, 2026 | (Over) |
| Class 10 First Board Exam 2026 | February 17 – March 11, 2026 | (Over) |
| Class 12 Board Exam 2026 | February 17 – April 10, 2026 | (Over) |
| Class 10 First Board Exam Result | April 15, 2026 | (Out) |
| Class 12 Board Exam Result | May 13, 2026 | (Out) |
| Class 10 Second Board Exam | May 15 – 21, 2026 | (Over) |
Source: cbse.gov.in — CBSE Examination Circulars
CBSE Eligibility Criteria 2026
CBSE does not enrol students directly. Students register for board exams through their CBSE-affiliated school. The main eligibility requirements to appear for the CBSE Board Exam 2026 are listed below.
Eligibility for Class 10 Board Exam
- Must be enrolled in Class 10 at a CBSE-affiliated school
- Must have studied at that school for at least one full academic year before the board exam
- A minimum 75% attendance in the academic session is required — schools may grant exemptions in genuine medical cases with proper documentation
- Must have completed all internal assessments, periodic tests, and practical or project work as required by the school
- CBSE does not set a minimum age limit, though schools follow their own admission age norms
Eligibility for Class 12 Board Exam
- Must have passed Class 10 from CBSE or any other recognised board
- Must be enrolled in Class 12 at a CBSE-affiliated school
- Must have studied at the same school for at least one full academic year before the board exams
- Minimum 75% attendance is required throughout the Class 11 and Class 12 academic session
- Must have appeared in and completed all practical examinations and projects conducted at the school level, as these marks are submitted by the school to CBSE
Private Candidates for Class 12
CBSE allows certain categories of students to appear for the Class 12 board exam as private candidates. These include:
Who Can Apply for the CBSE Class 12 Exam 2026?
The CBSE Class 12 exam is open to three categories of students. These include those clearing a previous compartment, those improving their marks, and other specific groups notified by the board.
- Students placed in the Compartment or failed Class 12 in a previous year and want to clear it
- Students appearing under the CBSE Improvement Exam to improve marks already obtained in Class 12
- Students in other specific categories notified by CBSE in its official circular
Note: Class 10 board exams are open only to regular students enrolled in CBSE-affiliated schools. Private candidates are NOT eligible to appear for the Class 10 board exam.
CBSE Exam Pattern 2026: Class 10 and Class 12
CBSE follows a structured exam pattern for its Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. The pattern includes objective-type questions, competency-based case studies, and subjective questions. CBSE has been increasing the share of competency-based questions from 2023 onwards, and this continued in the 2026 exams.
CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026
For most Class 10 subjects, the total is 100 marks. This is split into 80 marks for the theory paper conducted by CBSE and 20 marks for internal assessment done at the school level.
| Component | Marks | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Theory Paper | 80 marks | Conducted by CBSE at the exam centre |
| Internal Assessment | 20 marks | Periodic tests, portfolio, subject enrichment activities |
| Total Marks Per Subject | 100 marks | — |
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | ~40% of theory paper | Objective type; no negative marking |
| Competency-Based Questions | ~20% of theory paper | Case studies, source-based integrated questions |
| Short and Long Answer Questions | ~40% of theory paper | Descriptive; varying marks per question |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours | Most theory subjects; some may be shorter |
Science and Mathematics for Class 10 include specific case-study sections. Science has 3 case studies worth 12 marks and Maths Section E has 3 case-based questions worth 12 marks.
CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026
Class 12 subjects are divided into theory and practical or internal assessment components. The marks split varies by subject. Pure theory subjects like Mathematics, English, History, and Economics have 80 marks in theory and 20 marks internal. Science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology carry 70 marks in theory and 30 marks in practical.
| Subject Type | Theory Marks | Practical / Internal | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Theory Subjects (Maths, English, History, Economics) | 80 marks | 20 marks (internal assessment) | 100 marks |
| Theory + Practical Subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | 70 marks | 30 marks (practical exam) | 100 marks |
| Competency-Based Questions (all Class 12 theory papers) | 40–50% of theory marks | Application-based and case study questions | — |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours | Varies by subject for practicals | — |
CBSE Class 12 practical exams were conducted at schools between January 1 and February 14, 2026, before the main theory exams started. The practical marks are submitted by schools directly to CBSE and are reflected in the final marksheet.
