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Key Dates Without Late Fee:
LOC Submission (online, non-challan): 29 August – 30 September 2025
Private Candidate Exam Form Submission: 9 September – 30 September 2025
CWSN Web Module Activation: 9 September – 22 September 2025
Late Fee Window:
LOC Submission (with late fee): 3–11 October 2025
Private Candidate Form Submission (with late fee): 3–11 October 2025
CWSN Web Module (with late fee): 3–8 October 2025
This schedule provides ample time for registrants to complete tasks with or without penalties.
Who Can Apply as Private Candidates?
Eligible applicants include those who:
Fall into the “Essential Repeat” or “Compartment” category from previous years (2020–25)
Did not pass earlier board exams or wish to improve performance
Want to retake certain subjects after passing in 2024–25
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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply
Visit the official CBSE portal: cbse.gov.in
Look for links named “Examination Forms by Private Candidates Class X/XII 2026”
Complete the form by entering personal details, selecting subjects, and uploading required documents
Pay the application fee online:
Standard fee: ₹320
Late fee (if applied after 30 Sept): Additional ₹2,000
Submit the form and download the confirmation page
LOC Submission Guidelines for Schools
Schools issuing LOCs must:
Submit for Class 10 & 12 by 30 September 2025 without fee
Use the challan route for fee payments — deadline is 22 September (no late fee allowed)
Special Provisions: CWSN (Children with Special Needs)
CBSE has activated a web module for CWSN students:
Without late fee: 9–22 September 2025
With late fee: 3–8 October 2025
This ensures students requiring exam accommodations can request them timely.
Important Institutional Updates
CBSE has adopted data verification slips for LOC submissions, allowing schools to correct candidate names, birthdates, or subject codes between 13–27 October 2025. After this window, no corrections will be accepted
The APAAR ID is now mandatory for National-level tracking. LOC submissions will not be accepted without it
Attendance Criteria to Be Eligible
As part of stricter eligibility enforcement, CBSE mandates a minimum 75% attendance during the academic year 2025–26 for both Class 10 and 12 students to qualify for the exam
Exam Timing: Theory & Practical Dates
The main board exams are scheduled to begin on 17 February 2026 for both class 10 and 12, continuing through March/April. Detailed timetables will be issued in November 2025
Practical exams:
For winter-bound schools: November–December 2025
For others: January 2026
Practical exams for private candidates will take place in February–March 2026
Summary Table: CBSE Exam 2026 Schedule for Private Candidates
| Activity | Dates (No Late Fee) | Late Fee Window |
|---|---|---|
| LOC Submission (non-challan) | 29 Aug – 30 Sept 2025 | 3–11 Oct 2025 |
| LOC (challan route) | 29 Aug – 22 Sept 2025 | N/A |
| Private Candidate Form Submit | 9 Sept – 30 Sept 2025 | 3–11 Oct 2025 |
| CWSN Web Module | 9 Sept – 22 Sept 2025 | 3–8 Oct 2025 |
| Data Correction Window | N/A (verification slips) | 13–27 Oct 2025 |
| Board Exams (Theory) | From 17 Feb 2026 | — |
| Practical Exams | Nov ’25 – Mar ’26 (varies) | — |
| Attendance Requirement | 75% attendance mandatory | — |
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Final Thoughts
The CBSE’s 2025–26 schedule for private candidates in Class 10 and 12 exams is well-structured and transparent. Starting from 9 September, candidates can apply for a variety of categories—repeat, compartment, or improvement. Schools must handle LOC submissions carefully, ensuring APAAR linkage, and use the data correction window for accuracy after initial submission. Attendance rules are stricter this year, reinforcing academic discipline.
