CBSE Makes 75% Attendance Mandatory For Students To Write 10th, 12th Board Exams

HYDERABAD: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued strict guidelines related to the attendance requirement as part of the eligibility criteria for the CBSE 10th and 12th examinations in 2025.

The students must maintain a minimum of 75% attendance to be eligible to appear for the board examinations in February 2025, says a notice issued by the CBSE.

“It is well understood that schools are not just centers for academic learning but play a critical role in the overall development of students. Along with imparting subject knowledge, schools facilitate extracurricular activities, peer learning, character building, values inculcation, teamwork, collaboration, respecting diversity, inclusion, and many more. Therefore, the regular attendance of students in the school is vital to ensuring their holistic development,” said the notice.

However, the CBSE will allow students a 25% relaxation under specific circumstances including medical emergencies, and participation in national-level sports events, but with proper documentation.

“The Board offers a 25% relaxation only in cases of exigencies such as medical emergencies, participation in national or international sports events, and other serious reasons, provided the necessary documentation is submitted,” informed the notice.

To view the detailed notice, click here.

Major takeaway from the instructions to schools

• Students and parents must be informed about the mandatory 75% attendance requirement and the consequences of not meeting it.
• Students on leave due to a medical emergency need to apply for the leave to the school with proper medical prescriptions and certificates, etc. immediately after falling ill. Leave without a written request will be considered unauthorised absence.
• In case of medical emergencies, students must submit a leave application along with valid medical documentation immediately after availing of the leave.
• For other reasons, students must inform the school of their absence with a valid reason and only in writing.
• During a sudden inspection of schools by the CBSE if a student is absent without proper leave records, it will be presumed that they are not attending the schools regularly and the CBSE will not allow them to appear in the Board exams.
• Schools must monitor and maintain accurate attendance records regularly. Attendance registers should be updated daily, signed by the class teacher and the competent authority of the school and be readily available for inspection by the CBSE.
• In case a student frequently misses school or fails to meet the attendance requirement, the school should notify the parents in writing, informing them that failure to comply may result in the student being disqualified from appearing in the board exams.
• The CBSE may conduct surprise inspections to verify student attendance records. During such inspections, if it is found that the records are incomplete or if it is manifest that students have not been attending regularly, the school may face strict action, including disaffiliation. The students may be disqualified from appearing in the board exams.
• No changes to the attendance records will be permitted once the school has submitted the shortage of attendance cases to the CBSE.