CBSE Syllabus 2026
The CBSE syllabus 2026 is based on the NCERT curriculum for the 2025–26 academic session. CBSE prescribes NCERT textbooks for nearly all subjects at both Class 10 and Class 12. The board did not make major syllabus reductions in 2026, unlike the cuts introduced during the COVID years. Students must cover the complete NCERT content, as board exam questions are directly tied to it.
CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2026: Key Subjects
- Mathematics: Real Numbers, Polynomials, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic Progressions, Triangles, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Applications of Trigonometry, Circles, Areas, Surface Areas and Volumes, Statistics, Probability
- Science: Chemical Reactions, Acids, Bases and Salts, Metals and Non-Metals, Carbon Compounds, Life Processes, Control and Coordination, Reproduction, Heredity, Light, Electricity, Magnetic Effects, Energy Sources, Environment and Ecosystem
- Social Science: History (Nationalism, Industrialisation, Print Culture), Geography (Resources, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Transport), Political Science (Power Sharing, Federalism, Democracy), Economics (Development, Sectors, Money, Globalisation)
- English: First Flight (prose and poetry), Footprints Without Feet (supplementary reader), Writing Skills including formal letters, articles and notices, Grammar
- Hindi (Course A): Kshitij-2 (literature), Kritika-2 (supplementary), Writing Skills, Grammar
CBSE Class 12 Syllabus 2026: Stream-wise Overview
CBSE Class 12 Streams and Core Subjects
CBSE Class 12 offers four main streams. Each stream has a fixed set of core subjects, with one optional subject in most cases.
| Stream | Core Subjects |
|---|---|
| Science — PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, and one optional subject |
| Science — PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, and one optional subject |
| Commerce | Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, English, and Mathematics or Informatics Practices |
| Humanities / Arts | History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, English, and one optional subject |
Competency-Based Questions in CBSE 2026
CBSE has increased the share of competency-based questions in board papers since 2023. In the 2026 Class 12 exams, 40–50% of theory questions were competency-based.
These questions include case-based questions, source-based integrated questions, application-level MCQs, and data interpretation questions. CBSE releases a competency-focused question bank on its academic website, and students should practise from it. The complete CBSE syllabus 2026 for all subjects is available at cbse.gov.in. CBSE also releases sample papers and marking schemes for each subject so students know the expected answer format and length.
CBSE Admit Card 2026
The CBSE admit card is mandatory for entering the board exam hall. Students without their admit card are generally not allowed to write the exam.
CBSE makes admit cards available to schools through its portal. Individual students collect them from their school, not directly from CBSE.
How the CBSE Admit Card Process Works
- CBSE releases admit cards on the school login section of the CBSE portal
- The school principal or exam coordinator downloads the admit cards for all enrolled students
- Students collect their admit card from the school, typically 1–2 weeks before the exam begins
- Check all details on the admit card carefully after receiving it — name, roll number, date of birth, exam centre address, and subject schedule
- Any error must be reported to the school immediately so they can submit a correction request to CBSE before the exam
When Was the CBSE Admit Card 2026 Released?
For the CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 Board Exams 2026, admit cards were released to schools in January–February 2026. Students received their admit cards through schools before the exams started on February 17, 2026.
For the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026, the admit card will be released a few days before July 15, 2026. Schools registered in the LOC will download and distribute compartment admit cards to eligible students.
Details Printed on the CBSE Admit Card
- Student’s full name and photograph
- Unique roll number assigned by CBSE
- School name and school number
- Exam centre name and complete address
- Subject names, subject codes, and date and time of each exam paper
- CBSE instructions for exam day conduct
CBSE Result 2026: Class 10 and Class 12
CBSE has declared both the Class 10 First Board Exam and Class 12 board exam results for 2026. The Class 10 Second Board Exam result is still awaited.
