The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an official clarification regarding the eligibility of private candidates who wish to appear for additional subjects in Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. This comes in response to widespread confusion among students, parents, and schools about whether private candidates can take extra subjects outside their regular school enrolment.
Who qualifies as a private candidate?
According to the CBSE notice, not all students can take additional subjects as private candidates. Only those who:
- Have previously opted for an additional subject and
- Were placed in the “Compartment” or “Essential Repeat” category
are eligible. Students who have never studied the additional subject as regular students are not permitted to appear for it privately. This ensures that candidates attempting the subject have prior exposure and foundational knowledge.
Study duration and attendance requirements
CBSE has reinforced the importance of regular classroom study. Private candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Two-year study period: Candidates must have studied the subject for the full two-year duration—Class 9 and 10 for Class 10 subjects, and Class 11 and 12 for Class 12 subjects.
- Minimum attendance: A minimum of 75% attendance in the subject is required to ensure active classroom participation, as per the guidelines in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- Completion of internal assessments: Candidates must have completed all internal assessments conducted over the two years. Without these, the candidate cannot be evaluated, and results cannot be declared.
Limits on additional subjects
CBSE has also clarified the number of additional subjects private candidates can take:
- Class 10: Up to two additional subjects
- Class 12: Only one additional subject
This limitation ensures that candidates do not overextend themselves and can focus on maintaining quality performance in all subjects.
School authorisation and infrastructure
Private candidates cannot appear for additional subjects at just any school. CBSE mandates that:
- The school must be authorised to offer the additional subject.
- The school must have the required infrastructure, including qualified teachers, laboratories, and other facilities essential for practicals and assessments.
This ensures that all students receive a fair and standardized learning environment.
Why this clarification matters
The CBSE notice aims to maintain academic standards and fairness in evaluation. Unlike the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), which allows flexible learning and examinations through open and distance learning, CBSE follows a structured classroom-based model. By enforcing study duration, attendance, and internal assessment requirements, the board ensures that private candidates are adequately prepared for board-level examinations.
What students should do now
- Check eligibility: Students planning to appear for additional subjects should verify whether they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Coordinate with schools: Candidates must ensure that their school is authorized to offer the subject and has the required infrastructure.
- Prepare internal assessments: Any pending internal assessments should be completed well before the exam registration deadline.
CBSE’s clarification provides much-needed guidance for students navigating the board exam process, particularly those aiming to improve their scores or pursue multiple subjects. Students and parents are advised to follow these guidelines closely to avoid disqualification or administrative issues.
