CBSE issues important notice to schools for 2026 Board exams; submit list of candidates by Sept 30

According to the CBSE notice, the submission of the List of Candidates (LOC) is an important step in preparing for the 2025-26 board examinations. Schools are required to upload accurate candidate details, as this data is directly used for generating admit cards, preparing examination records, and issuing certificates.

The Board has cautioned that errors or delays in LOC submission can lead to serious consequences, including students being barred from appearing in the examination or results being withheld.

What schools are required to do

As per CBSE, schools must carefully verify all candidate information such as student names, parental details, dates of birth, and subject combinations in line with the prescribed Scheme of Studies. For 2025-26, APAAR IDs have been made mandatory for students in India, while schools outside India are exempt.

The Board also highlighted the importance of correctly registering Children With Special Needs (CWSN) candidates. Dedicated submission portals and earlier deadlines have been provided for this category, and no corrections will be permitted once data has been uploaded.

All submissions must be made online through CBSE’s digital portals, and the process involves multiple steps such as photograph upload, verification, fee payment, and final authorisation by school heads.

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Important dates for submissions as stipulated by CBSE

CBSE has stressed that submission timelines are binding and linked with fee schedules. The date on which the LOC data is finalised will decide whether the normal fee or late fee applies. No extensions will be granted beyond the prescribed deadlines.

CBSE LOC submission and fee schedule for 2025-26

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The circular also introduces new procedural rules for the academic session:

–Two-board examination policy for class 10: Students must appear in the first board exam in February to be eligible for the second exam in May.

–Mandatory APAAR ID: For Indian schools, APAAR IDs are compulsory in LOC submissions. Overseas schools remain exempt.

–CWSN data submission: A dedicated portal is in place for students with special needs, and details must be submitted before the main LOC deadline.

–Verification of records: All student details must be cross-checked with admission registers. After final submission, only limited corrections will be possible within a defined window using the Data Verification Slip.

Submission guidelines according to CBSE

As per CBSE, schools must compile accurate LOC data by including transfers, repeaters, and fresh admissions with supporting documents. Candidate photographs must meet digital guidelines, and fees must be paid before entries are finalised.

Once the final list is prepared, CBSE instructed that both parents and students must verify and sign to confirm correctness.

The Board also specified that migration certificates will be issued online after results, while hard copies will be provided only on request.

Subject combinations and scheme of studies

CBSE reminded schools that subject choices must conform strictly to the official scheme of studies. Invalid subject combinations will not be accepted, and the portal will flag errors requiring rectification before submission. The Board also clarified that it does not recognise rigid “streams” such as science, commerce, or arts; instead, students can opt for subjects freely, provided the school has approval to offer them.

In its notice, CBSE has also directed principals to personally monitor the process and conduct daily checks as deadlines approach. Any omissions or errors will not be entertained once the submission window closes.