All results are available on cbseresults.nic.in, DigiLocker, and the UMANG app.
CBSE Class 12 Result 2026
The CBSE Class 12 Board Exam result 2026 was declared on May 13, 2026. The overall pass percentage was 85.20%.
Girls outperformed boys by 6.73 percentage points — a trend that has continued for several years running.
| Category | CBSE Class 12 Result 2026 |
|---|---|
| Result Declaration Date | May 13, 2026 |
| Total Students Appeared | 17,68,968 |
| Total Students Passed | 15,07,109 |
| Overall Pass Percentage | 85.20% |
| Girls Pass Percentage | 88.86% |
| Boys Pass Percentage | 82.13% |
| Students Scoring Above 90% | More than 94,000 |
| Students Scoring Above 95% | More than 17,000 |
| Students Placed in Compartment | ~1,63,800 (~9.26% of appeared) |
Source: CBSE Official Press Release — Class XII Result, May 13, 2026
The 85.20% pass rate is the lowest since 2022 when results returned to a post-pandemic regular schedule. This reflects CBSE’s return to full-syllabus, full-difficulty exams without the adjustments made during COVID years.
The 9.26% compartment rate means roughly 1 in every 11 students who appeared needs to clear the compartment exam to get their final passing certificate.
CBSE Class 10 Result 2026 — First Board Exam
The CBSE Class 10 First Board Exam 2026 result was declared on April 15, 2026. The overall pass percentage was 93.70%, marginally higher than 2025’s 93.66%.
The Class 10 First Board Exam was held from February 17 to March 11, 2026.
CBSE Class 10 Result 2026: First Board Exam
The CBSE Class 10 First Board Exam result for 2026 was declared on April 15, 2026. A total of 24,71,777 students appeared for the exam, and 23,16,008 students passed.
| Category | CBSE Class 10 Result 2026 (First Board Exam) |
|---|---|
| Result Declaration Date | April 15, 2026 |
| Total Students Appeared | 24,71,777 |
| Total Students Passed | 23,16,008 |
| Overall Pass Percentage | 93.70% |
| Girls Pass Percentage | 94.99% |
| Boys Pass Percentage | 92.69% |
| Students Scoring Above 95% | More than 55,000 |
CBSE Class 10 Second Board Exam Result 2026
The CBSE Class 10 Second Board Exam 2026 was held from May 15 to 21, 2026. Around 6.68 lakh students appeared on Day 1 for Mathematics.
As of June 16, 2026, CBSE has not declared the Second Board Exam result. CBSE has also not announced an official date for this result — it is expected in the second or third week of June.
Once the result is out, CBSE will use the best-of-two policy to combine First and Second Board Exam marks and prepare each student’s final consolidated marksheet.
How to Check CBSE Result 2026
- Official Result Website: Go to cbseresults.nic.in and enter your roll number, school number, admit card ID, and date of birth
- DigiLocker: Download your official digital marksheet from DigiLocker — this is accepted by most universities for admission and verification
- UMANG App: Access results through the UMANG government mobile app
- SMS: CBSE announces an SMS service number at the time of each result declaration — send your roll number to that number
CBSE Grading System 2026 and Pass Criteria
CBSE uses a 9-point grading scale to represent a student’s performance in each subject. The grade is based on the total marks scored across theory and internal assessment combined.
| Marks Range | Grade | Grade Point |
|---|---|---|
| 91–100 | A1 | 10 |
| 81–90 | A2 | 9 |
| 71–80 | B1 | 8 |
| 61–70 | B2 | 7 |
| 51–60 | C1 | 6 |
| 41–50 | C2 | 5 |
| 33–40 | D | 4 |
| 21–32 | E1 | — (Need Improvement) |
| 00–20 | E2 | — (Need Improvement) |
The minimum passing grade is D, which corresponds to 33–40 marks and a Grade Point of 4. Grades E1 and E2 are not passing grades — they indicate that the student needs to improve.
For Class 10, the CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is calculated by averaging the Grade Points of a student’s best five subjects.
