CBSE has emphasized the importance of meeting attendance requirements to be eligible for the board exams. As per CBSE bye-laws, students must maintain 75% attendance. However, the board allows up to a 25% relaxation for specific situations, such as medical emergencies or participation in national or international events. This relaxation is granted only if students provide necessary documentation.
“Schools must regularly monitor and maintain accurate attendance records. Attendance registers should be updated daily, signed by the class teacher and the competent authority of the school, and be readily available for inspection by CBSE,” the CBSE notice clarified.
The board has outlined a 100-mark distribution per subject, divided among theory, practical exams, project assessments, and internal components. CBSE has provided schools with a subject-wise breakdown that includes details on marks for theory, practicals, projects, and internal assessments. Information on whether an external examiner will oversee the practical exams and whether practical answer books will be provided is also specified.
Continuing last year’s policy, CBSE will not declare overall division, distinctions, or aggregate percentages for students. The board clarified that no “toppers” will be announced and advised institutions and employers to consider only the best five subjects if students take more than five.
As of now, CBSE exams will be conducted only once a year. Although the Government has been exploring the possibility of two board exams annually, as recommended by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, it has yet to finalize this approach. If implemented, this proposal could mean that by 2026, Class 12 students would have a second exam option in June.
In 2024, Class 12 exams spanned from February 15 to April 2, while Class 10 exams took place between February 15 and March 13. CBSE coordinated the schedule to allow adequate preparation gaps between subjects and considered dates for major competitive exams like JEE.
The detailed datesheet for 2025 will further clarify specific exam dates and timings. Students are advised to regularly check CBSE’s official communications for updates.
