CBSE LOC Guidelines circular introduces some significant changes
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📢 CBSE LOC Guidelines 2025–26: Complete Guide for Schools, Students, and Parents

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CBSE LOC Guidelines 2025-26

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued its detailed circular for the submission of the List of Candidates (LOC) for the Class X and XII Board Examinations, 2025–26. This process is not just a formality; it is the most critical step that ensures students are eligible to appear in the 2026 CBSE Board Exams.

The CBSE LOC Guidelines circular outlines new updates, fee structures, deadlines, and strict instructions for schools. Here’s a complete breakdown for principals, coordinators, students, and parents.


Download CBSE LOC Submission Checklist 2025–26, useful for principals, coordinators, and teachers. ✅

🔹 What is LOC and Why is It Important?

The List of Candidates (LOC) is the official data submitted by CBSE-affiliated schools to the Board, confirming which students will appear in the Board Exams.

👉 Only students whose names are in the LOC are permitted to sit for the exams.
👉 Errors or delays in LOC submission may lead to students being disqualified.

Thus, accurate and timely LOC submission is the foundation of a smooth examination process.


🔹 What’s New in 2025–26?

This year’s CBSE LOC Guidelines circular introduces some significant changes:

  • Two-Board Exam Policy for Class X
    • First Exam: February 2026 (Mandatory for all students)
    • Second Exam: May 2026 (Optional for improvement, compartment, or additional subjects)
  • APAAR ID Mandatory (India Only)
    • Every student in India must have an APAAR ID, a unique learner identity under the National Education Policy (NEP).
    • Schools abroad are exempted.
  • CWSN Portal for Special Needs Students
    • A separate portal has been created for Children With Special Needs (CWSN).
    • Data must be submitted before LOC deadlines.
  • Unified Deadlines
    • Both LOC submission and fee payment now share the same deadline – no separate grace period.

🔹 Fee Structure (India)

  • ₹1600 per student (for 5 subjects)
  • ₹320 for each additional subject
  • ₹160 per subject for practicals (Class XII only)
  • ₹2000 late fee per candidate after the deadline
  • Visually impaired candidates are exempt from paying examination fees

(Different rates apply for students in Nepal and other countries)


🔹 Deadlines Schools Must Note

  • Normal Submission: 29 August – 30 September 2025
  • ⚠️ With Late Fee: 3 October – 11 October 2025
  • ✍️ Correction Window: 13 October – 27 October 2025

No changes will be allowed after the correction window closes.


🔹 CBSE LOC Guidelines – Preparations for Schools

Principals and coordinators must ensure:

  • Accurate student details (name, date of birth, parents’ names)
  • APAAR IDs verified for all students in India
  • Correct subject codes and valid subject combinations
  • Proper categorisation of students (Fresh, Essential Repeat, Improvement, Compartment)
  • Upload of student photographs and signatures as per CBSE specifications

🔹 CBSE LOC Guidelines- Precautions and Accountability

CBSE has made it clear that excuses will not be accepted. Reasons such as “teacher absent,” “student did not provide details,” or “website error” will not be valid. Principals are personally accountable for accurate data entry and must monitor daily progress, especially in the final week before submission deadlines.

Sensitive subjects like Hindi A/B, Mathematics Standard/Basic, and English Core/Elective require extra attention to avoid costly mistakes.


🔹 Final Verification

After submission, schools must generate a Data Verification Slip and share it with students and parents for confirmation.

  • Corrections can be made only between 13–27 October 2025.
  • After this window, NO corrections will be permitted.

🔹 Why This Matters for Students & Parents

For students, LOC submission means confirmation of exam eligibility. Parents must cooperate with schools by promptly verifying their child’s details and ensuring documentation is correct.

For schools, this is not just a clerical task but a legal and academic responsibility. Errors in LOC submission can directly affect a child’s future.


📌 Conclusion

The CBSE LOC Guidelines 2025–26 emphasise accuracy, discipline, and punctuality. Schools, parents, and students must work together to ensure flawless submission.

With new policies like the two-board exam system for Class X and the mandatory APAAR ID, CBSE continues to align its processes with the National Education Policy 2020, focusing on transparency, inclusivity, and digital integration.

👉 For a step-by-step explanation of CBSE LOC Guidelines 2025-26, watch the detailed video on Ideate CBSE School YouTube Channel.

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