CBSE Class 10 Second Exam: LOC dates, fees, eligibility

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a notification regarding the Class 10 Second Board Examination 2026, detailing how and when schools need to submit the List of Candidates (LOC) and how private students can apply. CBSE Class 10 Results 2026 (OUT) LIVE

As per the notice, CBSE has set April 16 to April 20, 2026, as the main period for schools to submit the LOC and pay the exam fees. For those who miss this deadline, a late submission window has been provided from April 21 to April 22, 2026. However, this will come with an additional late fee.

The board has also given a chance to students whose names were not included earlier. They can now be added during this phase, while those already registered earlier just need to ensure their fees are paid.

The official notice reads, "If a candidate's name is submitted in the LOC and fee paid, but the candidate does not appear in the Second Examination, their performance in the Main Examination 2026 will be treated as final."

Also read CBSE Class 10 Two-Exam System 2026: Who is eligible for 10th second attempt?

CBSE Class 10 second board exam 2026: Eligibility

Students from the 2024–25 batch who were placed in the compartment category will get another chance to clear their subjects. Even those who were eligible but could not appear in the main exam can apply under this category.

Students from the sports category who have been approved by the Board can also have their names included during this period.

CBSE has also allowed students to improve their performance in up to three subjects. These include major subjects like Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages. However, students placed in the Essential Repeat (ER) category will not be allowed to appear for this second exam.

Also read CBSE 10th Results 2026 Out: How to calculate percentage of marks in CBSE, Class 10 percentage from CGPA

There is also some flexibility in Mathematics. Students who chose Mathematics (standard) earlier can switch to Mathematics (basic) in the second attempt, and vice versa. However, no other subject changes are allowed.

CBSE Class 10 second board exam 2026: Fee structure

The exam fee depends on where the student is applying from. In India, students will need to pay Rs 320 per subject, which adds up to Rs 960 if they are appearing for three subjects. For candidates in Nepal, the fee is Rs 1100 per subject (Rs 3300 for three), while those from other countries will have to pay Rs 2200 per subject, making it Rs 6600 for three subjects.

If the payment is made after the deadline, a late fee of Rs 2000 per student will be charged on top of the regular amount. CBSE has also clarified that all payments must be made online and completed by the time the LOC data is finalised, although payments can be made on any banking day until the last date.

CBSE Class 10 exam reforms 2026: What does the two-board system mean for students?

The second board exam is part of CBSE’s larger reform plan linked to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The idea is to reduce pressure by giving students more than one chance to perform well in the same year.

The exam will follow the same syllabus as the main board exam, so students won’t have to prepare anything new. This makes it easier for them to focus on improving their weak areas.