The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has unveiled sweeping reforms in the submission of the List of Candidates (LOC) for the Class 10 and 12 board examinations of 2026, signalling a marked shift in the board’s examination management framework. The LOC, a cornerstone in the preparation of board exams, now carries additional layers of accountability and technological integration aimed at ensuring accuracy, transparency, and inclusivity.
Two-board examination policy for Class 10
For the first time, CBSE is implementing a two-board examination policy for Class 10. Under this new paradigm, the Main Examinations, scheduled for mid-February, remain mandatory for all students. Schools are instructed to submit LOC data for all candidates appearing in this primary examination. In addition, a Second Board Examination will be conducted subsequently, with LOC submissions to be completed post the conclusion of the first exam. This dual-examination framework reflects the board’s emphasis on providing students multiple opportunities for academic validation, while simultaneously imposing stricter procedural compliance on affiliated schools.
Integration of APAAR IDs in LOC submissions
In a significant technological upgrade, CBSE has mandated the linking of Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) IDs with LOC data for both Class 10 and 12 students. Schools within India are now required to submit LOC data only for candidates possessing an APAAR ID, which the board will validate at the time of submission. Affiliated schools abroad, however, are exempt from this requirement due to administrative and legal constraints. This integration is expected to streamline student records, reduce errors, and enhance the robustness of academic data management.
Stringent data requirements for schools
CBSE has underscored the importance of meticulous data preparation. Schools must collate comprehensive details for each candidate, including personal identifiers, parent/guardian information, date of birth, APAAR ID (for Indian schools), correct subject codes, subject combinations as per the scheme of studies, and the category under which the candidate is applying—be it First Sitting (FS), Improvement, or Compartment. The board has issued a strict advisory, emphasizing that only error-free data will be accepted, and reiterated that students not listed via the online LOC submission will be ineligible to sit for the 2026 board examinations.
Dedicated portal for children with Special Needs (CWSN)
In a progressive move towards inclusivity, CBSE has launched a dedicated portal for Children with Special Needs (CWSN). The portal is designed for schools to submit records and information pertaining to CWSN students, thereby ensuring the implementation of appropriate relaxations and accommodations during examinations. This initiative reinforces CBSE’s commitment to equitable assessment practices and systematic support for differently-abled learners.
Implications and outlook
These reforms mark a transformative phase in the CBSE’s examination ecosystem. By combining procedural rigour with technological sophistication, the board aims to reduce administrative lapses, enhance data accuracy, and broaden the accessibility of its examination system. For schools, the emphasis on precise LOC submission and APAAR linkage imposes a heightened responsibility, while for students, these measures promise a more transparent and structured examination process.With the 2026 board examinations poised to implement these reforms, CBSE’s latest notification underscores a deliberate shift toward operational efficiency, digital integration, and inclusivity, redefining the contours of India’s largest school-level examination body.Candidates can click on the link provided here to download the official notice regarding CBSE’s LOC guidelines.
