The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has emphasized a strict mandate that all Class 10 and 12 students must maintain a minimum of 75% attendance during the 2025–26 academic session to be eligible for the 2026 board examinations. The directive, issued through an official circular dated August 4, aims to address reports of non-compliance and highlights the board's dedication to academic discipline.

Mandatory attendance to curb dummy candidates

Referring to Rule 13 and 14 of the CBSE Examination Bye-Laws, the board has cautioned that students failing to meet the 75% threshold will not be allowed to sit for the board exams unless they qualify for specific exemptions. These exceptions include medical emergencies, bereavement, or participation in recognized national or international sporting events, provided adequate supporting documentation is provided.

CBSE has emphasized that any discrepancies in attendance records will not be tolerated and hinted at stringent actions against the misuse or manipulation of attendance data. The circular states, "Leave without a written request will be considered unauthorized absence from the school."

Stringent documentation and parental accountability

In a comprehensive operational directive, schools are required to inform both students and parents at the beginning of the session about attendance requirements and the serious implications of non-compliance. Schools must also officially notify parents, through registered post or email, if a student's attendance falls below the required levels.

Medical leave applications must be supported by certificates from government-recognized doctors, and in cases of other legitimate reasons, documentary evidence such as death certificates or official notifications are mandatory. All such documentation must be submitted promptly after the leave is taken.

"Attendance will be calculated as of January 1, and schools must submit condonation cases to the CBSE by January 7," the board specified. Any submissions after this deadline will be promptly rejected.

Schools under the scanner

To ensure compliance, CBSE has authorized surprise inspections in its affiliated schools. During these checks, if attendance records are found to be incomplete or tampered with, the board may take strict disciplinary actions, including potentially disaffiliating the school and disqualifying students from appearing in the board exams.

All attendance registers must be updated daily, signed by the class teacher and school head, and made available for inspection. Schools have been instructed to keep a record of all communications with parents and to use the standard proforma and SOPs provided by CBSE when reporting cases of attendance shortfall.

No room for manipulation

CBSE has made it explicitly clear that once cases of attendance shortage are submitted, no revisions will be entertained, even if schools later claim that students have met the required attendance. "Such communication will be seen as manipulation, and attendance status will not be altered," the circular cautioned.

The board concluded by emphasizing that regular attendance is not just a bureaucratic formality but a fundamental aspect of instilling discipline and accountability in students.

For compliance, schools are advised to:

• Disseminate attendance rules early in the academic session.

• Sensitize parents and students to the repercussions of non-compliance.

• Monitor attendance daily and maintain accurate records.

• Submit cases of attendance shortage strictly within the specified timeline.

CBS's message is clear: Academic integrity begins with the basics, and attendance is non-negotiable.

Candidates can Reference on the link provided here to download the official notice.

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