Quick Summary: The CBSE Board has released detailed guidelines for LOC submission for 2025-26 Board Exams, announcing important instructions for schools regarding the List of Candidates (LOC), APAAR ID linking, correction windows, fee deadlines, and the new two-board exam policy for Class 10. The notice highlights LOC submission dates from September to October 2025, exam dates for Class 10 and 12 in 2026, mandatory data verification, and portals for CWSN candidates. Schools are urged to follow these rules carefully, as no changes will be allowed after the final submission.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued clear CBSE guidelines for LOC submission for 2025-26 Board Exams for schools. These are the instructions for submission of the List of Candidates (LOC) for both class X (First Examination) for class XII main examination – 2025-26.
For the first time, a two-board exam policy for Class 10 starting from 2025-26 has been introduced by the CBSE. According to the notice, the initial Class 10 exam will take (take with a grain of salt idiom synonym) place in mid-February 2026. Schools have to send the LOC within the stipulated time, and the Board has specifically mentioned that the list has to give details of all Class 10 students without fail.
CBSE has stated that the submission of the LOC is vital as details that are furnished by the schools are utilised in producing admit cards, preparation of exam records, and issuance of final certificates. Any errors or late submissions at the specific time (race against time phrase meaning) can lead to problems as serious as disallowing the student from appearing for the examination or holding their results.
Read More:
- CBSE Class 10 Board Exams To Be Conducted Twice A Year From 2026
- CBSE Class 10 and 12 Major Changes You Must Know
What Schools Need to Do Under CBSE Guidelines for LOC Submission
As per the CBSE guidelines for LOC submission for 2025-26 Board Exams, schools should ensure that all student details, such as name, parent details, date of birth, and subjects offered according to the official Scheme of Studies, are duly verified by the school. APAAR ID is mandatory in the session 2025-26 for all students and schools in India, and there is no such compulsion for schools abroad.
CBSE has also stressed the need for accurate registration of Children With Special Needs (CWSN). For these candidates, separate portals and earlier submission dates have been provided. The Board has clearly mentioned that no changes will be allowed once the data is uploaded.
All LOC submissions have to be in online mode using CBSE’s online portal system. It involves multiple steps, such as uploading photos, confirming information, paying a fee, and obtaining the principal’s final approval at the school.
Important Dates for LOC Submissions
As per the CBSE guidelines for LOC submission for 2025-26 Board Exams, schools need to adhere to the deadline of submission contained in the schedule of fees section. The finalisation date of the LOC data will decide whether the normal fee or the late fee applies. No deadline extensions will be allowed. The online submission process will run from September 2025 to October 2025, followed by registration for private candidates. Details of the CBSE LOC submission and fee schedule for 2025-26 can be accessed from its official website.
CBSE LOC submission and fee schedule for 2025-26
| Activity / Fee Type | Nepal (Digital / Challan) | Other Countries (Digital / Challan) | India (Digital Payment) | India (Challan Payment) |
| Normal LOC & Fee Submission | 29 Aug 2025 – 30 Sep 2025 | Same as Nepal | 29 Aug 2025 – 30 Sep 2025 | 29 Aug 2025 – 22 Sep 2025 |
| LOC & Fee with Late Charges | 3 Oct 2025 – 11 Oct 2025 | Same as Nepal | 3 Oct 2025 – 11 Oct 2025 | 3 Oct 2025 – 8 Oct 2025 |
| Digital Payment Window | Open till LOC finalisation date | Same as India | Open till LOC finalisation date | Open till LOC finalisation date |
| Practical Exam Fee (Class XII only) | ₹175 per subject | ₹375 per subject | ₹160 per subject | ₹160 per subject |
| Migration Certificate Application | Online after the result announcement | Same as India | Online after the result announcement | Online after the result announcement |
| Fee Waiver (Visually Impaired Students) | Exempted for Class X & XII | Same as India | Exempted for Class X & XII | Exempted for Class X & XII |
Check Out: CBSE Board Exam Class 12th 2026: Dates, Syllabus, Pattern, Preparation Tips
CBSE Board Exam: New Rules for LOC Submission for 2025-26
The key changes the CBSE circular brought in for the 2025-26 sessions are:
- Two-Board Examination Policy for Class 10: This year, CBSE has proposed a two-board exam policy for the students of class 10. The LOCs have to be submitted by the schools for all the students who are going to appear in the Main Exams (tentatively in mid-February 2026). The LOS for the second board exam can be uploaded for up to one month after the first examination is over.
- Compulsory Linking of APAAR ID: When submitting the data, schools in India are mandated to link the students’ APAAR ID, excluding schools outside India.
- Special Portal for CWSN Candidates: A new portal is now available for Children With Special Needs (CWSN). Their profiles also need to be updated before the general LOC deadline; there will be no more modifications afterwards.
- Record Verification: Schools will verify all particulars of children with their admission registers. There is little or nothing that can be done to correct this after the final submission, except within the specified time frame to rectify things with the Data Verification Slip.
- No Corrections After Submission: CBSE has said that the schools need to be very careful when filling out the LOC. No change of name, subject, or section strength will be allowed after submission. Schools should monitor to balance the number of students with the number of teachers, as the number of students will determine the number of teachers that will be appointed for evaluation. The non-compliance with the conditions may lead to stringent action that might include withholding results.
