Updated on Jul 16, 2025
Amrita Das
CBSE Class 12 Eligibility 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts the Class 12 Board Exams every year. The CBSE 12th Exams 2026 is expected to be held from February 17 to April 04, 2026. To appear in the CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2026, both regular and private students must meet specific basic requirements to be eligible. The CBSE prescribes the eligibility criteria for Class 12 Boards. Students must have completed & passed their Class 11, meet the 75% attendance requirement, and be at least 17 years old. Read further to know more about the CBSE Class 12 Eligibility Criteria 2026 in detail.
CBSE Class 12 Eligibility 2026 for Regular Students
Regular students must be enrolled in a CBSE-affiliated school. They should have completed Class 11 from a recognized board and meet the attendance and registration criteria set by CBSE. There is no fixed age limit, but students are generally expected to be at least 17 years old. All requirements must be fulfilled before appearing in the Class 12 board exams. Refer to the following table for the CBSE Class 12 Eligibility Requirements for Regular Students.
Criteria | Requirement |
Academic Qualification | Passed Class 11 from CBSE/recognized board |
Enrollment | Currently studying in Class 12 from CBSE/recognized board |
Attendance | Minimum 75% attendance in Class 12 |
Age | No official age limit, but generally needs to be 17 years old |
Registration | Must be registered with CBSE for Class 11 and Class 12 |
Also Check CBSE Class 12 Registration 2026
CBSE Class 12 Eligibility 2026 for Private Students
Private candidates include those who failed Class 12, had a gap in education after Class 10, or were unable to attend regular school. Female candidates living in the NCT of Delhi and physically disabled candidates can also appear privately. They must provide proper documents to support their application. Check out the following table for CBSE Class 12 Eligibility Criteria for Private Students.
Category | Eligibility Requirement |
Failed Candidates | Those who failed Class 12 earlier |
Gap Year | Passed Class 10 at least two years earlier |
Teachers | Teachers in CBSE-affiliated schools with Class 10 qualification (2+ years prior) |
NCT Female Residents | Female candidates in NCT of Delhi who passed Class 10 two years prior |
Physically Handicapped | Candidates who passed Class 10 two years earlier and provide disability proof |
CBSE Class 12 Eligibility 2026 Attendance Requirement
CBSE requires that all regular students must have at least 75% attendance in Class 12 to be eligible for the board exams. However, CBSE may allow some students with lower attendance in special cases. Those students need to submit valid reasons which may include long-term illness, loss of a parent, or participation in national-level sports events. Students must submit supporting documents in accordance with their reasons to get this relaxation.
Check CBSE Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026
CBSE Class 12 Eligibility 2026 Other Important Points
Besides academic and attendance rules, there are other points students must remember. Registration and proper documentation are necessary to appear in the exams. Direct admission to Class 12 is usually not allowed. Some Other Important Points students should remember are as given below-
- Students must be registered for both Class 11 and Class 12.
- Schools must submit the List of Candidates (LOC) to CBSE within the given time frame to avoid late fees.
- Direct admission to Class 12 is not permitted.
- Students must score at least 33% marks in each subject to pass (theory and practical).
- Transfer students must submit a valid Transfer Certificate.
CBSE Class 12 Eligibility 2026 FAQs
What is the CBSE Class 12 eligibility 2026 for regular students?
CBSE Class 12 eligibility 2026 for regular students requires them to pass Class 11 from a CBSE or recognized board. They must be enrolled in Class 12 at a CBSE-affiliated school. Students also need to meet the 75% attendance rule.
Is there any age limit for CBSE Class 12 eligibility 2026?
CBSE has not set a strict age limit for Class 12 eligibility 2026. However, students are generally expected to be 17 years old. Schools may have different regional rules for age.
What is the CBSE Class 12 eligibility 2026 attendance requirement?
Students must have at least 75% attendance in Class 12. This rule is mandatory to be eligible for the CBSE 2026 board exams. Exceptions are allowed only for valid medical or personal reasons.
Who can apply as a private candidate under CBSE Class 12 eligibility 2026?
Private candidates include those who failed Class 12 or passed Class 10 two years earlier. Female students in NCT of Delhi and physically handicapped students can also apply. These candidates must provide valid supporting documents.
Can I directly take admission in Class 12 under CBSE eligibility 2026?
Direct admission to Class 12 is not allowed as per CBSE Class 12 eligibility 2026 rules. Students must first complete and pass Class 11. They should also be registered with a CBSE-affiliated school.
What are the documents required for CBSE Class 12 eligibility 2026?
Students need documents like Class 11 mark sheet, school registration proof, and attendance record. Private candidates may need disability certificates or residential proof. All documents must be valid and verified.
Can failed Class 12 students reappear in CBSE 2026 as per eligibility rules?
Yes, failed students can reappear as private candidates under CBSE Class 12 eligibility 2026. They must follow the latest syllabus and register on time. No school attendance is required for private candidates.
Are female students from Delhi eligible for CBSE Class 12 private exam 2026?
Yes, female candidates from the NCT of Delhi are eligible for CBSE Class 12 private exam 2026. They must have passed Class 10 at least two years before. They must submit proof of residence in Delhi.
What is the minimum passing criteria under CBSE Class 12 eligibility 2026?
Students must score at least 33% marks in each subject. This includes both theory and practical exams. Grade D is the minimum acceptable grade.
Does CBSE Class 12 eligibility 2026 allow exemption from attendance?
CBSE allows attendance exemption in CBSE Class 12 Eligibility only in special cases. Valid reasons include illness, family tragedy, or national-level sports participation. Proper medical or official documents must be submitted for approval.
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