CBSE Guidelines

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced special examination provisions for Class 10 and 12 students who represent India in national or international sports competitions or participate in international Olympiads. This initiative ensures that students do not have to compromise between academic exams and prestigious global events. According to a circular released on September 15, the Board has outlined detailed rules, conditions, and deadlines for schools, students, and parents. CBSE has been working in line with the government’s focus on promoting sports and co-curricular excellence. After introducing this special exam facility for sports students in 2018 and extending it to Olympiad participants in 2020, the Board is now offering structured flexibility under the 2026 exam schedule. CBSE highlighted that such measures not only support students’ ambitions but also nurture qualities like fitness, discipline, teamwork, and dedication. Class 10 Provisions From 2026, Class 10 will follow a two-cycle exam pattern—the first in February and the second in May. Students engaged in recognised sports or Olympiads will only be allowed to appear in the second cycle (May 2026). No separate exams will be held after the February cycle. Candidates must still be included in the List of Candidates (LOC) for the main exams. For compartment exams, schedules in February/March 2026 will apply. Class 12 Provisions For Class 12, the existing policy remains unchanged. If a Board exam clashes with an eligible sports or Olympiad event, CBSE will reconduct the exam after the main cycle ends. Eligibility and Restrictions Only events approved by SAI (Sports Authority of India), BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), and HBCSE (Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education) are recognised. Exemptions will not apply to training or selection camps, internal tests, or project submissions. Attendance relaxation will remain within the existing Board limits. All applications must be supported by an official certificate of participation from the concerned nodal authority. CBSE also clarified that: Special exams will not be available for supplementary papers. No provision will be made for practicals or project work, as these can be rescheduled internally by schools. Schools must avoid false claims, as they will result in cancellation of the application.  SOPs and Timeline As per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), students must submit applications via their schools along with a certificate of participation and school recommendations. Schools need to forward the documents to the CBSE Regional Office by December 15. Approvals will be communicated by December 30, and rescheduled exams will be conducted within 15 days of the main Board exams. Guidelines for Schools CBSE has directed schools to: Inform students and parents clearly about these provisions. Submit internal assessment marks within the given timelines. Ensure fair evaluation of sports and Olympiad participants. Process LOC submissions and certification accurately.  The Board emphasized that school heads and authorised organisations must issue certificates only for students who genuinely qualify under these provisions. Source: Indian Express