The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a new rule for students in Classes 10 and 12. Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, students must have at least 75% attendance to take the 2026 board exams. This decision was made to ensure students attend classes regularly and to reduce the number of ‘dummy candidates’.
On August 4, CBSE issued a circular outlining this requirement. The board noticed that many students were not meeting the attendance criteria, which led to this strict enforcement. According to the CBSE Examination Bye-Laws, students with less than 75% attendance will not be allowed to sit for exams unless they have valid reasons.
Valid reasons for absence include medical emergencies, bereavement, or participation in recognised sports events. Students must provide proper documentation to support their claims. For example, medical leave should be accompanied by a certificate from a government-recognised doctor.
Additionally, schools are required to inform students and parents about the 75% attendance rule at the beginning of the academic year. If a student’s attendance falls below the required level, schools must notify parents through registered mail or email. This communication must happen promptly to ensure parents are aware of their child’s attendance status.
The CBSE has also warned against manipulating attendance records. Any unauthorized leave will be counted as an absence, and schools must maintain accurate attendance registers. These registers should be signed by both the class teacher and the head of the institution. During surprise inspections, CBSE will check these records to ensure they are complete and accurate. If any discrepancies are found, strict actions will be taken against the school, including the possibility of disqualifying students from the board exams.
Schools must submit any cases of attendance shortage to the CBSE by January 7, 2026. Any requests made after this date will be rejected. Attendance will be calculated as of January 1, 2026, meaning any improvements after this date will not be considered for the attendance requirement.
By implementing this rule, CBSE aims to foster discipline and accountability among students. The board believes that regular attendance is essential for academic success. Schools have been urged to make sure parents and students are fully aware of these rules and the importance of complying with them.
In summary, the CBSE’s new attendance rule is a significant step towards ensuring that students attend school regularly. With strict guidelines in place, it is hoped that this will lead to better academic performance and integrity among students. Schools and parents must work together to support students in meeting these attendance requirements for their future success.