CBSE Announces New Eligibility Rules for 2025 Board Exams

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced revised eligibility criteria for the 2025 board examinations, with 75% minimum attendance now made mandatory for students of Classes 10 and 12. Alongside attendance, the board has outlined stricter requirements designed to ensure academic discipline and standardization across affiliated schools.

Class 10 and 12 Declared as Complete Programs

According to CBSE’s notification, Classes 10 and 12 will be treated as complete two-year programs. To be eligible for the Class 10 board exams, students must complete both Classes 9 and 10. Similarly, appearing for the Class 12 exams requires completion of both Classes 11 and 12.

Internal Assessments Made Compulsory

Internal assessments have been made an essential part of the evaluation process. Students who fail to appear for these assessments in any subject will be placed in the “Essential Repeat” category, and their results will not be declared. The board emphasized that assessments will now consider performance across both years of study—Class 9 and 10 for secondary, and Class 11 and 12 for senior secondary.

Restrictions on Additional Subjects

Schools lacking CBSE approval, qualified teachers, laboratories, or other required facilities will no longer be allowed to offer additional subjects.

Guidelines for Failed Candidates

Regular students who fail in an additional subject and are placed in the “Compartment” or “Essential Repeat” category can reappear for exams as private candidates. Unlike regular students, private candidates do not need school affiliation and may prepare independently to sit for the examination.