The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced special provisions for Class 10 and Class 12 students who participate in National or International sports events and International Olympiads. The move aims to balance academics with excellence in sports and competitive knowledge. Since 2018, CBSE has been offering special exams for Class 12 sports participants, and since 2020, for International Olympiad students. Under the new rules, the facility will continue for Class 12, while Class 10 will be covered under the two-board exam system starting in 2026.
Special Exams for Class 12 Students
- Introduced in 2018 for sports events recognized by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the BCCI.
- Extended in 2020 to students participating in Olympiads approved by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE).
- Exams are held after the main exam cycle to ensure that students do not miss out on studies while competing.
New Rules for Class 10 Students from 2026
With the introduction of the two-board examination policy in Class 10 (to be held in February and May 2026), CBSE has made specific changes for sports and Olympiad students.
Key Guidelines Issued by CBSE
- Students must be included in the List of Candidates (LOC) for the main examination.
- Approval from CBSE is necessary to avoid the first exam session.
- No additional exam will be arranged beyond the two fixed board sessions.
- Students in the compartment category after May will need to reattempt the exam the following year.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
CBSE has also outlined the procedure for availing these special provisions:
- Schools must apply on behalf of students with valid certificates from SAI, BCCI, or HBCSE.
- Applications must be submitted by December 15 every year.
- CBSE Regional Offices will issue approvals by December 30.
The special exams will be held within 15 days of the last main exam.
