CBSE Issues Fresh Guidelines for LOC Submission for 2025-26 Board Exams

The CBSE has made tight LOC rules for Class 10 and 12 board exams 2025-26, including fee regulations, the CWSN portal, data verification, APAR IDs, and teacher conformity. Read the complete article and check the details below.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made new guidelines for LOC submission to its schools regarding the submission of the List of Candidates (LOC) for the 2025-26 Class X and XII Board Exams.

The CBSE circular stresses strict accuracy in student and subject information, compliance with deadlines, and adoption of the newly introduced APAAR ID for students.

Accuracy of Data Non-Negotiable

CBSE, in a letter, has instructed schools to be very careful while filling out the LOC. After submission, no alterations in names, subjects, or section strength will be entertained. Schools should make sure that the number of students is proportional to the availability of teachers in each subject, and teachers should also be relieved for assessment duties proportionally to the number of candidates sponsored. Failure to comply could result in stern action like non-declaration of results.

APAAR ID Made Mandatory

According to the notice, one big shift this year is the implementation of the APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID. All students of India need a valid APAAR ID, and the same will be checked by CBSE prior to LOC finalisation. CBSE Schools located abroad are exempted from APAAR for administrative purposes, but in Indian schools, the ID is mandatory for both Class X and XII candidates.

Special Portal for CWSN Students

For the first time, CBSE has announced a separate portal for Children With Special Needs (CWSN). Schools must complete the submission of CWSN details before the general LOC deadline, as no additions will be allowed later.

Fee Structure and Exemptions

The Board has also clarified the exam fees for CBSE board exams 2025-26:

1. India: ₹1,600 per candidate for 5 subjects (₹320 per additional subject)
2. Nepal: ₹5,500 per candidate (₹1,100 per additional subject)
3. Other countries: ₹11,000 per candidate (₹2,200 per additional subject)

A late fee of ₹2,000 per candidate will apply after the deadline. Visually impaired students are exempted from paying exam fees for both Class X and XII.

Data Verification and Subject Restrictions

CBSE, in its notice, has also emphasised further that all combinations of subjects have to strictly adhere to the published Scheme of Studies. Any non-conformist combination will make a student ineligible to appear in the 2026 board exams.

It says that schools will be issued a Data Verification Slip for every student after the submission of the LOC, including information such as name, date of birth, parents' names, and subjects. Only up to October 27, 2025, between October 13, the changes could be made. After this time period, no changes will be accepted.

The Board directed school heads to meet with teachers, students, and parents and detail to them the importance of correct data entry. CBSE reminded schools that errors in the LOC or non-compliance with APAAR requirements could have a direct effect on the eligibility of students for the 2025-26 CBSE board examinations.