Central Board of Secondary Education has announced two board examination scheme for class 10th students. The scheme, which was notified on June 25, 2025, is now set to be implemented in the 2026 examination period. Under the new scheme, Class 10 students appearing for the 2026 main board exams will be given one more chance to improve their results in up to three subjects in the second board exams to be held in May 2026. The board has released an official notification for those private candidates who want to appear in other board exams. Here are the details:
Class 10 Private Students Eligibility for Second Board Exam 2026
There are specific categories of candidates who will be eligible to take the second board exam in 2026, i.e. third chance compartment category as per CBSE rules.Candidates include those placed in the compartment category for the year 2024-25.Candidates belonging to the same year are placed in the compartment but still eligible for examinations other than the compartment, but not included in the main examinations 2026. Such candidates will be treated under third chance compartment category.
How to submit LOC forms for online exams?
As per the instructions given by CBSE for other board exam applications, it should be done through online mode at the following website: https://www.cbse.gov.in/newsite/private/index.htmlImportant Instructions:
- Offline form filling is strictly not allowed.
- DD/Cheque/Money Order/Postal Order payments cannot be considered for fees
- Forms without payment of fees will automatically be disqualified.
- Late applications will be automatically disqualified.
It needs to be understood here that mere filling of the form does not complete the application unless accompanied by payment of the fee.
CBSE Class 10 Second Board Exam 2026 Schedule and submission window
The process of submission of List of Candidates (LOC) along with required fee is divided into two stages.
- First step: 16 April 2026 (12 Noon) to 20 April 2026 (Midnight)
- Second step: 21 April 2026 to 22 April 2026 (Midnight)
Applicants should try to submit their applications during the first stage to avoid additional costs.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus Details for CBSE Second Board Exam 2026
CBSE has confirmed that the second board exam 2026 will be conducted strictly on the same syllabus as the first exam of the year. This ensures uniformity in assessment and maintains consistency in academic standards across both endeavors.
Fee Structure: Subject wise payment and late fee penalty
Fees will vary depending on the category of candidates and examination area.India (per candidate per subject)
- Regular fee: Rs.320 per subject
- Total Fee (Approx Slab): Rs.1100 per candidate per subject
For Nepal and other countries: Rs. 2200 per candidate per subjectLate fee facility: Additional Rs.2000 per candidate apart from regular feeCBSE has clarified that fees can be paid only through online modes, viz:
- Net banking
- Debit card
- Credit Card (Domestic and Foreign)
Strict compliance rules: CBSE warns against mistakes and wrong entries.
The Board has come up with a strict compliance structure for candidates:
- Incorrect data or errors will lead to disqualification.
- Fees paid in case of misrepresentation will be forfeited.
- Unfair conduct by candidates will attract punitive measures.
- Forms filled from cyber cafes or through intermediaries are ultimately the responsibility of the candidate.
- Errors by third parties will not be accepted as grounds for correction.
CBSE has also stressed the point that students should be careful while choosing their exam city, as it cannot be changed later.
Digital-first process: Hard copy is not required for CBSE submission.
Underpinning its digital transformation, CBSE has affirmed:
- The entire application process is online.
- Hard copy submission is not required.
- Candidates can download the submitted forms for personal records.
- Photo and signature uploads should be in JPG format and less than 40 KB
Key security measures and final warning from CBSE
CBSE has highlighted additional procedural considerations:
- Only automatically generated articles will be available for selection.
- Candidates should ensure correct subject code especially for languages.
- Incorrect or incomplete applications will be rejected.
- Eligibility is subject to fulfillment of CBSE norms even after payment of fees.
The board has also warned that applications without successful fee submission will be automatically canceled without notice.