CBSE Pass Criteria 2026
To pass the CBSE board exam in any subject, all three of these conditions must be met:
- Score a minimum of 33% in each subject overall — that is, theory marks and internal assessment marks combined
- Score a minimum of 33% in the theory component of that subject separately, even if the combined total is above 33%
- For subjects with practicals, score a minimum of 33% in the practical component as well
Failing the 33% threshold in any one component — even if the others are passed — results in a subject failure. This can mean Compartment or Essential Repeat depending on how many subjects are failed.
Compartment vs. Essential Repeat vs. Pass
- Pass: Scored at least 33% in all required components in every subject
- Compartment: Failed in 1 or 2 subjects — the student can appear in the Compartment Exam without repeating the full year
- Essential Repeat (Fail): Failed in 3 or more subjects — the student must repeat the class and appear in the board exam in the next session
CBSE Class 10 Two Board Exam Policy 2026
In 2026, CBSE changed how Class 10 board exams work — for the first time, students could appear for two formal board examinations within the same academic year. This is CBSE’s implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which calls for board exams twice a year to give students multiple attempts and reduce exam-related stress.
How the Two Board Exam System Works
- All Class 10 students appear for the First Board Exam in February–March — this is compulsory, just like the traditional board exam
- After the First Board Exam result is declared, students who want to improve their marks in any subject can choose to appear for the optional Second Board Exam in May
- The Second Board Exam is not compulsory — students who are satisfied with their First Board Exam scores do not need to appear
- CBSE follows a best-of-two policy: the higher mark from either attempt in each subject is counted in the final marksheet
- A student cannot get a lower mark by appearing in the Second Board Exam — only the better score per subject is used
- Students who failed a subject in the First Board Exam can also use the Second Board Exam to clear it, without waiting for the compartment exam
CBSE Class 10 Second Board Exam 2026: Key Details
The CBSE Class 10 Second Board Exam is optional and open to all students who want to improve their scores. The final marksheet is prepared using the best-of-two policy, where the higher marks from either exam are taken per subject.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| First Board Exam | February 17 – March 11, 2026 |
| First Board Exam Result | April 15, 2026 (93.70% pass percentage) |
| Second Board Exam | May 15 – 21, 2026 |
| Students Appeared in Second Board Exam (Day 1 — Maths) | Around 6.68 lakh |
| Second Board Exam Result | Expected 2nd–3rd week of June 2026 (not yet declared) |
| Final Marksheet Policy | Best-of-two (higher marks from either exam per subject) |
| Is the Second Exam Compulsory? | No — it is optional |
| Policy Applicable To | Class 10 only; Class 12 continues with one board exam per session |
A 2025 CBSE survey found that 64.4% of students were in favour of the second attempt option, which helped CBSE move forward with the policy under NEP 2020 guidelines. The second exam is not a repeat exam for failures only — it is open to all Class 10 students who want to improve any subject score.
CBSE Compartment Exam 2026: Registration Closes June 17
If you are a CBSE Class 12 student placed in the Compartment category after the May 13, 2026 result, the CBSE Compartment Exam 2026 gives you the chance to pass the failed subject(s) without repeating the entire year. Right now, the single most urgent deadline is the LOC registration date: June 17, 2026 — tomorrow.
The last date for schools to submit the LOC (List of Candidates) for the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 is June 17, 2026. CBSE will not accept applications after this date in any form or through any mode. If you are in the compartment category, contact your school today — June 16 — to ensure your registration is submitted before the window closes.
Who Can Appear for the CBSE Compartment Exam 2026?