- Orientation Sessions for the Parents & Students: The Principal has to hold sessions to aware the students and their parents about the two-board system and the second board scheduled to take place in May 2026.
- Exam Fee Structure for India & Abroad: Exam fees for 2025-26 are ₹1,600 per student in India for five subjects (₹320 for each additional subject), ₹5,500 in Nepal (₹1,100 for each additional subject), and ₹11,000 for other countries (additional ₹2,200 for each additional subject).
- Late Fee & Exemption: A Late fee of ₹2,000 per candidate is applied after the late date. But the exam fee is waived for visually challenged students.
Linking APAAR ID in LOC Data
Under the CBSE guidelines for LOC submission for 2025-26 Board Exams, the Board has made the addition of linking of the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID must be made for all candidates in India appearing for Class 10 and 12. For schools that are part of the CBSE network, an LOC can only be submitted for students who have an APAAR ID, and this will be checked by the Board at the time of submission.
The CBSE, though, has made it clear that schools outside India need not comply with the rule owing to administrative constraints and legal issues. However, the Board has recommended that schools keep full details of the candidates prepared before entering the LOC data. This includes:
- Candidate’s full name
- Father’s/Mother’s/Guardian’s name
- Date of Birth
- APAAR ID (for schools in India)
- Correct subject code and subject combinations as per the Scheme of Studies
- Relevant category – FS/Improvement/Compartment
The board has informed that schools should re-verify all the information and ensure that there is no mistake. No Student other than those enrolled for LOC through the online process will be allowed to appear in the Class 10 and 12 Board Exams 2026.
Check Out: CBSE Class 10th Preparation Tips 2025-26
LOC Submission Guidelines by CBSE
Under the CBSE guidelines for LOC submission for 2025-26 Board Exams, schools must include accurate data for all students, including repeaters, transfers, and new admissions, along with the required documents. Digital photographs must meet the given specifications, and fees must be paid before finalising entries.
On completion of the final list, CBSE insists that both parents of the student should verify the list and sign to ensure its accuracy. The Board has also intimated that migration certificates will be issued online after the declaration of the results, and hard copies will be issued only on demand.
Subject Combinations and Scheme of Studies
As per the CBSE guidelines for LOC submission for 2025-26 Board Exams, schools are again reminded to adhere to the official scheme of studies while choosing the subject combination for students. If the wrong subject is selected, it will not be accepted by the portal and will be flagged instantly to be changed before you submit. The Board has also made clear that it does not restrict students to traditional “streams” such as Science, Commerce, or Arts. Instead, students have the freedom to choose their subjects, as long as the school has authorized to teach them.
In order to increase accountability, CBSE has instructed principals to observe the submission of LOCs along with daily monitoring as the deadline approaches. Once the LOC is uploaded, the schools will be issued a Data Verification Slip for each student with their particulars, including names, dates of birth, names of fathers and mothers, and subjects chosen. Such corrections in these details will be permitted only between October 13 to October 27, 2025. After the time period is over, no modifications will be allowed.
For other updates, the students and schools can visit (idioms dictionary) the official website (idioms website) of the CBSE – Read the official notice here
FAQs on CBSE Guidelines for LOC Submission for 2025-26
Q: When will the CBSE 12th Board Exams start?
According to the latest update, the CBSE Class 12 board exams 2026 will be held from February 15 to April 4, 2026. The detailed timetable will be made available at the official portal a few weeks before the examination.
Q: What is the APAAR ID, and is it compulsory for all students?
APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) is a unique academic ID for students. According to the CBSE guidelines for LOC submission for 2025-26 Board Exams, it is mandatory for all schools within India, and only CBSE schools residing in any foreign country need not follow this rule.
Q: When will CBSE release the CBSE 10th date sheet 2026?
The CBSE guidelines for LOC submission for 2025-26 Board Exams and the official notice of the Class 10 date sheet 2026 are likely to be released in November 2025. The date sheet will also contain the official dates for the first phase of Class 10 exams, which are expected to be held between February 17 and March 6, 2026.
Q: What is the last date to submit the LOC for CBSE Board Exams 2026?
The schools can submit the List of Candidates (LOC) online from September 2020 to October 2020. Following that, only limited corrections will be allowed in October, with late fees if you miss the deadline.
Q: When will CBSE conduct 10th, 12th board exams in 2026?
According to the CBSE guidelines, the class 10 board exams 2026 will be conducted in two terms:
- Phase 1: February 17 to March 6, 2026
- Phase 2: May 5 to May 21, 2026
The Class 12 board exams will be conducted in one phase between February 15 and April 4, 2026. The complete CBSE date sheet 2026, indicating subject-wise dates and timings, would be released in due course on the official website cbse.gov.in for students and schools to download.
Q: What are the main changes introduced by CBSE for the 2025-26 Board Exams?
The two-board exam system for Class 10, mandatory linking with APAAR ID, a separate portal for CWSN candidates, a timeline for submission of LOC, and a correction period before finalization will form the essence of the new key formats.
Q: When will the correction window for LOC data be open?
According to the official notice, schools will be able to make corrections to LOC data from October 13 to October 27, 2025. After this, no further modifications (changes) will be allowed by CBSE after this month.



