CBSE Cracks Down on Unauthorised Fee Collection for Class 10 Optional Board Exams
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a firm directive to all affiliated schools regarding the upcoming Class 10 optional board examinations in 2026. The board has explicitly prohibited schools from demanding any additional or unauthorised payments from students beyond the prescribed examination fee.
This clarification comes in response to reports that certain schools were asking students to pay up to three months’ worth of tuition fees at the time of submitting the List of Candidates (LOC) for the second board examination. CBSE has categorically stated that such practices are a direct violation of its established guidelines.
Only Examination Fee Is Permissible
According to the official notification, schools are permitted to collect only the standard examination fee when students fill out the No Objection Certificate (NOC) form. Any other charge, regardless of its nature or purpose, is strictly disallowed. The board has made it clear that institutions found contravening these rules will face appropriate disciplinary measures.
The optional board examination, scheduled for May 2026, is designed to give students a valuable opportunity to enhance their academic performance. Candidates can appear for up to three subjects in this session, allowing them to improve their overall scores and strengthen their final results.
Three-Phase LOC Submission Process Explained
CBSE has also outlined the structured procedure for submitting the List of Candidates, which will be executed in three distinct phases:
- Phase One: During this initial stage, schools will only complete the LOC form. No fees of any kind are required at this point. The primary objective is to gauge the number of students interested in appearing for the optional exam, enabling the board to make adequate arrangements.
- Phases Two and Three: In these subsequent stages, students can modify their submitted information, add or remove subjects, and ultimately finalise their LOC by paying the applicable examination fee.
Strict Compliance Expected From All Schools
The board has urged every affiliated institution to adhere strictly to these regulations and immediately cease any non-compliant activities. CBSE has warned that any school found engaging in irregular practices will be subject to severe consequences. The entire LOC submission process will be conducted exclusively through schools, and this facility is available to students who have already appeared for the main board examination.
What Happens if a Student Skips the Optional Exam?
For students who choose not to participate in the optional board examination, their results will be calculated based solely on their performance in the main examination. There is no penalty or disadvantage for opting out, and the original scores will remain valid for result computation.
CBSE has emphasised that the optional exam is purely a voluntary opportunity for academic improvement and should not become a source of financial burden for students or their families. Schools have been reminded to maintain transparency and fairness throughout the registration process, ensuring that no student is pressured into paying any amount beyond the official examination fee.
The board’s proactive stance aims to protect student interests and maintain the integrity of the examination system. Educational institutions are expected to cooperate fully with these directives and ensure smooth, hassle-free registration for all eligible candidates.
