Updated on Jul 12, 2025
Amrita Das
CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026 Eligibility Criteria: For CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2026, students must have studied Class 10 from a CBSE-affiliated school/ institution. Additionally, they must’ve passed Class 9 and have a minimum of 75% attendance in Class 10. There is no age limit for appearing in the CBSE Class 10 exam. However, students must meet the age criteria set by a specific state or UT at the time of admission. It is also important for candidates to pay the examination fee before the deadline. Failure to do so, will result in rejection of the candidates’ application form immediately. CBSE Class 10th Board Exam 2026 is going to be held twice a year from 2026 onwards. CBSE Class 10th 1st phase exam is scheduled for Feb 17, & 2nd phase exam from May 5, 2026 onwards. Read further to know more about the CBSE Eligibility Criteria for Class 10 Board Exams 2026.
CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Students appearing for the CBSE Class 10 Exam 2026 must meet a few basic eligibility requirements. These rules apply to regular as well as private candidates. The Central Board of Secondary Education allows both Indian and foreign nationals to appear for the exam. Students must be enrolled in a CBSE-affiliated school and should have passed Class 9. There is no official minimum mark requirement. Check out the following table for the basic eligibility criteria of CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026. Also Check CBSE Class 10th Board Exam 2026 Registration
Candidates planning to appear for the CBSE 10th Board Exam 2026 must meet the required eligibility criteria. These include age, nationality, qualification, and supporting documents. CBSE also provides provisions for students with disabilities. Check out the table below for detailed eligibility requirements of CBSE Class 10 Exams 2026.
Criteria | Explanation |
Age Limit | No official age limit, but most students are between 14 to 16 years old. |
Nationality | Indian nationals, NRIs, and foreign nationals studying in CBSE schools are allowed. |
Educational Qualification | Must be in Class 10 and should have passed Class 9 from a recognised board. |
Minimum Marks | No specific marks required, but internal school assessments must be completed. |
Documents Required | Birth certificate, previous class mark sheets, school ID, admission proof, etc. |
International Candidates | Must provide valid passport or residence proof along with school enrolment. |
CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026 Age Limit
There is no fixed minimum or maximum age limit set by CBSE for the Class 10 board exam. However, most regular school students appear for the CBSE 10th Board Exam 2026 between the ages of 14 and 16. Private or open-school candidates must confirm the age guidelines with their regional CBSE offices, as age requirements may vary. Moreover, birth certificates or government IDs of students are used for age proof.
CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026 Nationality Criteria
All Indian students studying in CBSE-affiliated schools are eligible for the CBSE Class 10 Exam 2026. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and foreign students enrolled in these schools are also eligible. International students must provide valid identification documents such as a passport and proof of enrolment in a CBSE-affiliated school.
Also Read: CBSE Syllabus 2025-26 Released, Check Major Changes in Class 10 & 12 Curriculum
CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026 Application Limitation
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the CBSE 10th Board Exam 2026. Students who fail can appear in the next session as private candidates. However, private and open-school students must check additional eligibility rules with the CBSE regional office. A common misconception is that private students have unlimited attempts without conditions, but they also need to meet attendance and eligibility rules.
CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026 Special Reservation Criteria
CBSE offers certain relaxations to students under reserved categories for the Class 10 Board Exam 2026. These benefits include extra time in exams, use of scribes, and relaxations in attendance. These provisions aim to support equal opportunities for all students. Check out the table below for CBSE Class 10 Special Reservation Criteria 2026.
Category | Reservation Benefits |
SC/ST | Relaxation in minimum attendance |
OBC-NCL | No special relaxation; same rules as General category |
PwD (Persons with Disabilities) | Extra time, permission for scribe use |
Differently-Abled (Dyslexia, Autism, etc.) | Modified question papers, extended time, and other special support |
CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026 Eligibility Criteria FAQs
What is the general eligibility for regular students appearing for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026?
Regular students who have successfully completed Class 9 and are studying in a CBSE-affiliated school in Class 10 are generally eligible for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026. They must also meet the attendance requirements set by CBSE.
Is there an age limit to appear for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026?
While there is no specific upper age limit set by CBSE for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026, students must generally meet the minimum and maximum age criteria for admission to Class 10 as specified by their respective State/UT Government. The minimum age to appear for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026 is typically 14 years as of December 31st of the examination year.
What is the minimum attendance required for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026?
A minimum of 75% attendance in regular classes is mandatory for students to be eligible to appear for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026. This attendance is calculated as of January 1st of the academic session.
Can students with a shortage of attendance still appear for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026?
In cases of genuine reasons like medical emergencies or participation in national/international sports, CBSE may grant a relaxation of up to 25% in attendance for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026. Proper documentation and school recommendation are required.
What are the eligibility criteria for private candidates for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026?
Private candidates for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026 can include students declared Essential Repeat, those with compartment in previous exams, or those who wish to improve their performance. Specific conditions and documentation apply for private candidates.
Can students who failed Class 9 appear for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026 as private candidates?
Students who failed Class 9 from a recognized school may be eligible to appear for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026 as private candidates. They often need to provide their original school leaving certificate and meet age criteria.
Are there specific rules for direct admission to Class 10 for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026?
Direct admission to Class 10 for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026 is typically granted in specific cases, such as transfer of parents or students under the Essential Repeat category. Prior approval from the concerned CBSE Regional Office is usually required.
How does the new twice-a-year exam policy affect eligibility for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026?
From 2026, students can appear for the CBSE 10th Board Exams twice a year. All students must appear in the first examination, and eligibility for the second attempt is for improvement in up to three subjects or compartment cases.
If a student misses the first attempt of the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026, can they appear for the second?
Students who miss three or more subjects in the first exam of the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026 will be categorized as "Essential Repeat" and will not be allowed to appear in the second exam. They will need to reappear in the next academic session.
What documents are typically required to prove eligibility for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026?
Required documents for the CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026 typically include the school leaving/transfer certificate, mark sheets of previous qualifying exams, and a birth certificate. Private candidates may have additional document requirements.
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