The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released a detailed circular for affiliated schools regarding the submission of the List of Candidates (LOC) for the 2025-26 Class X and XII board examinations. The new rules highlight stricter data checks, mandatory use of APAAR IDs, a dedicated portal for CWSN students, and clear deadlines for verification.
Accuracy of Student Data a Priority
According to CBSE, the correctness of student records is a non-negotiable condition. Names, dates of birth, subject choices, and parental details must be entered carefully, as no modifications will be permitted once the LOC is finalised. The board has also linked the number of registered students with subject-wise teacher availability, stressing that teachers must be spared proportionately for evaluation duties. Any mismatch could result in severe penalties, including withholding of results.
APAAR ID Now Mandatory in India
A major change this year is the compulsory inclusion of the APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID for all students enrolled in Indian CBSE schools. These IDs will be verified before the LOC is confirmed. Only schools situated abroad have been exempted from this requirement due to administrative constraints.
Dedicated Portal for CWSN Candidates
In a first, CBSE has rolled out a separate submission window for Children With Special Needs (CWSN). Schools are required to complete CWSN entries before the general LOC deadline, as later additions will not be entertained.
Exam Fee Structure for 2025-26
The board has clarified the fees for students appearing in the upcoming board exams:
- India: ₹1,600 per student for five subjects; ₹320 for each additional subject.
- Nepal: ₹5,500 per student; ₹1,100 for additional subjects.
- Other countries: ₹11,000 per student; ₹2,200 for additional subjects.
A late fee of ₹2,000 per candidate will be charged beyond the prescribed dates. However, visually impaired candidates remain exempted from examination fees for both Class X and Class XII.
Subject Choices and Verification Window
Schools must strictly adhere to CBSE’s official Scheme of Studies while finalising subject combinations. Any deviation will make the student ineligible for the 2026 examinations. After submission, each school will receive a Data Verification Slip for every candidate. Corrections in particulars will only be allowed between October 13 and October 27, 2025, after which no requests will be entertained.
Schools Directed to Hold Awareness Sessions
To ensure compliance, CBSE has instructed principals to conduct orientation meetings with teachers, parents, and students. The board reiterated that inaccuracies in LOC entries or failure to provide APAAR IDs could directly jeopardise students’ eligibility for the board examinations.