- Class 12 students whose result sheet shows "Compartment" — meaning they failed in exactly 1 or 2 subjects in the CBSE Board Exam 2026 (result declared May 13, 2026)
- Class 10 students placed in the compartment category from the First Board Exam (April 15, 2026) who did not clear the failed subject(s) in the Second Board Exam
CBSE Compartment Exam 2026: All Key Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| LOC Registration Window | June 2, 2026 – June 17, 2026 (last day) |
| Class 12 Compartment Exam Date | July 15, 2026 |
| Class 10 Compartment Exam Date | Expected July 2026 (to be announced by CBSE) |
| Eligibility | Failed in 1 or 2 subjects in CBSE Board Exam 2026 |
| Exam Fee (Class 12) | ₹300 per subject + ₹150 for subjects with a practical component |
| How to Apply | Through your school — individual students cannot apply directly on cbse.gov.in |
| Number of Class 12 Compartment Candidates | ~1,63,800 (approximately 9.26% of all appeared students) |
| Compartment Exam Result (Class 12) | Expected August 2026 |
Steps to Register — What You Must Do Today
- Contact your school’s principal or exam coordinator today (June 16, 2026) without delay
- Your school submits the LOC (List of Candidates) online through the CBSE school portal on or before June 17
- Pay the exam fee through your school — ₹300 per subject, plus ₹150 for each subject that has a practical component
- After successful LOC submission, CBSE will release the compartment exam admit card a few days before July 15, 2026 — schools download and distribute it
What Happens After the Compartment Exam?
If you pass the compartment exam, CBSE issues a new marksheet with your updated marks included. This revised marksheet is fully valid for all college admissions and carries the same standing as the original passing certificate. If you do not pass the compartment exam, you must register as an Essential Repeat candidate and re-appear in the full CBSE Class 12 board exam in the 2026–27 session.
After CBSE Class 12: Entrance Exams and College Admissions
Passing the CBSE Class 12 board exam opens up a wide range of higher education options. All Indian universities and colleges accept a valid Class 12 certificate from CBSE. The stream and subjects you studied in Class 12 determine which entrance exams you are eligible for and which courses you can apply to.
National Entrance Exams After CBSE Class 12
Entrance Exams After Class 12 for CBSE Students
CBSE students can appear for several national-level entrance exams after Class 12. The exam choice depends on the stream and the course a student wants to pursue.
| Stream | Entrance Exam | Courses and Institutions |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering — PCM | JEE Main, JEE Advanced | NITs, IITs, GFTIs and other engineering colleges |
| Medical — PCB | NEET UG | MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS and other AYUSH courses |
| All Streams | CUET UG | BA, BSc, BCom and other UG courses at central universities |
| Law — All Streams | CLAT, AILET | BA LLB, BBA LLB at National Law Universities |
| Design | UCEED, NIFT Entrance, NID DAT | B.Des programs at IITs, NIFT, and NID |
| Hotel Management | NCHM JEE | B.Sc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration |
| Defence | NDA Exam | National Defence Academy (Army, Navy, Air Force wings) |
Class 12 Marks Requirements for Key Entrance Exams
Each entrance exam has its own minimum Class 12 marks requirement. The requirements differ by category and subject combination.
- JEE Advanced (IIT admissions): You need at least 75% aggregate marks in Class 12 (or be in the top 20 percentile of your board result) to qualify for admission through JEE Advanced
- NEET UG: You must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for OBC candidates and 40% for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
- CUET UG: Most central university programs require a minimum of 50% marks in Class 12 as the basic eligibility to appear for CUET
- NDA: You need to have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings
Several state universities also conduct their own entrance exams, and CBSE students are fully eligible for all of them in addition to national-level tests. Many private universities accept CUET UG scores or hold their own admission tests based on Class 12 merit.
CBSE Board Exam Preparation Tips
Whether you are starting to prepare for CBSE board exams 2027 or gearing up for the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam on July 15, 2026, the following tips will help you study more effectively and score better marks.
Start with NCERT — Cover it Completely
CBSE board exam questions are directly based on NCERT textbooks. Read each chapter carefully and solve every NCERT exercise — both the main questions and the additional exercises at the end of chapters. For most subjects, NCERT is the primary and most reliable source. Reference books and coaching materials supplement NCERT; they do not replace it.
Solve CBSE Sample Papers and Previous Year Papers
CBSE releases official sample papers for Class 10 and Class 12 before each board exam season on cbse.gov.in. These show the exact question format, answer expectations, and difficulty level. You should solve at least 5–10 full previous year question papers in exam conditions — set a 3-hour timer, write on paper without checking the book, then evaluate your answers against the marking scheme. This is the most effective way to build speed, identify weak areas, and understand what CBSE expects in answers.
