CBSE Implements Mandatory 75% Attendance Rule for 2026 Class 10 and 12 Board Exam Eligibility

Staying committed to academic discipline has always been a priority for the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). In a significant move aimed at encouraging regular classroom participation, the CBSE has introduced a compulsory rule for students appearing in Class 10 and 12 board exams from 2026 onwards—students must have at least 75% attendance to be eligible for the examinations. This decision underlines the importance of consistent classroom learning while ensuring that students and schools alike adhere to set standards of discipline.

The Importance of the 75% Attendance Rule

The CBSE’s new rule is not merely a formality; it is designed to reinforce the value of regular school attendance. While the board allows flexibility in learning and acknowledges the varied needs of students, regular physical attendance is now categorized as essential. The 75% attendance requirement challenges students to maintain a steady connection with classroom learning, participation, and engagement, which are crucial for robust academic development.

Strict Monitoring and Eligibility Criteria

To make sure the policy is strictly implemented, CBSE has laid out a transparent framework for attendance monitoring. Students falling short of the mandatory 75% level will not be permitted to take their board exams. There are, however, exceptions for extreme cases. If a student is battling a severe medical issue, representing the country or state in sports, or involved in other justified, critical situations, their case can be considered. Importantly, these exemptions are not automatic.

Students must submit formal leave applications, with applicable documentary proof when they apply for leave. If proper documentation is not provided, the board will register these absences as unauthorised, disqualifying students from appearing for the exams.

Schools’ Responsibilities Under the New Norms

CBSE has also placed strong expectations on schools to ensure that the attendance rule is followed fairly and uniformly. Schools are tasked with several specific responsibilities:

• They must clearly communicate the attendance guideline to all students and their parents, along with the consequences of non-compliance.
  
• Class teachers are required to maintain a daily updated attendance register, which must be authenticated by the school authority to ensure accuracy.
  
• In the event of a student’s low or declining attendance, schools must send written notifications to their parents, alerting them in advance about the risk of falling short of the requirement.
  
• All leave records, including medical and exceptional cases, must be stored and maintained systematically to support any future claims.
  
• If students are repeatedly absent without proper documentation, CBSE can categorize them as non-attending or dummy candidates, thus making them ineligible for the board exams.
  

Enforcement Measures and Penalties for Schools

CBSE has made it clear that compliance with this attendance rule is non-negotiable not only for students but also for the schools. As part of its oversight mechanism, CBSE can conduct random, surprise inspections at schools to verify attendance records.

Any evidence of tampered, invalid, or incomplete records can lead to serious penalties for the school, which may include disaffiliation from the board. Furthermore, once a shortage of attendance case is formally submitted for consideration, no appeals or changes will be entertained, emphasizing the finality and seriousness of the requirement.

Impact on Students and the Academic Community

This move by CBSE is expected to create a disciplined academic environment where regularity and punctuality are prioritized. Students will need to be attentive not only to their studies but also to their attendance records. Regular classroom interaction with teachers and peers contributes significantly to better understanding and application of concepts, which is what the CBSE hopes to encourage with this rule.

Schools, too, will be more diligent in their record-keeping and proactive communication with parents. Ultimately, this will help both students and institutions take collective responsibility for academic growth and success.