New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education has opened the List of Candidates (LOC) submission window for the Class 10 second board examinations 2026, offering students another chance to improve their scores under the two-exam system introduced as part of the National Education Policy 2020.

Second exam opportunity for students

Under the revised system, Class 10 students can reappear for up to three subjects in the second examination scheduled for May 2026. This initiative is aimed at reducing exam stress and giving students an opportunity to enhance their performance within the same academic year.

LOC submission schedule

CBSE has outlined a phased process for submission of LOC and payment of examination fees:

  • Phase 1 (LOC submission): March 18 to March 31, 2026
  • Phase 1 fee payment: Within 5 days from result declaration
  • Phase 2 (LOC submission): Within 5 days from result declaration
  • Phase 2 fee payment: Within 5 days from result declaration
  • Phase 3 (with late fee): From the 7th day after result declaration for 2 days
  • Phase 3 fee payment: Same 2-day window

The submission portal will remain open till 11:59:59 pm on the last day of each phase.

Guidelines for schools

The board has directed school authorities to inform students and parents about key aspects of the second examination system, including:

  • Eligibility criteria and timelines
  • Fee payment process
  • Limited scope of the second exam facility

Schools have been advised to encourage interested students to submit their LOC during Phase 1 to support advance planning. However, students may also wait for their results and apply during Phase 2.

Eligibility criteria

To appear for the second board examination, students must:

  • Have appeared in the main board examination
  • Have taken at least three subjects
  • Be either passed candidates seeking improvement (up to three subjects) or placed in the compartment category

Students who did not appear in three or more subjects in the main examination will not be eligible and must wait for the next academic cycle.

Important instructions

CBSE has issued several key instructions:

  • No new candidates can be added in the LOC
  • No corrections in student details or subject changes are allowed (except in special cases)
  • Improvement in internal assessment marks is not permitted
  • Facilities for Children With Special Needs (CWSN) will continue only for already registered candidates
  • Students under Unfair Means (UFM) category will be considered only if eligible
  • Students in the ‘Essential Repeat’ (ER) category are not eligible

The board also clarified that the syllabus and exam scheme for the second examination will remain the same as the main examination.

Conclusion

With the LOC window now open, CBSE has urged schools to ensure timely and accurate submission of data to facilitate smooth conduct of the second board exams. The move aligns with broader education reforms aimed at providing flexibility and reducing pressure on students.