Hey learners,
In a renewed effort to uphold academic discipline and discourage absenteeism, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has reinforced its longstanding mandate: students in Classes 10 and 12 must secure at least 75% attendance during the 2025–26 academic session to be permitted to sit for the 2026 Board examinations.
Why the Crackdown?
CBSE’s current directive is not just about numbers—it’s a strategic move to plug loopholes such as the emergence of “dummy candidates,” where students remain on rolls but seldom attend classes. In response, the Board has unveiled a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide schools in managing attendance shortfalls, with an emphasis on evidence-backed condonations.
What Schools and Parents Must Know
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Communication is Crucial
Schools must inform students and guardians about the mandatory attendance norm right from the start of the session. Repeated reminders through PTMs, formal notices, emails, or registered posts are now essential. -
Approved Leave Only with Proper Documentation
Only absences due to valid reasons—like extended illness, bereavement, or participation in officially sanctioned sports events—can be considered. Each must be supported by credible documentation such as medical certificates, death certificates, or sports authority approvals. -
Tracking and Transparency
Attendance registers must be maintained daily, bearing signatures from class teachers and authorized school authorities, making records available for inspection at any time. -
Condonation Timeline Is Tight
Attendance data is considered as of January 1 each year. Schools must submit condonation cases—with all supporting documents—by January 7. The process continues with notifications by January 21, responses by January 28, and final decisions by February 7. No late or revised submissions will be entertained. -
Strict Scrutiny & Surprise Inspections
CBSE may conduct unannounced inspections. Any discrepancies in attendance logs could lead to disqualification of students—or, in stringent cases, even disaffiliation of schools.
What This Means for Students and Parents
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Students must prioritize attendance, treating every school day as vital not only for learning but also for exam eligibility.
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Parents should stay vigilant, promptly responding to school communications and submitting leave requests only when truly necessary.
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Schools now bear greater responsibility, overseeing accurate documentation, timely communication, and strict adherence to CBSE’s SOP.
By reinforcing these attendance norms, CBSE aims to nurture consistency, accountability, and fairness across all affiliated institutions. The message is clear: every class day counts—so let’s take attendance seriously and stay prepared.