The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has initiated the online process for submission of examination forms for Class X (Secondary School Examination) and Class XII (Senior School Certificate Examination) private candidates. These examinations will be held in February, March, and April 2026, coinciding with the main CBSE Board examinations.
The eligibility criteria for private candidates have been clearly outlined. Students of the 2024-25 academic session who were declared “essential repeat” in the 2025 results may apply. Similarly, those placed in the compartment category during the main or supplementary examinations of 2025 (second chance compartment candidates) are eligible. In addition, students who were declared fail or essential repeat in earlier sessions, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025, are also permitted to register. Passed-out students from 2024-25 wishing to improve their performance in one or more subjects can also apply.
The online application window opened on September 9, 2025. The last date for submission without late fee is September 30, 2025. Private candidates from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as other regions, have been advised to complete the process promptly within this period to avoid complications.
Applications are to be submitted through the “Vyaktigat Pariksharthi” portal available on the official CBSE website at https://cbse.gov.in/cbsenew/cbse.html. The Board has stressed that candidates should carefully read all instructions provided on the website before applying. Applicants must also keep necessary documents ready, including previous admit cards, mark sheets, and identification documents, to ensure smooth completion of the online process.
The submission procedure involves selecting the relevant category, filling in personal and academic details, uploading required documents, and completing fee payment online. Confirmation of successful submission should be retained by candidates as proof of registration.
CBSE has underscored the importance of timely compliance, noting that private candidates who fail to submit their forms within the stipulated timeframe risk losing eligibility for the 2026 examinations. The Board has also provided a helpline number, 1800-11-8002, operational from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm on working days, to address queries and assist candidates with the process.
This step ensures that students who could not clear previous attempts or who wish to improve their scores have an opportunity to reappear alongside regular candidates. It reflects CBSE’s broader objective of offering flexibility while maintaining academic standards.
The inclusion of multiple categories, from repeat candidates to performance improvers, expands access for diverse student groups. For many, this window offers a second chance to secure a crucial qualification that significantly impacts higher education and career opportunities.
With the online portal now active, the onus lies on private candidates to ensure accurate submission of their details and documents within the deadline. The process also highlights the increasing use of digital systems in national examinations, with CBSE continuing to streamline operations through online platforms.
For students in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where access to education resources may differ from mainland institutions, this provision represents an important opportunity to align academic progress with national standards. Timely submission will be key to avoiding last-minute issues, especially given the importance of Board results in shaping future prospects.
The CBSE private candidate form process will thus determine the participation of thousands of students in the 2026 examination cycle, making September 30 a crucial deadline for all eligible applicants.
