The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced significant fresh guidelines for the submission of the List of Candidates (LOC) for the 2026 Board Exams for Classes 10 and 12, marking a transformative update in the examination process. A notable reform is the introduction of a two-board exam structure for Class 10, where students will now have a mandatory main exam scheduled for February 2026 and an optional improvement exam in May 2026. The highest score from these two attempts will be counted toward final results, aiming to reduce exam stress and promote better performance. Schools are required to submit accurate LOC data for all candidates appearing in these examinations during the September–October 2025 window for the main exam and reopen submissions after the first exam for those opting for the improvement exam.
Another critical change is the mandatory inclusion of APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) IDs for every student, designed to create a centralized, fraud-free academic profile for each candidate. This move enhances the reliability and transparency of student data nationwide. Additionally, CBSE has implemented a student-wise data verification slip system, allowing parents and students to verify details between October 13 and October 27, 2025, to ensure accuracy before the final submission. Schools must ensure precise recording of student information including subject codes and personal details, as no corrections will be permitted after the cut-off dates.
CBSE has also strengthened provisions for Children With Special Needs (CWSN) by establishing a dedicated portal for their registration and accommodations, emphasizing that these details must be uploaded before deadlines. Fee payments must be processed digitally within specified windows, with strict adherence to submission deadlines, as failure to comply could bar students from appearing in exams or delay their results. Principals are advised to personally monitor the LOC submission process closely and conduct orientation sessions for students and parents about the new examination structure and guidelines. Overall, these reforms aim to improve data accuracy, operational efficiency, and inclusiveness in the CBSE board examination system starting 2026.
Application Form Dates for CBSE Board Exams 2026
The application process for both Class 10 and Class 12 CBSE Board Exams 2026 is slated to begin around September 2025. Schools will start submitting the List of Candidates (LOC) during this period, with strict deadlines for final submissions. The normal fee payment window opens August 29 and closes September 30, 2025, while the late fee window extends till October 11, 2025. All applications and fee payments must be submitted digitally to ensure authenticity and faster processing. The final LOC must include all candidates intending to appear in the February 2026 main exams for both classes. Students also have an option for an improvement exam in May 2026, with LOC reopening for those candidates after the first exam. Admit cards for the main exam will be available online by mid-February 2026.
Detailed Guidelines for LOC Submission 2026
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Submission Window | August 29 to September 30 (normal); Late submission till October 11, 2025 |
| Digital Fee Payment | Mandatory through official channels |
| Data Accuracy | Includes candidate name, DOB, parent details, subject codes, APAAR IDs mandatory for all Indian students |
| Verification | Parent/student verification slips issued between October 13-27, 2025 |
| Two-Board Exam Inclusion (Class 10) | LOC must record candidates for Feb 2026 main exam; option for May 2026 improvement exam |
| Correction Period | Post-submission corrections not permitted except through special CBSE guidelines |
| Special Needs Candidates (CWSN) | Registration must be uploaded on a dedicated portal before deadlines |
| Consequences of Errors/Delay | Students barred from appearing or delayed results |
| Principal’s Role | Monitor daily submission status; conduct parent-student orientation on new exam policies |
| Migration Certificates | Issued online post-results; physical copies on request |
This system aims to improve exam administration efficiency, data integrity, and student inclusiveness by ensuring thorough validation and transparency.
CBSE Board Exams 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
The exam pattern for Class 10 reflects the newly adopted two-board system with a focus on reducing student stress through multiple attempts. For Class 12, the pattern has evolved to emphasize competency-based learning reflecting the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
| Class | Exam Format | Marks Distribution | Key Features | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Main Exam Feb 2026 + Improvement May 2026 | Best score counted from two attempts | Two examination phases; each subject includes theory and practicals | 3 hours theory + practicals |
| 12 | Single exam with theory & practicals | Theory: 70 marks; Practical: 30 marks | 50% competency-based questions, 20% MCQs, 30% descriptive questions | 3 hours theory + practicals |
| Competency-based questions | Includes case/source-based and application questions | Enhanced critical thinking and real-world application focus | ||
| Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 20% of total marks | Develops quick analytical skills | ||
| Constructed Response (Long/Short) | 30% of total marks | Tests clarity of understanding and expressive abilities |
Class 12 Science papers such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology follow the new pattern uniformly, emphasizing application and analysis. Exams for both classes will be conducted offline, and the schedules are generally announced in January 2026 with exams tentatively from February 17 to early March for the first phase.
FAQs on CBSE LOC Submission 2026
Q1. What is the last date for CBSE LOC 2026?
Official last date जल्द ही CBSE website पर घोषित होगी।
Q2. How to correct mistakes in CBSE LOC 2026?
Schools को correction window मिलेगी, जहां वे गलत details सुधार सकते हैं।
Q3. What happens if LOC is not submitted on time?
अगर समय पर LOC submit नहीं होता तो student board exam में appear नहीं कर पाएगा।
