The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) quietly maintains several rules that students often overlook but which can have a significant impact on exam outcomes. Many of these provisions are designed to protect marks, reduce last-minute stress, and even prevent students from losing an academic year. Students entering the Class 10 and 12 board exams 2025 should familiarise themselves with these rules to avoid setbacks and make the most of the opportunities offered by the board.
Photocopy Rights and Re-evaluation Guidelines
One key provision is the right to request a photocopy of the evaluated answer sheet. This allows students to see where marks were gained or lost before applying for re-evaluation. With the grace marks system removed, CBSE now only applies limited moderation to correct uneven difficulty, meaning failures cannot be converted into passes. However, the ability to review answer sheets provides a transparent way for students to understand their performance.
Compartment and Improvement Exams
Failing a single subject does not automatically mean repeating the year. Students who have passed additional subjects may appear for a compartment or improvement exam in only the failed subject.
- Improvement exams are allowed once per immediate next exam cycle.
- Compartment exams are restricted to one subject at a time, and multiple subjects cannot be clubbed together.
This rule gives students a second chance without jeopardising their academic year.
Exam-Day Flexibility and Stationery Rules
CBSE also allows some flexibility on exam day. Students arriving within 30 minutes of the start time may still be allowed to take the exam at the discretion of the Centre Superintendent.
Stationery guidelines are strict:
- Only blue ballpoint pens are permitted; gel pens are banned.
- Diagrams in Science and Math must be drawn free-hand; only straight lines may be made with a scale.
- Transparent clipboards are allowed, provided nothing is attached.
Additionally, students facing health issues such as fever, injury, anxiety, or menstrual pain can request separate seating with a medical note.
Other Key Rules
- Gap years do not affect the validity of Class 10 or 12 certificates.
- Schools charging unlawful fees can be reported, and CBSE may take strict action.
Financial literacy is now part of CBSE’s life-skills curriculum, covering budgeting, savings, and UPI safety.
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