New Delhi | 5 August 2025
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a strict directive to all affiliated schools regarding compliance with attendance rules for eligibility to appear in the Class X and XII Board Examinations for the academic session 2025–26.
As per Rules 13 and 14 of the CBSE Examination Bye-Laws, students must have a minimum of 75% attendance to be eligible for the board exams. The board has clarified that this rule will be enforced strictly and only genuine cases with valid documentation will be considered for condonation.
Key Highlights from the Circular:
Minimum Attendance Requirement:
- 75% attendance is mandatory to be eligible for board exams.
- Relaxation may be granted in exceptional circumstances like:
- Prolonged illness
- Death in the immediate family
- Participation in national/international sports
- Other serious unavoidable reasons supported by official documentation.
School Responsibilities:
- Inform students and parents about the 75% attendance rule at the start of the academic session.
- Maintain daily updated attendance registers, signed by class teachers and school heads.
- Communicate shortage cases to CBSE by 7th January of the academic session.
- Inform parents in writing (by Registered/Speed Post or email) in case a student is falling short of attendance.
- Schools must not manipulate attendance records after submission.
CBSE May Conduct Surprise Inspections:
If records are found incomplete or students are absent without valid leave, such candidates may be treated as dummy students and barred from board exams. Schools may also face disaffiliation.
SOPs for Condonation of Attendance Shortage:
Schools are required to:
- Collect proper documentation (e.g., medical certificates, participation letters).
- Submit a filled Proforma and documents to the Regional Office by 7th January.
- Ensure no application is submitted after the deadline.
- Understand that once shortage is reported, it cannot be revised.
Attendance is calculated as of 1st January of the academic session.
📄 For full SOPs, mandatory documents, schedule, and official submission format, refer to the official CBSE circular here:
👉 Download Official PDF
🔔 Schools and parents are urged to take this notice seriously to avoid disqualification of students due to attendance non-compliance. Regular attendance not only ensures academic success but also reflects discipline and commitment—key values CBSE seeks to instill in students.
