Strict Compliance with attendance requirements as per CBSE Examination Bye-Laws for Board Examination Eligibility
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a crucial directive to all affiliated schools, mandating strict adherence to attendance requirements for students appearing in the Class X and XII Board Examinations.
Dated 4 August 2025, the circular reiterates the provisions outlined in the CBSE Examination Bye-Laws — specifically Rules 13 and 14 — which require students to have at least 75% attendance in the academic session to be eligible for board examinations. This rule will apply to the 2025–26 academic year and the 2025–26 Board Examinations.
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Minimum Attendance Rule and Exceptions
Under the bye-laws, 25% relaxation in attendance may be granted only in exceptional cases such as:
- Medical emergencies with proper documentation
- Participation in national or international sports events
- Other serious circumstances supported by official proof
Any request for leave must be accompanied by valid documentation — including medical certificates from competent authorities in case of illness — and submitted at the time of availing the leave. Leave without a written application will be treated as unauthorised absence.
Key Instructions to Schools
The CBSE has outlined specific measures for schools to follow:
- Inform Students and Parents: Clearly communicate the 75% attendance rule and the consequences of non-compliance at the start of the academic year.
- Leave Procedures: Require written leave applications with valid reasons. Medical leave must be supported by official certificates and reports.
- Attendance Monitoring: Maintain accurate, daily updated registers signed by class teachers and school authorities.
- Parental Communication: Notify parents in writing via registered post or email if attendance requirements are not met. Keep records of all communications.
- Inspections: Be prepared for surprise inspections by CBSE to verify attendance records. Inaccurate or incomplete records may lead to strict penalties, including disqualification of students or disaffiliation of the school.
Condonation of Attendance Shortage
For students falling short of the required attendance, schools may forward cases for condonation to CBSE under specific conditions. Valid reasons include prolonged illness, bereavement, serious family situations, or participation in authorised sports events.
Each case must be supported by mandatory documents such as:
- Written requests from parents/guardians
- Medical certificates and reports
- Death or participation certificates from competent authorities
- Official school recommendations in the prescribed proforma
Deadlines and No Alterations
The attendance percentage is calculated as of 1 January of the academic session. Schools must submit shortage cases to the concerned CBSE Regional Office by 7 January. Cases submitted late or without complete documents will be summarily rejected.
Importantly, once shortage cases are reported, no later communication claiming attendance completion will be entertained. CBSE warns that any such attempt will be treated as record manipulation.
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Emphasis on Regular Attendance
CBSE stresses that regular attendance is not only a prerequisite for exam eligibility but also a cornerstone for fostering discipline and holistic development among students. Schools are directed to sensitise students and parents about these rules and ensure their strict implementation throughout the session.
The circular closes with a firm reminder: “In no manner will requests received after the schedule date be considered. Schools must ensure all requirements are met within the stipulated timelines.”
Here’s a FAQ based entirely on the CBSE circular, with thorough and factual answers for each question.
| FAQ | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the minimum attendance required to appear in CBSE Class X and XII Board Exams? | As per CBSE Examination Bye-Laws Rules 13 and 14, a minimum of 75% attendance is required for eligibility. |
| Is there any relaxation in the attendance requirement? | Yes, CBSE allows up to 25% relaxation only in special cases such as medical emergencies, participation in national or international sports events, or other serious reasons with proper documentation. |
| What documents are needed for medical leave? | A written leave application from the student/parent along with a medical certificate from a competent government doctor, and any relevant medical reports or tests (e.g., X-rays) for the leave period. |
| What should schools do if a student frequently misses classes? | Schools must inform parents in writing via registered/speed post or email, explain the importance of regular attendance, and keep records of all such communications. |
| How is attendance calculated for eligibility purposes? | Attendance is calculated as of 1 January of the academic session for Class X and XII. |
| What is the deadline for schools to submit shortage of attendance cases? | Schools must submit such cases to the concerned CBSE Regional Office by 7 January of the academic session. |
| Can attendance records be changed after submission to CBSE? | No, once shortage cases are reported, CBSE will not accept any later claims of completed attendance. Such attempts will be treated as manipulation. |
| What happens if students are absent without written leave? | Such absence is considered unauthorised and may result in the student being marked as non-attending or even treated as a dummy candidate, making them ineligible for board exams. |
| What are the consequences for incomplete or false attendance records during inspection? | CBSE may disqualify students from board exams, and schools may face strict action, including disaffiliation. |
| What is the process for condonation of shortage of attendance? | Schools must forward cases to CBSE with valid reasons and complete mandatory documents such as written requests, supporting certificates, and school recommendations in the prescribed proforma. |
| What are valid reasons for condonation? | Prolonged illness, death of a parent/close family member, serious family emergencies, and authorised participation in national or international sports events as per CBSE SOPs. |
| What is the deadline for CBSE approval of condonation cases? | The last date for approval is 7 February of the examination year. |
| What must schools do to comply with attendance rules? | Inform students and parents about the rules at the start of the session, update attendance daily, keep signed registers ready for inspection, and submit condonation cases within deadlines. |
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