NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released detailed instructions for schools regarding the submission of the List of Candidates (LOC) for the 2025-26 Class 10 (first examinations) and Class 12 main examinations.
For the first time, CBSE has introduced a two-board examination policy for Class 10 from 2025-26. The first examination for Class 10 is scheduled in mid-February 2026, and schools are need to submit the LOC within the stipulated date.
The board has stressed that LOC submission must include all students of Class 10.
The submission of the List of Candidates (LOC) is an important step in preparing for the 2025-26 board examinations. Schools need to upload accurate candidate details, as this data is directly used for generating admit cards, preparing examination records, and issuing certificates, said a notification issued by the CBSE.
To view the detailed notification, click here
The CSBE has cautioned that errors or delays in LOC submission can lead to serious consequences, including students being barred from appearing in the examination or results being withheld.
Instructions for schools
The schools must verify all candidate information such as student names, parental details, dates of birth, and subject combinations in line with the prescribed Scheme of Studies.
For 2025-26, APAAR IDs have been made mandatory for students in India, while schools outside India are exempted.
The CBSE highlighted the importance of correctly registering Children With Special Needs (CWSN) candidates.
Dedicated submission portals and earlier deadlines have been provided for this category, and no corrections will be permitted once data has been uploaded.
All submissions must be made online through CBSE’s digital portals, and the process involves multiple steps such as photograph upload, verification, fee payment, and final authorisation by school heads.
CBSE has stressed that submission timelines are binding and linked with fee schedules. The date on which the LOC data is finalised will decide whether the normal fee or late fee applies. No extensions will be granted beyond the prescribed deadlines.
CBSE LOC submission and fee schedule for 2025-26
| Activity | For India (Digital Payment) |
For India (Challan) |
For Nepal (Digital/Challan) | For Other Countries (Digital/Challan) |
| LOC & Fee (Normal) | 29.08.2025 (Fri) – 30.09.2025 (Tue) | 29.08.2025 (Fri) – 22.09.2025 (Mon) | Same as above | Same as above |
| LOC & Fee (With Late Fee) | 03.10.2025 (Fri) – 11.10.2025 (Sat) | 03.10.2025 (Fri) – 08.10.2025 (Wed) | Same as above | Same as above |
| Window for Digital Payment | Until date of finalisation of LOC | Until date of finalisation of LOC | Until date of finalisation of LOC | Until date of finalisation of LOC |
| Practical Fee (Class XII only) | ₹160/practical /subject |
₹160/practical /subject |
₹175/practical /subject |
₹375/practical /subject |
| Application for Migration Cert. | Online after result declaration | Online after result declaration | Online after result declaration | Online after result declaration |
| Fee Exemption (Visually Impaired) | Exempt for Class X and XII | Exempt for Class X and XII | Exempt for Class X and XII | Exempt for Class X |
The circular introduces new procedural rules for the academic session:
Two-board examination policy for class 10: Students must appear in the first board exam in February to be eligible for the second exam in May.
Mandatory APAAR ID: For Indian schools, APAAR IDs are compulsory in LOC submissions. Overseas schools remain exempt.
CWSN data submission: A dedicated portal is in place for students with special needs, and details must be submitted before the main LOC deadline.
Verification of records: All student details must be cross-checked with admission registers. After final submission, only limited corrections will be possible within a defined window using the Data Verification Slip.
Submission guidelines
- Schools must compile accurate LOC data by including transfers, repeaters, and fresh admissions with supporting documents.
- Candidate photographs must meet digital guidelines
- Fees must be paid before entries are finalised.
- Once the final list is prepared, both parents and students must verify and sign to confirm correctness.
- Migration certificates will be issued online after results, while hard copies will be provided only on request.
- Subject combinations and scheme of studies
- The CBSE asked schools that subject choices must conform strictly to the official scheme of studies.
- Invalid subject combinations will not be accepted, and the portal will flag errors requiring rectification before submission.
The CBSE does not recognise rigid “streams” such as science, commerce, or arts; instead, students can opt for subjects freely, provided the school has approval to offer them.
The CBSE has directed principals to personally monitor the process and conduct daily checks as deadlines approach.
Any omissions or errors will not be entertained once the submission window closes.