Focus Separately on Competency-Based Questions
With 40–50% of Class 12 theory marks coming from competency-based questions, you must practise case studies and application questions as a dedicated category. CBSE releases a competency-focused question bank on its academic website. For Class 10, case studies appear in Science and Maths — treat them as a separate section in your study plan rather than casual reading material.
Manage Time Inside the Exam Hall
The 3-hour duration requires a clear time strategy:
- Spend the first 10–15 minutes reading the full question paper and marking questions you can attempt confidently
- Attempt MCQs first — they are the fastest marks to collect
- Move to short-answer questions next, and save long-answer questions for last
- Keep 15–20 minutes at the end to revise, check calculations, and complete any skipped questions
Do Not Neglect Internal Assessment
In Class 10, 20 out of 100 marks per subject come from internal assessment done at school. In Class 12, the internal or practical component is 20–30 marks per subject. These marks are given by your school and do not require you to appear in a centralised exam. Performing consistently well in periodic tests, submitting projects on time, and scoring full marks in practicals reduces the pressure on your final theory score significantly.
Compartment Exam Preparation: 4 Weeks to July 15
If you are appearing for the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam on July 15, 2026, you have about 4 weeks to prepare. Make the most of this time:
- Re-read all NCERT chapters for the compartment subject — cover the full syllabus without skipping any unit
- Solve the CBSE official sample paper and at least 3–4 previous year compartment exam papers for that subject
- Study the CBSE marking scheme — it shows exactly what level of answer earns full marks, half marks, and no marks
- Use your answer script from the main board exam to find which sections cost you the most marks — focus your revision there
FAQs
What is the full form of CBSE?
The full form of CBSE is the Central Board of Secondary Education.
What is CBSE?
CBSE stands for Central Board of Secondary Education. It is a national board of education in India, governed by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Established in 1962 and headquartered in New Delhi, CBSE conducts Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations every year for more than 42 lakh students across more than 28,000 affiliated schools.
CBSE Class 12 Pass Percentage 2026
The CBSE Class 12 pass percentage in 2026 is 85.20%, declared on May 13, 2026. Out of 17,68,968 students who appeared, 15,07,109 passed.
- Girls recorded 88.86% pass percentage.
- Boys recorded 82.13% pass percentage.
- More than 94,000 students scored above 90%.
- More than 17,000 students scored above 95%.
- Around 1,63,800 students were placed in the Compartment category.
CBSE Compartment Exam 2026 Last Date
The last date for schools to submit the LOC (List of Candidates) for the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 is June 17, 2026. Individual students cannot apply directly to CBSE.
Students must contact their school on June 16 so the registration can be completed before the deadline. No application is accepted after June 17 in any form.
CBSE Compartment Exam 2026 Dates
The CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 is scheduled for July 15, 2026. The Class 10 Compartment Exam date is expected to be announced by CBSE soon and is likely also in July 2026.
The compartment exam result for Class 12 is expected in August 2026, typically within 4–5 weeks of the exam date.
CBSE Class 10 Pass Percentage 2026
The CBSE Class 10 First Board Exam 2026 pass percentage is 93.70%, declared on April 15, 2026. Of the 24,71,777 students who appeared, 23,16,008 passed.
- Girls achieved 94.99% pass percentage.
- Boys achieved 92.69% pass percentage.
- Over 55,000 students scored above 95%.
The Class 10 Second Board Exam result for 2026 has not been declared yet as of June 16, 2026 and is expected in the second or third week of June.
CBSE Two Board Exam System 2026
From 2026, CBSE introduced two board examinations for Class 10 in a single academic year under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Students appear for the First Board Exam in February–March and can optionally appear for a Second Board Exam in May to improve their marks.
CBSE follows a best-of-two policy — the higher mark from either attempt in each subject is counted in the final marksheet. The second exam is completely optional and cannot reduce a student’s marks.
This policy applies only to Class 10; Class 12 continues with one board exam per session.
