CBSE Class X Second Board Examination 2026 – LOC Guide
CBSE Class X Second Board Examination 2026 — LOC Submission: Complete Guide for Schools, Students & Parents
Everything you need to know about the List of Candidates (LOC) process for the CBSE Class X Second Board Examinations scheduled in May 2026
📑 Table of Contents
What is CBSE Two Board Examination Policy?
The CBSE Class X Second Board Examination 2026 is a landmark initiative under India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. CBSE officially notified the Two Board Examination Policy on 25 June 2025, giving Class X students a valuable second opportunity to demonstrate their potential.
Under this policy, students who appeared in the first (main) board examination in February 2026 can now improve their performance in up to three subjects — chosen from Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages — during the Second Board Examinations scheduled in May 2026.
LOC Submission Schedule 2026
CBSE has laid out a phased schedule for LOC submission and fee payment. Schools must adhere to each phase strictly to avoid late fee penalties.
| Activity | Schedule / Deadline |
|---|---|
| LOC Submission — 1st Phase | 18 March 2026 to 31 March 2026 |
| Exam Fee Payment — 1st Phase | Next day from result declaration, for 5 days |
| LOC Submission — 2nd Phase | Next day from result declaration, for 5 days |
| Exam Fee Payment — 2nd Phase | Next day from result declaration, for 5 days |
| LOC Submission — 3rd Phase (with late fee) | 7th day from result declaration, for 2 days |
| Exam Fee Payment — 3rd Phase (with late fee) | 7th day from result declaration, for 2 days |
CBSE Class X Second Board Examination 2026 — LOC Submission | Source: StudyReach.in
CBSE Class X Second Board Examination 2026 – LOC Guide-Step-by-Step
LOC (List of Candidates) will be submitted by schools for all desirous students. Here is how the process works in practice:
- Phase 1 (Now Open): Schools should submit LOC for all students who may wish to appear in the Second Board Exam — even before results are declared. This helps CBSE in advance planning.
- Phase 2 (After Results): Once first examination results are declared, students who actually wish to improve their marks can confirm their participation and pay the examination fee.
- Phase 3 (Late Submission): Available with a late fee of ₹2,000 per candidate, starting from the 7th day after result declaration.
Eligibility Criteria for Second Board Examination
Not all Class X students are automatically eligible for the Second Board Examination. CBSE has defined clear eligibility rules:
| Category | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Passed Class X (improvement in up to 3 main subjects) | ✅ Yes |
| Placed in Compartment category | ✅ Yes |
| Passed Class X by replacing with 6th subject | ✅ Yes |
| Students under UFM Category 1 (if otherwise eligible) | ✅ Yes |
| Students in Compartment category from 2025 exams | ✅ Yes |
| Sports students with Board permission | ✅ Yes |
| Students absent/failed in 3 or more subjects in 1st Exam | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Students placed in ER (Essential Repeat) category | ❌ Not Eligible |
| New names (not in 1st LOC) | ❌ Not Allowed |
| CWSN candidates (new entries) | ❌ Not Allowed |
Examination Fee Details (Annexure-A)
CBSE has prescribed the following fees for Class X Second Board Examination 2026. All fees are accepted in online mode only — no offline or direct bank deposits are accepted.
| Category | India (per subject) | Nepal (per subject) | Other Countries (per subject) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Fee (3 subjects) | ₹320 per subject / ₹960 for 3 subjects | ₹1,100 per subject / ₹3,300 for 3 | ₹2,200 per subject / ₹6,600 for 3 |
| Late Fee (3rd Phase) | ₹2,000 extra per candidate | ₹2,000 extra per candidate | ₹2,000 extra per candidate |
What Principals Must Do — Expectations from CBSE
CBSE’s circular places significant responsibility on school principals. Here is a summary of what every principal needs to communicate to students and parents:
- Guide students on the rules of Second Board Examinations and advise use of this facility only in genuine need.
- Inform students about eligibility criteria and the fee submission schedule.
- Communicate that examination centres will be limited and may not be near the student’s location.
- Make clear that no examination centre changes will be allowed once allotted.
- Encourage all willing students to submit LOC in Phase 1 itself — they can decide on fee payment after results.
- For compartment students: remind them to re-submit their LOC afresh, as their improvement subject criteria may change.
- For students from Middle East countries where exams were cancelled: they may submit LOC after result declaration in Phase 2.
Key Conditions to Appear in Second Board Examinations
- Appearance in the first Board Examination is mandatory for all students.
- Passed and eligible students can improve in any of the three subjects out of Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages.
- Students who missed 3 or more subjects in the first exam are not eligible.
- Compartment students can appear under the Compartment Category.
- No new names will be added to the LOC of the second examination.
- There is no facility for improvement in Internal Assessment — it is a yearlong exercise.
- The Second Board Examination will be conducted on the same syllabus as the first examination for the year.
- Students in the ER (Essential Repeat) category are not eligible — they can appear next year.
Real-Life Example — How It Works for a Student
Aryan appeared in all five subjects in the February 2026 first board examination. He scored 65 in Science and 58 in Mathematics. He is disappointed with his Maths score and wants to improve.
What should Aryan do?
His school should submit his LOC in Phase 1 (by 31 March 2026) for the subjects he wishes to improve. After the result is declared, Aryan can confirm his decision to appear in Maths (and possibly Science too) and the school will pay the examination fee of ₹320 per subject (₹640 for 2 subjects) in Phase 2.
Aryan writes the Second Board Exam in May 2026. If he scores higher, the better of the two scores will count per CBSE policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does LOC submission for Class X Second Board Exam 2026 start?
Can a student improve marks in all 5 subjects in the Second Board Exam?
What is the exam fee for Indian students for 3 subjects?
Is it mandatory to submit LOC in Phase 1 even before results are out?
Can a student who failed in 3 subjects in the first exam appear in the Second Board?
Can a student change their subject for the Second Board Exam?
What happens if the school misses the LOC deadline?
Can offline fee payment be done for CBSE Second Board LOC?
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📝 Final Words
The CBSE Class X Second Board Examination 2026 is a golden opportunity for students to improve their performance under the new NEP 2020-aligned Two Board Examination Policy. Schools must act swiftly — the Phase 1 LOC window is open from 18 to 31 March 2026. Principals should counsel students and parents, ensure timely submission of LOC, and avoid costly late fees. For students like those in Kota and across India, this is a second chance to put your best foot forward in May 2026!
Circular No.: CBSE/LOC/X/2025-2026/ | Issued by Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations, CBSE
