CBSE Hikes Board Exam Fees for Class 10 and 12 in 2026

Students in India now pay Rs 1,600 for the standard five-subject package, up from Rs 1,500

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has raised fees for class 10 and 12 board exams starting with the 2025-26 session, the first increase since 2020. The board green-lit the change in June, and it will hit students sitting for the February 2026 tests.

The extra payment will cover rising costs on paperwork, digital answer sheet grading, shipping materials to far-off centers, and upgrading online systems. The new fees structure will be applicable for the 2025-26 school year and will apply to everyone taking 2026 board exams.

Students in India now pay Rs 1,600 for the standard five-subject package, up from Rs 1,500. If they want to add more subjects, then they need to pay Rs 320 each, instead of Rs 300. Practical exam fees has jumped to Rs 160 per subject from Rs 150.

Theory papers rose Rs 20 each, while class 12 hands-on tests went up Rs 10.

For students studying abroad at CBSE-affiliated schools, the fee hike is steeper, Rs 11,000 for five subjects, up from Rs 10,000. Extra subjects cost Rs 2,200 a piece, versus Rs 2,000 before.

Their practicals now run Rs 375, up from Rs 350.The overall hike lands between 7 and 10 percent across the board. The CBSE notice doesn’t spell out payment methods or deadlines, so parents and schools should check cbse.gov.in for updates.