Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has updated eligibility requirements for the 2026 board exams. Two major eligibility conditions are being introduced this year, i.e., i) minimum attendance of 75 percent and ii) completion of all internal assessments. Students failing in either may not be allowed to appear in the final examination. Registration for private candidates began on September 9, 2025, through the official website. To get more information on the CBSE board exam eligibility requirements for 10th and 12th, students should refer to this article.
CBSE Board Exam Eligibility Requirements 2026: Application Process
CBSE Application Process 2026 for regular students has not started yet. It will be hosted by ‘Pariksha Sangam’ portal. A detailed insight into application process has been shared below:
| Candidate Type | Registration Start Date | Where to Apply / Register | Who Manages It |
| Private Candidates | September 9, 2025 | CBSE official portal (Private Candidate section) | Student applies directly |
| Regular Candidates | Academic year 2025–26 starts | Pariksha Sangam portal (by schools) | School uploads student data |
CBSE Board Exam Eligibility Requirements 2026: Age Criteria
The board has defined a minimum age requirement for CBSE 10th Board Exam and CBSE 12th Board Exam 2026. Before initiating the application process, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
| Class Level | Minimum Age Requirement | Effective Date | Upper Age Limit |
| Class 10 | 14 years or above | On or before 31 March 2026 | No restriction |
| Class 12 | 16 years or above | On or before 31 March 2026 | No restriction |
CBSE Board Exam Eligibility Requirements 2026: Subject Rules
Students must meet subject-related eligibility to be permitted to appear in CBSE Class 10 and CBSE Class 12 board exams:
Class 10 Subject Requirements
| Category | Requirement |
| Languages | Minimum 2 (one from Group A, the other from Group A or B) |
| Core Subjects | Mathematics, Science, Social Science |
| Additional Subjects | 1 or 2 optional subjects such as IT, Skill-based, or another language |
Class 12 Subject Requirements
| Category | Requirement |
| Language | Minimum 1 (English or Hindi, usually compulsory) |
| Electives | Minimum 4 subjects, depending on the stream |
| Additional Subject | 1 optional subject if the school has facilities and approval |
CBSE Board Exam Eligibility Requirements 2026: Attendance
As per the updated eligibility criteria, candidates will require a minimum 75% attendance. Without meeting these eligibility criteria, candidates will not be able to participate in the exam. Relaxation will only be granted if schools submit such as medical certificates or participation records in national or international events. Below 60 percent attendance is not eligible for relaxation.
| Class Exam Applied For | Attendance Counted From | Minimum Attendance Required | Relaxation Possible? |
| Class 10 | Classes 9 and 10 combined | 75% | Yes, if 60–74% with valid proof |
| Class 12 | Classes 11 and 12 combined | 75% | Yes, if 60–74% with valid proof |
CBSE Board Exam Eligibility Requirements 2026: Internal Assessments
CBSE board has also made internal assessments compulsory for both classes. Students who fail to participate in these assessments may not be cleared for final board exams.
| Class | Internal Assessment Components | Passing Rule |
| 10 | Projects, periodic tests, subject enrichment activities | Must attempt all; missing any can lead to “Essential Repeat” |
| 12 | Practical exams, projects, internal tests in each subject | Must pass theory and practical separately in subjects with practicals |
CBSE Board Exam Eligibility Requirements 2026: Registration Rules
CBSE Board Exam Registration rules vary for regular students and private students. To check details candidates should refer to the table below:
| Category | Eligibility Condition |
| Regular Students | Must be enrolled in a CBSE-affiliated school; registration done by school |
| Private Candidates | Allowed only if previously registered, failed, compartment, or improvement cases |
| Migration Students | Must provide a migration certificate and be registered on time in the new CBSE school |
CBSE Board Exam Eligibility Requirements 2026: At a Glance
Some highlights of CBSE board exam eligibility requirements has been shared below:
| Requirement | Class 10 | Class 12 |
| Minimum Age | 14 years by 31 March 2026 | 16 years by 31 March 2026 |
| Subjects | Minimum 5 (2 languages + 3 core) | Minimum 5 (1 language + 4 electives) |
| Additional Subjects | Up to 2 | Up to 1 |
| Attendance | 75% in Classes 9 and 10 | 75% in Classes 11 and 12 |
| Internal Assessments | Mandatory | Mandatory (theory + practical separately) |
| School Affiliation | Must be CBSE-affiliated | Must be CBSE-affiliated |
What Students Should Do to Meet Eligibility Criteria
- Monitor attendance carefully and aim for above 75 percent.
- Complete all internal assessments and practical exams.
- Cross-check subject combinations with the school and confirm that the school has approval for any additional subjects.
- For private candidates, apply on the CBSE portal before deadlines.
- For students shifting schools, complete migration formalities in time.
- Verify registration details uploaded by the school and use the correction window if required.
Final Thoughts
The CBSE Board Exam Eligibility Requirements 2026 stress regularity and discipline. The main conditions include minimum age, correct subject combinations, 75 percent attendance, mandatory internal assessments, and timely registration. With the application process already underway, students must ensure they meet these requirements to secure their eligibility. Once compliance is confirmed, full focus can be placed on preparation and scoring well on the board exams.