Minimum Marks to Pass CBSE Board Exam
A minimum of 33% marks is needed to pass in each subject. This 33% must be achieved separately in the theory component and in the practical or internal assessment component (where applicable).
- Failing in 1–2 subjects places a student in the Compartment category, allowing them to appear for the Compartment Exam.
- Failing in 3 or more subjects places a student in the Essential Repeat category, requiring them to repeat the full class in the next session.
CBSE Grading System
CBSE uses a 9-point grading scale. Grades go from A1 (highest, for marks in the 91–100 range, Grade Point 10) down to E2 (lowest, for 0–20 marks).
| Grade | Marks Range | Grade Point |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 91–100 | 10 |
| D | 33–40 | 4 |
| E1 | 21–32 | — |
| E2 | 0–20 | — |
The minimum passing grade is D, which corresponds to marks in the 33–40 range and a Grade Point of 4. Grades E1 and E2 indicate "Need Improvement" — these are not passing grades.
For Class 10, the CGPA is the average Grade Points of a student’s best five subjects.
How to Check CBSE Result 2026
CBSE result 2026 can be checked at cbseresults.nic.in by entering the roll number, school number, admit card ID, and date of birth. The result is also available on DigiLocker and the UMANG app.
DigiLocker provides the official digital marksheet, which most universities and colleges accept for admission and verification purposes. CBSE also announces an SMS service number at the time of each result through which students can get results via text message.
Entrance Exams After CBSE Class 12
Several national entrance exams can be taken after passing CBSE Class 12. The choice depends on the stream and career path.
- Science PCM students can take JEE Main and JEE Advanced for engineering admissions to NITs and IITs.
- Science PCB students can take NEET UG for MBBS and other medical courses.
- Students from all streams can appear for CUET UG for central university admissions.
- CLAT is for law at NLUs.
- NDA is for defence services.
- NIFT and NID are for design programs.
- NCHM JEE is for hotel management.
State universities also have their own entrance exams for which CBSE students are fully eligible.
Who Can Apply for the CBSE Compartment Exam
Students placed in the Compartment category in the CBSE Class 12 result declared on May 13, 2026 are eligible. This includes students who failed in exactly 1 or 2 subjects.
Students who failed in 3 or more subjects are in the Essential Repeat category. They must re-appear in the full board exam next session and are not eligible for the compartment exam.
For Class 10, compartment-eligible students are those who still have a failing subject even after the Second Board Exam result is factored in under the best-of-two policy.
Important Note
The information on this page is based on official CBSE notifications and publicly available data as of June 16, 2026. CBSE dates and exam schedules are subject to change.
Always verify the latest updates at the official CBSE website at cbse.gov.in before taking any action.
What is CBSE?
CBSE stands for Central Board of Secondary Education. It is a national board of education in India, governed by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Established in 1962 and headquartered in New Delhi, CBSE conducts Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations every year for more than 42 lakh students across more than 28,000 affiliated schools.
CBSE Class 12 Result 2026
The CBSE Class 12 pass percentage in 2026 is 85.20%, declared on May 13, 2026. Out of 17,68,968 students who appeared, 15,07,109 passed.
- Girls recorded 88.86% pass percentage.
- Boys recorded 82.13% pass percentage.
- More than 94,000 students scored above 90%.
- More than 17,000 students scored above 95%.
- Around 1,63,800 students were placed in the Compartment category.
CBSE Class 10 Result 2026
The CBSE Class 10 First Board Exam 2026 pass percentage is 93.70%, declared on April 15, 2026. Of the 24,71,777 students who appeared, 23,16,008 passed.
- Girls achieved 94.99% pass percentage.
- Boys achieved 92.69% pass percentage.
- Over 55,000 students scored above 95%.
The Class 10 Second Board Exam result for 2026 has not been declared yet as of June 16, 2026. It is expected in the second or third week of June.
CBSE Two Board Exam System
From 2026, CBSE introduced two board examinations for Class 10 in a single academic year under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Students appear for the First Board Exam in February-March and can optionally appear for a Second Board Exam in May to improve their marks.
