If you are a student of Class 10th or 12th and preparing to take the 2026 CBSE board exams, then you just can’t overlook a rule now, which is CBSE 75% attendance rule. No matter how many times you’ve seen it ignored, but now it’s not just a number, it’s become your eligibility. Actually, CBSE board has made the attendance system more than ever for the academic year 2025-2026. Now, schools, parents and students are required to understand what’s eligible and what’s not and how to ensure compliance with the rule.
In different ways, attendance serves as a silent base for academic success. Sometimes, even the best study material couldn’t replace the advantages of being present in the class, listening to teachers and interacting with them, asking doubts in real time and getting solutions right away, and staying engaged in the learning procedure. This policy is CBSE’s way of making certain that students are active participants in their education.
What is the CBSE Attendance Policy for 2025-26?
CBSE’s attendance policy stems from Examination By-Laws Rules 13 and 14. Starting with a letter sent on October 9, 2024, and recently reinforced in a circular dated August 4, 2025, the Board reiterated that students must have at least 75% attendance to be eligible for the board exams 2026.
The aim is clear: ensure that students attend school regularly to benefit from learning, and to reduce the misuse of “dummy” candidates who are enrolled but not actually attending classes.
Why Is the 75% Attendance Rule so Important?
Here’s why CBSE is strict about attendance:
- Academic involvement matters: Being in class boosts your learning, performance in practicals, and overall development.
- Stop dummy candidates: This rule helps ensure that only genuinely engaged students appear for exams.
- Enforce discipline: Students and schools are held accountable when there is a clear attendance threshold.
- Improved exam preparation: Regular attendees are better able to keep up with the syllabus and revision schedules.
- Benefits on a social and emotional level: Attendance fosters relationships with peers, teamwork abilities, and a sense of routine, all of which contribute to academic confidence.
Timeline & Required Actions
| Step | Date or Period | Description |
| Attendance counted until | January 1, 2026 | Only days attended up to this date are considered |
| Schools submit condonation cases | By January 7 | Compile and send cases with documents |
| Regional Office (RO) reviews and responds | By January 21 | Communicate any deficiencies |
| Schools reply to RO | By January 28 | Submit missing documents or clarifications |
| Final CBSE decision | By February 7 | No appeals or changes accepted afterward |
This timeline is rigorous, and CBSE has made it clear that no cases, even those with valid justifications but submitted after the deadline, will be considered.
What Counts as Acceptable Exceptions?
CBSE does allow up to 25% relaxation for valid, unavoidable reasons—but only with proper documentation:
- Medical emergencies: Must be supported by a certificate from a government doctor, detailed reports, and a school recommendation.
- Bereavement or serious family crisis: Requires a death certificate or government-level documentation and school recommendation.
- Participation in national or international level sports events: Needs certification from relevant authorities (like SAI, CBSE, SGFI) plus a school recommendation.
Other cases such as representing the country in cultural exchanges, NCC camps, or representing India abroad may also be considered, but they still require strong documentation and timely application. Without these, absences remain unauthorized and may lead to disqualification.
How Is Attendance Calculated?
It’s calculated simply:
Attendance % = (Days attended ÷ Total working days until January 1) × 100
For example:
If there are 200 school days until January 1 and you attend 150, your percentage is 75. If you attend fewer, you’ll need valid excuses and proper documentation to request condonation.
A common mistake students make is thinking that attendance after January 1 can “make up” for earlier absences, it cannot. CBSE fixes January 1 as the cut-off to ensure there’s enough time to process exemption cases before exams.
How Schools and Parents Must Contribute
Here are a few actions that schools must take such as:
- Educate and Inform early: During orientation sessions, printed circulars, and the school website at the beginning of the year, clearly explain the CBSE 75% attendance rule.
- Keep correct records: To prevent disputes later, track attendance every day using both digital and manual registers.
- Early detection of problems: When a student’s attendance drops below 80%, send warning letters, SMS alerts, or requests for parent-teacher conferences. This allows them to make amends before it’s too late.
- Get ready for audits: All attendance records, leave requests, and supporting documentation need to be arranged because CBSE does surprise inspections.
- Assist with condonation cases: Schools are essential in confirming paperwork and advising CBSE. A student’s chances can be harmed by a poor or delayed recommendation.
Students and parents ought to:
- Keep yourself informed: Rather than waiting for the school’s monthly report, check attendance on a regular basis.
- Appreciate every school day: Do it by avoiding needless time off for social gatherings, vacations, or minor illnesses.
- Be open with your communication: If a prolonged absence is inevitable, notify the school right away and start gathering documentation as soon as possible.
- Send in documents as soon as possible: It is dangerous to wait until January to apply for condonation; submitting your application early guarantees that you will have time to make any necessary corrections.
- Promote a healthy routine: Students who manage their time well, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep are more likely to attend classes regularly without experiencing burnout.
This collaboration between schools and families is the real key to compliance. Although the CBSE has established the regulations, whether or not attendance targets are fulfilled depends on the daily activities of educators, learners, and parents.
Final Thoughts
The 2025–2026 CBSE attendance policy is clear-cut, equitable, and essential. It guarantees that students are not only present on test day but also actively participate in the learning environment. Although CBSE is flexible in real-world situations, proactive communication, prompt documentation, and rigorous deadline observance are prioritised.
Treating each school day as non-negotiable is the easiest way for students to avoid worrying about this rule. As a parent, keep an eye on attendance just as you would academic achievement. And if you’re a school, build systems that make compliance natural rather than rushed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the 75% attendance rule in CBSE?
According to Rules 13 and 14, the CBSE has set a minimum attendance requirement for students in Classes 10 and 12 who wish to sit for board exams. By January 1st of the exam year, you must have a minimum attendance rate of 75%.
2. Are there exceptions to CBSE 75% attendance rule?
Yes, with proper documentation and a recommendation from the school, CBSE allows a relaxation of up to 25% in cases of medical emergencies, bereavement, or authorised sports participation.
3. Will low attendance affect board exam eligibility?
Yes, without valid exemption, falling below the 75% threshold may result in disqualification from board exams.
4. How is CBSE attendance percentage calculated?
It is calculated by dividing attended days by total working days up to January 1 and multiplying by 100.
5. Can medical reasons be considered in CBSE attendance?
Yes. If the absence is due to medical reasons and supported by a government doctor’s certificate, reports, and submitted on time, it may be condoned.
