CBSE announces exam form submission dates for Class 10, 12 private candidates: Check eligibility and application details

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a key notification for the submission of examination forms for Class 10 and 12 students who will appear in the 2025–26 board exams as private candidates.

The process will begin from 9 September onwards, giving students ample time to register under the categories of private, essential repeat, compartment, and improvement of performance. Alongside, CBSE has released a subject-wise scheme detailing theory and practical mark distribution, total marks, and the minimum pass criteria of 33%. Separate but similar notices have been issued for both Class 10 and 12, ensuring clarity for students across streams.

This step will help thousands of candidates reappear, improve scores, or complete pending examinations with a structured framework.

Who can apply

The notification defines four categories of eligible candidates.

This inclusive framework ensures that students with varied needs — from clearing backlogs to upgrading performance — have a fair chance.

Subject-wise details

The notice includes a comprehensive subject list for both Class 10 and 12 with detailed exam schemes.

Every subject specifies theory marks, internal/practical marks, total marks, and the minimum passing requirement. Vocational subjects carry varied structures such as 60+40, 70+30, or 50+50, while core academic subjects like English, Hindi, Mathematics, and Science follow the standard 80+20 pattern. In cases where subjects have multiple codes (e.g., English, Hindi, Mathematics, Information Technology, Business Studies/Administration), students must ensure they select the correct one at the time of registration.

This clarity helps maintain uniform evaluation standards across academic and skill-based streams.

CBSE instructions and deadlines

CBSE has directed candidates to submit their forms online from 9 September 2025 onwards via the official portal. The board has advised students to be meticulous in entering subject codes, personal details, and eligibility categories to avoid errors that could affect results. While the exact last date will be notified, CBSE has warned that late submissions will incur additional fees. Regional centers, affiliated schools, and support desks have been instructed to assist candidates with the process. By releasing the notification simultaneously for Class 10 and 12, CBSE aims to streamline submissions, reduce last-minute confusion, and give students adequate preparation time for the 2026 board examinations.