CBSE announces new rules for LOC submission for Class 10 and 12 board exams 2026

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a set of major reforms in the submission of the List of Candidates (LOC) for the Class 10 and 12 board examinations in 2026. The changes aim to make the process more accurate, transparent, and student-friendly, while also placing greater responsibility on schools.

One of the biggest shifts is the introduction of a two-board examination policy for Class 10. The main exams will be held in mid-February, and schools must submit LOC data for all students appearing in them. A second board examination will follow, for which LOC details will be collected after the first exam concludes. The move is meant to give students another chance to validate their performance while ensuring schools comply strictly with CBSE rules.

Another key reform is the mandatory integration of APAAR IDs (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) for Class 10 and 12 candidates in India. LOC data will only be accepted if the student has an APAAR ID, which will be verified digitally during submission. Schools outside India are exempt from this requirement. This upgrade is expected to reduce errors and improve the accuracy of academic records.

CBSE has also tightened its data requirements. Schools will need to submit detailed and error-free information about each candidate, including personal details, parent or guardian information, date of birth, subject codes, subject combinations, and the category of the exam such as First Sitting, Improvement, or Compartment. Any mistakes or missing details could make a student ineligible for the 2026 board exams.

In a step toward inclusivity, CBSE has rolled out a dedicated portal for Children with Special Needs (CWSN). Schools can use this platform to provide details of students requiring special support, ensuring that the necessary relaxations and accommodations are applied during the exams.

With these reforms, CBSE is looking to create a smoother, more reliable examination system. The emphasis on precise data, digital verification, and inclusivity signals a stronger focus on efficiency and fairness in India’s largest school-level examinations.