The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially opened the application process for private candidates of Class 10 and Class 12 who wish to appear for the CBSE Board Exam 2026. Starting September 9, 2025, students can fill out their exam application forms online through the official CBSE portal at cbse.gov.in.
This opportunity is specifically designed for students who fall under the private category. Eligible candidates include those who were marked as ‘Essential Repeat’, students who had a compartment status, or were declared failed in the academic years 2020 to 2025. In addition, students who successfully passed the board exams in the 2024–25 academic session but now aim to improve their scores in one or more subjects can also apply as private candidates.
The CBSE has issued separate notifications for Class 10 and Class 12 private exam registrations, available for reference on the official CBSE website. For ease of access, candidates are advised to refer to the latest notification section to directly locate the link titled ‘Submission of Examination Form by Private Candidates for Class X/XII Exam 2026’.
How to Apply
- Visit the official CBSE website: cbse.gov.in.
- Navigate to the latest notifications section.
- Click on the relevant link for private exam form submission (Class 10 or 12).
- Fill in the required personal and academic details in the application form.
- Upload all necessary documents, such as previous mark sheets and identification proof.
- Complete the application process by paying the application fee of INR 320.
Students are strongly advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria before starting the application process to avoid rejections.
This initiative provides a valuable chance for students who couldn’t clear their board exams earlier or who wish to improve their performance, thereby giving them a second opportunity to achieve academic success. Candidates must complete the application process well before the last date to avoid any last-minute issues.