September 16, 2025

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has spoken loud and clear about the confusion around the “Additional Subject” option missing from private candidates’ application forms for this year’s exams. Wondering why you can't apply? Let’s unpack it! CBSE says private candidates must follow the exact same academic and attendance rules as regular students if they want to take extra subjects in Class 10 or Class 12 board exams. Here’s the catch: Classes 10 and 12 exams come after a two-year study program (Classes 9-10 for Class 10 exam, and Classes 11-12 for Class 12 exam). Every subject, even the additional ones, must be studied for the full two years. If you skip this, you can’t appear for that subject in exams! The Board is serious about attendance – you need at least 75% to be eligible. Why? Because CBSE wants students to learn well throughout the year, not just show up for the final test. Also, internal assessments are crucial. These are continuous tests during the two years that contribute to your marks. If you miss them – no result! No exceptions, even regular students who miss internal assessments get moved to the “Essential Repeat” list. Thinking of taking more extras? There’s a limit: Class 10 students can pick up to two additional subjects, but Class 12 students get only one chance. Schools must have CBSE approval, proper labs, and trained teachers. If a school isn’t approved for a subject, students can’t choose that subject, whether main or extra. Who can apply as private candidates for these extra subjects? Only those who had already chosen that subject before and ended up in “Compartment” or “Essential Repeat” categories. Others, sorry – no luck! CBSE also pointed out that their teaching is through regular classroom sessions. They are not like the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), which runs on an open and distance learning model. So students, if you want to take any additional subject as a private candidate in 2026, remember these golden rules: complete two years of study for that subject, maintain at least 75% attendance, and clear your internal assessments. No shortcuts, no surprise options on forms! Stay sharp and plan well to shine bright in your board exams!

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Tags: Cbse, Private candidates, Additional subject, Class 10, Class 12, Board exams,