CBSE Issues Strict SOPs on Attendance Shortage Ahead of Board Exams

Board Exam Access Tied to Classroom Discipline: CBSE Tightens Attendance Norms

Recognising the importance of consistent classroom engagement in academic success, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has reiterated its mandatory attendance policy for students appearing in the Class 10 and 12 board examinations. Regular attendance is considered essential for maintaining academic discipline and for ensuring that students benefit fully from classroom instruction, peer interaction, and school-based assessments.

In an official communication to school principals, CBSE reminded all affiliated institutions that students must achieve a minimum of 75% attendance during the academic year to be eligible for the 2025–26 board exams. This requirement is outlined under Rules 13 and 14 of the Examination Bye-Laws, which govern student eligibility and examination conduct. The board has urged schools to monitor attendance closely and advise students and parents accordingly, noting that exceptions may only be considered in cases of genuine medical or other approved circumstances, subject to documentary evidence and board approval.

This reminder follows an earlier circular issued on 9 October 2024. CBSE has asked schools to strictly follow the rule and warned that if they don’t, there could be serious consequences. These may include students being disqualified from exams or, in serious cases, schools losing their CBSE affiliation. Schools have been told to inform students and parents about this rule at the beginning of the academic year. If a student has less than 75% attendance due to medical issues, national/international competitions, or other valid reasons, schools must collect the necessary documents and send a formal request to CBSE by 7 January of that academic year. CBSE has made it clear that no requests will be accepted after this deadline, and if any school tries to change attendance records later, it will be seen as tampering.

Surprise Checks and Record-Keeping

• CBSE may conduct surprise inspections to check student attendance records in schools.
• Schools must maintain daily attendance registers for every class.
• Each register must be signed by both the class teacher and the authorised school official.
• Schools are required to keep these registers safe and ready for inspection at any time.
• If a student is found absent during an inspection without valid leave records, CBSE may classify the student as a dummy candidate.
• Dummy candidates will not be allowed to appear for the board examinations.
• If the attendance records are found to be incomplete or manipulated, CBSE may take strict disciplinary action against the school.

SOPs for Attendance Shortage

CBSE has also issued a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide schools in handling cases where students fall short of the required attendance. According to these guidelines, attendance will be calculated up to 1 January of the academic year. Schools are required to maintain all written communication and leave proofs related to each case. Additionally, any communication with parents must be properly documented and sent through email or speed post. Only those cases that are supported by complete and valid documents will be considered for relaxation of attendance requirements.

No Room for Manipulation

CBSE has made it very clear that once schools submit cases of low attendance, they cannot make changes. Any effort to revise records after submission will be seen as an attempt to manipulate data, and strict action will be taken. Finally, the Board stressed that regular attendance is not just a rule for exam eligibility; it is an important part of a student’s discipline and academic growth.

Editor’s Note:

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken a firm stance on student attendance, reaffirming that a minimum of 75% attendance is mandatory for Class 10 and 12 students to be eligible for the 2025–26 board examinations. This decision is not merely procedural; it reflects a broader effort to restore academic discipline, curb misuse of enrollment practices, and ensure that students engage meaningfully with classroom learning. CBSE has noted a concerning increase in absenteeism, particularly among "dummy candidates", students officially enrolled but rarely attending school. Internal reviews indicate a direct correlation between classroom engagement and academic performance, as students with condoned attendance in previous years frequently underperformed in board exams. By enforcing strict attendance norms, CBSE aims to promote accountability among students, parents, and institutions alike. The board has introduced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide schools in managing attendance shortages, with clear deadlines and documentation requirements. Surprise inspections and penalties for record manipulation further underscore the seriousness of this initiative. This renewed emphasis on attendance is anticipated to enhance exam integrity and cultivate a sense of responsibility. Furthermore, it communicates that consistent school attendance is not merely a regulation, but rather a cornerstone for both academic achievement and personal growth. 

Skoobuzz asserts that through this strategy, CBSE is championing quality education and fairness, thereby guaranteeing that board examinations accurately reflect authentic effort and continuous learning.