The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a new eligibility rule for its two-cycle board examination system for 2026: students who are absent in three or more subjects in the first board exam attempt will not be permitted to appear in the second board exam.
What’s new
- The first board exam is scheduled to begin from 17 February 2026, with the second attempt slated for May 2026.
- Under the fresh directive, students who miss any three or more subjects in the February-cycle exam will lose their right to sit the May board exam.
- Also, the board has clarified that students cannot mix or split their exam attempts across the two cycles—meaning one full attempt must be taken in the first cycle itself.
Why the change?
CBSE’s move is part of a wider drive to tighten exam integrity, ensure consistent attendance and reduce misuse of the optional second board exam mechanism. It aligns with the board’s push for disciplined classroom study and prevents students from treating the second cycle as a safety net for missing large parts of the first.
Who is impacted?
- Students who are absent in three or more subjects during the first cycle will be affected and barred from the second cycle.
- Those who attended the first cycle but wish to improve their marks by appearing in the second cycle may still do so—provided they met attendance and exam appearance criteria in the first cycle.
- Schools and students must take note of the timelines: results for the February exam will be announced around April 2026, and for the May attempt, by June 2026. The first exam result will be used for Class 11 admissions, but passing certificates and final documents will only be issued after the second cycle.
What students and schools should do
- Students should aim to appear in all registered subjects in the first board exam attempt to ensure eligibility for the second.
- Schools must track and ensure that students registered for boards attend and write every subject, rather than banking on the safety of the second cycle.
- Parents and students should evaluate whether skipping or missing subjects in the first attempt might result in losing the second exam option—and thereby jeopardising their academic year.
For the 2026 board exam cycle, CBSE has drawn a firm line: missing three or more subjects in the first attempt means forfeiting the second chance. This development is significant and warrants attention from students, parents and schools so steps can be taken now to comply and plan accordingly.
Keep reading Shikso for the latest educational news and updates, exam resources, and learning insights to stay ahead!
