CBSE Issues Fresh Guidelines for LOC Submission for 2025-26 Board Exams

The CBSE has introduced strict LOC guidelines for Class X & Class XII board exams 2025-26—fee rules, CWSN portal, data verification, APAR IDs and teacher compliance, Check Details below...

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released fresh guidelines for its affiliated schools regarding the List of Candidates (LOC) submission for the 2025-26 Class X and XII Board Exams.

The CBSE circular stresses strict accuracy in student and subject data, adherence to deadlines, and the use of the newly introduced APAAR ID for students.

Accuracy of Data Non-Negotiable

CBSE in its letter has directed schools to be extremely cautious while filling the LOC. Once submitted, no changes in names, subjects, or section strength will be allowed. Schools must ensure that the number of students matches the availability of teachers in each subject, and teachers must also be relieved for evaluation duties in proportion to the number of candidates sponsored. Non-compliance could lead to strict action, including non-declaration of results.

APAAR ID Made Mandatory

As per the notice, a major change this year is the introduction of the APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID. All students in India must have a valid APAAR ID, which will be verified by CBSE before LOC finalisation. CBSE Schools situated abroad are exempted from APAAR due to administrative reasons, but for Indian schools, the ID is compulsory for both Class X and XII candidates.

Special Portal for CWSN Students

For the first time, CBSE has announced a separate portal for Children With Special Needs (CWSN). Schools must complete the submission of CWSN details before the general LOC deadline, as no additions will be allowed later.

Fee Structure and Exemptions

The Board has also clarified the exam fees for CBSE board exams 2025-26:

India: ₹1,600 per candidate for 5 subjects (₹320 per additional subject)

Nepal: ₹5,500 per candidate (₹1,100 per additional subject)

Other countries: ₹11,000 per candidate (₹2,200 per additional subject)

A late fee of ₹2,000 per candidate will apply after the deadline. Visually impaired students are exempted from paying exam fees for both Class X and XII.

Data Verification and Subject Restrictions

CBSE in its notice has further underlined that all subject choices must strictly follow the official Scheme of Studies. Any non-compliant combination will render a student ineligible for the 2026 board examinations.

It states that schools will receive a Data Verification Slip for each student once LOC is submitted, covering details like name, date of birth, parents’ names, and subjects. Corrections will only be allowed between October 13 and October 27, 2025. Beyond this, no changes will be permitted.

The Board has instructed school heads to hold meetings with teachers, students, and parents, explaining the significance of accurate data entry. CBSE reminded schools that mistakes in the LOC or failure to comply with APAAR requirements could directly impact student eligibility for the 2025-26 CBSE board exams.