CBSE Warns: Students Without Valid Leave May Face Ban from Board Exams
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that starting from the 2026 board exams, students with poor attendance could be barred from appearing in Class 10 and 12 examinations.
As per a recent CBSE circular, surprise inspections will be carried out in schools to monitor regular class attendance. If a student is found absent without an approved leave application or valid supporting documents, they may be classified as a “dummy” or non-attending student. Such students risk being disqualified from the board exams and may be directed to continue their studies through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
Attendance Requirement
CBSE rules make it mandatory for students to have at least 75% attendance in classes to be eligible for board examinations. Exemptions are allowed only in specific cases such as:
- Medical emergencies, supported by authentic medical documents.
- Participation in national or international events approved by the Board.
Even in these cases, attendance relaxation cannot exceed 25%, meaning a student must still have at least 50% attendance to qualify for exams.
Leave Application Rules
The Board has made it clear that:
- Leave must be applied for in writing before the absence, except in emergencies.
- Medical leave requires immediate submission of medical proof upon returning.
- Non-medical leave also needs a written explanation, signed by parents or guardians.
Action Against Schools
If during inspections CBSE finds multiple students absent without proper leave records, the school’s attendance practices will come under scrutiny. Schools found violating attendance rules may face disciplinary action, including disaffiliation from the CBSE.
Parental Communication
Schools have been instructed to maintain proper attendance registers, signed daily by class teachers and countersigned by the principal or head of the institution. They must also inform parents in writing if a student’s attendance is falling short of the requirement.
Purpose of the Move
CBSE’s crackdown aims to curb the growing issue of “dummy schools” — institutions that enroll students only on paper, allowing them to skip classes and focus solely on competitive exam coaching. The Board hopes the new measures will encourage regular classroom learning and maintain the academic discipline needed for holistic development.
