CBSE Class 10 Second Board Exams 2026: LOC schedule out; fees, guidelines for improvement exam

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the date for schools to submit the list of candidates (LOC) and fresh guidelines for the Class 10 second board examinations in 2026 .

With the new system in place, students now have an additional chance to improve their scores. Those who wish to do better can appear for a second board exam in up to three subjects, scheduled to be conducted in May 2026. The initiative is designed to ease pressure and give students more flexibility in their academic journey.

CBSE has asked affiliated schools to strictly follow the instructions while submitting the LOC to avoid any last-minute issues. Timely submission will be key to ensuring that the examination process runs smoothly.

The update comes as part of the board’s continued rollout of reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

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CBSE LOC submission schedule

As per the board, the LOC submission process will be carried out in multiple phases. The first phase is set to run from March 18 to March 31, 2026. After the results are declared, a second window will open for five days, allowing students to opt for improvement exams.

There will also be a short third window, open for two days with a late fee, starting from the seventh day after the results are announced. Schools must complete all submissions and fee payments within the given deadlines, which will close at midnight on the final day of each phase.

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CBSE has set the Class 10 second board exam 2026 fee at Rs 320 per subject for Indian students (Rs 960 for three subjects), Rs 1,100 per subject for candidates from Nepal, and Rs 2,200 per subject for those from other countries. A late fee of Rs 2,000 will be applied if deadlines are missed, and all payments must be made online before the final date.

CBSE guidelines for schools and students

CBSE has highlighted the role of school principals in guiding both students and parents about this new opportunity. Schools are expected to clearly explain who should opt for the second exam and ensure that students make informed decisions.

The board has also pointed out that exam centres may be limited, and students might have to travel to nearby locations. Schools have been advised to communicate all details in advance so that students can plan accordingly.