CBSE follows a best-of-two policy. The higher mark from either attempt in each subject is counted in the final marksheet. The second exam is completely optional and cannot reduce a student's marks.
This policy applies only to Class 10. Class 12 continues with one board exam per session.
Passing Marks
You need a minimum of 33% marks to pass in each subject. This 33% must be achieved separately in the theory component and in the practical or internal assessment component, where applicable.
- If you fail in 1-2 subjects, you are placed in the Compartment category and can appear for the Compartment Exam.
- If you fail in 3 or more subjects, you are placed in the Essential Repeat category and must repeat the full class in the next session.
CBSE Grading System
CBSE uses a 9-point grading scale. Grades go from A1, the highest, down to E2, the lowest.
| Grade | Marks Range | Grade Point |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 91-100 | 10 |
| D | 33-40 | 4 |
| E1 | 21-32 | - |
| E2 | 0-20 | - |
The minimum passing grade is D, which corresponds to marks in the 33-40 range and a Grade Point of 4. Grades E1 and E2 indicate "Need Improvement" and are not passing grades.
For Class 10, the CGPA is the average Grade Points of a student's best five subjects.
How to Check CBSE Result 2026
You can check your CBSE result 2026 at cbseresults.nic.in by entering your roll number, school number, admit card ID, and date of birth. The result is also available on DigiLocker and the UMANG app.
DigiLocker provides your official digital marksheet, which most universities and colleges accept for admission and verification purposes. CBSE also announces an SMS service number at the time of each result through which students can get results via text message.
CBSE Compartment Exam 2026
The CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 is scheduled for July 15, 2026. The Class 10 Compartment Exam date is expected to be announced by CBSE soon and is likely also in July 2026.
The compartment exam result for Class 12 is expected in August 2026, typically within 4-5 weeks of the exam date.
Who is Eligible for the Compartment Exam
Students who were placed in the Compartment category in the CBSE Class 12 result declared on May 13, 2026 are eligible. This means students who failed in exactly 1 or 2 subjects.
Students who failed in 3 or more subjects are in the Essential Repeat category and must re-appear in the full board exam next session. They are not eligible for the compartment exam.
Last Date to Apply for Compartment Exam
The last date for schools to submit the LOC (List of Candidates) for the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 is June 17, 2026. Individual students cannot apply directly to CBSE.
Students must contact their school before the deadline so the registration can be completed. No application is accepted after June 17 in any form.
Entrance Exams After CBSE Class 12
After passing CBSE Class 12, you can appear for several national entrance exams. The exam you take depends on your stream and career goal.
- Science PCM students can take JEE Main and JEE Advanced for engineering admissions to NITs and IITs.
- Science PCB students can take NEET UG for MBBS and other medical courses.
- Students from all streams can appear for CUET UG for central university admissions.
- CLAT is for law at NLUs.
- NDA is for defence services.
- NIFT and NID are for design programs.
- NCHM JEE is for hotel management.
State universities also have their own entrance exams for which CBSE students are fully eligible.
Who is a Compartment-Eligible Student
A compartment-eligible student is one who still has a failing subject after the Second Board Exam result is factored in. This calculation uses the best-of-two policy.
Under this policy, the better of the two exam results is considered for each subject. If a subject remains failed after this comparison, the student becomes eligible for the compartment exam.
How the Best-of-Two Policy Works
The best-of-two policy compares the marks from the first and second board exams. The higher score in each subject is taken as the final result.
- The first board exam refers to the main examination.
- The second board exam refers to the supplementary or improvement examination.
- For every subject, the better score between the two attempts is retained.
- A subject is considered failed only if it is failed in both attempts.
Result After Both Exams
The final result is prepared after applying the best-of-two policy to all subjects. A student is declared pass only when all subjects have a passing score after this comparison.
If any single subject remains failed after both attempts are compared, the student is not declared pass. Such a student is then marked as compartment-eligible.
Compartment Exam Eligibility
Compartment-eligible students are allowed to appear for the compartment examination. This exam is conducted for the specific subject that remains failed.
The compartment exam gives the student another chance to clear the failed subject. Passing this exam is required to obtain the final pass certificate.
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