The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has reopened its LOC (List of Candidates) submission portal for Class 10 and Class 12 for the 2025-26 academic year, with a late fee window that closes today. Schools that have missed the original deadline must act quickly to ensure their students can appear for the board exams. Below is everything you need to know — deadlines, fees, reforms, and do’s & don’ts.
Key Deadlines & Late Fee Window
Key Deadlines & Late Fee WindowThe original deadline for LOC submission without late fee was September 30, 2025 (all non-challan modes).
For payment by challan, the last date without late fee was September 22, 2025.
The LOC portal has reopened from October 3 to October 11, 2025 for submissions with late fee.
The late fee window for challenging payments (if applicable) is October 3 to October 8, 2025.
All portals / submission windows will close at 11:59 p.m. on their last dates.
So, today is the final day to submit LOCs under the late fee window (depending on mode) and avoid non-compliance.
Late Fee & Financial Details
Late Fee & Financial DetailsSchools must pay the normal examination fee, plus an additional late fee for submissions after the original cutoff.
The late fee for LOC submission is ₹2,000 per candidate, in addition to the normal exam fees.
For Class 12, there is also a practical exam fee (₹160 per practical subject) to be included in the LOC submission.
For additional subjects, separate fee amounts apply.
Reforms, New Rules & Key Changes for 2026
Reforms, New Rules & Key Changes for 2026This year marks the introduction of a two-board exam policy for Class 10 (in 2025-26). The LOC must reflect candidates for the first mandatory exam held in mid-February 2026.
Students must now have APAAR IDs (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) for inclusion in LOC (for Indian schools). Schools abroad may be exempt.
Once LOC is submitted, no changes to student name, subject combination, section strength, or other critical data will be permitted.
CBSE has introduced a data verification slip mechanism, which allows schools and students to review and confirm details before final closure.
Stricter validation is being enforced, especially for Children With Special Needs (CWSN), and data for them must be uploaded properly in the LOC to gain necessary relaxations.
What Schools Should Do Right Now
What Schools Should Do Right NowAccess CBSE’s LOC / Pariksha Sangam portal (or via the registration/LOC login link) and verify that the portal is still open.
Prepare accurate student data: names, DOBs, parent details, subject codes, APAAR IDs (if applicable), etc. Cross-check against Admission & Withdrawal registers.
Pay required fees including late fee (if submitting now) through the allowed mode.
Submit LOC before 11:59 p.m. — anything after that will not be accepted.
Retain proof / receipts of submission, payment, and verification slips for record.
Communicate with students / parents, especially to alert them if any data mismatch or missing APAAR ID needs resolution.
If schools fail to submit LOC, students will not be eligible to sit in the 2026 board exams.
Common Pitfalls & Warnings
Common Pitfalls & WarningsMissing APAAR ID linkage or mis-spellings in names can lead to rejection of submission or exam ineligibility.
Schools sometimes struggle with Aadhaar-name mismatches when generating APAAR IDs.
Trying to make corrections after LOC submission is not allowed under new rules.
Do not rely on attempts to reopen the portal after today’s deadline — the board has been firm about closing windows.
For CWSN candidates, ensure their special needs data is fully uploaded; late inclusion may not be entertained.
Final Word
Final WordToday is the absolute last day for schools to submit the CBSE 2026 LOC with late fee, via allowed modes, and ensure all students are eligible for the upcoming board exams. Do not delay — verify, pay, submit — everything before the clock strikes 11:59 p.m.
