Finance
For the 2025–2026 Class 10 (initial examinations) and Class 12 main examinations, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued comprehensive guidelines for schools on how to submit the List of Candidates (LOC).
The CBSE has implemented a two-board exam scheme for Class 10 from 2025–2026 for the first time. Midway through February 2026 is when the Class 10 first exam is planned, and schools must turn in the LOC by that date. The board has emphasized that all Class 10 pupils must be included in the LOC submission.
The CBSE notice states that one of the most crucial steps in getting ready for the 2025–2026 board exams is submitting the List of Candidates (LOC). Since this information is directly used to create admission cards, create exam records, and issue certificates, schools must input accurate candidate information.
The Board has issued a warning that mistakes or late submissions of LOCs might have major repercussions, such as students being disqualified from taking the test or having their results withheld.
What schools are required to do
According to CBSE, schools are required to thoroughly confirm that all applicant data, including student names, parent information, birth dates, and subject combinations, aligns with the recommended Scheme of Studies. While schools outside of India are exempt, pupils in India are required to have an APAAR ID for 2025–2026.
The significance of accurately registering Children With Special Needs (CWSN) applicants was again emphasized by the Board. For this category, special submission portals and earlier deadlines have been established, and once data has been posted, changes cannot be made.
The process entails several steps, including uploading a photo, verifying it, paying the money, and getting final approval from school administrators. All submissions must be submitted online via CBSE’s digital portals.
Important dates for submissions as stipulated by CBSE
CBSE has stressed that submission timelines are binding and linked with fee schedules. The date on which the LOC data is finalised will decide whether the normal fee or late fee applies. No extensions will be granted beyond the prescribed deadlines.
CBSE LOC submission and fee schedule for 2025-26
| Activity | For India (Digital Payment) | For India (Challan) | For Nepal (Digital/Challan) | For Other Countries (Digital/Challan) |
| LOC & Fee (Normal) | 29.08.2025 (Fri) – 30.09.2025 (Tue) | 29.08.2025 (Fri) – 22.09.2025 (Mon) | Same as above | Same as above |
| LOC & Fee (With Late Fee) | 03.10.2025 (Fri) – 11.10.2025 (Sat) | 03.10.2025 (Fri) – 08.10.2025 (Wed) | Same as above | Same as above |
| Window for Digital Payment | Until date of finalisation of LOC | Until date of finalisation of LOC | Until date of finalisation of LOC | Until date of finalisation of LOC |
| Practical Fee (Class XII only) | ₹160/practical/subject | ₹160/practical/subject | ₹175/practical/subject | ₹375/practical/subject |
| Application for Migration Cert. | Online after result declaration | Online after result declaration | Online after result declaration | Online after result declaration |
| Fee Exemption (Visually Impaired) | Exempt for Class X and XII | Exempt for Class X and XII | Exempt for Class X and XII | Exempt for Class X and XII |
CBSE Board Exams: New policies for 2025-26
The circular also introduces new procedural rules for the academic session:
–Two-board examination policy for class 10: Students must appear in the first board exam in February to be eligible for the second exam in May.
–Mandatory APAAR ID: For Indian schools, APAAR IDs are compulsory in LOC submissions. Overseas schools remain exempt.
–CWSN data submission: A dedicated portal is in place for students with special needs, and details must be submitted before the main LOC deadline.
–Verification of records: All student details must be cross-checked with admission registers. After final submission, only limited corrections will be possible within a defined window using the Data Verification Slip.
Submission guidelines according to CBSE
According to CBSE, schools must include repeaters, transfers, and new admissions along with the necessary paperwork in order to generate correct LOC data. Before entries are finalized, monies must be paid and candidate photos must adhere to digital rules.
Parents and children are required by CBSE to validate the accuracy of the final list by signing it after it has been compiled.
The Board further stated that hard copies will only be supplied upon request, and that migration certificates will be distributed online following results.
Subject combinations and scheme of studies
CBSE reminded schools that subject choices must conform strictly to the official scheme of studies. Combinations of invalid subjects will not be allowed, and the site will highlight any mistakes that need to be fixed before submission. The Board also made it clear that it does not recognize certain “streams” like science, business, or the arts; rather, pupils are allowed to choose any subject as long as the school is authorized to provide it.
As deadlines draw near, CBSE has instructed principals to personally oversee the procedure and carry out daily inspections. After the submission period ends, any mistakes or omissions won’t be accepted.
Source: IE
