Immediately after the result declaration of CBSE, one question arises in the minds of a majority of students: compartment vs supplementary exam vs improvement exam, which one is applicable to you? Here’s the short version. Compartment Exam, which is also known as a supplementary exam, is a second chance to pass one or two subjects without any loss of the academic year for those who could not make it. On the other hand, an improvement exam is for those who have already passed the exam but wish to improve their performance in a subject, which may be relevant for their college admissions, scholarships, or competitive exams such as JEE and NEET.
Clearing of a Compartment paper will result in the change of the result status from “Compartment” to “Pass”. Clearing an improvement paper allows you to receive a new marksheet with an improved mark. There are a few differences between the rules of CBSE class 10 and CBSE class 12 in the 2026 system, and this guide covers the details of eligibility, date, and how to apply for both.
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What Is a Compartment or Supplementary Exam? Are They the Same?
Yes, the compartment and supplementary exam are the same. The official term used by CBSE is “compartment,” and some state boards and previous notifications are still using the term “supplementary. This exam is for those students who failed to achieve a minimum of 33 per cent passing mark in one or two subjects.
- A result of “Comp” means that you have not failed the year. In fact, you can still earn a full pass with just (just in case definition) one paper.
- CBSE allows up to three attempts to clear a compartment subject before asking you to repeat the full academic year.
- Your status updates from “Compartment” to “Pass,” and a revised marksheet follows.
- This exam is compulsory if you wish to get admission anywhere after this for further studies because most of the colleges will not accept a “Compartment” marksheet.
What Is an Improvement Exam in CBSE Boards?
An improvement exam provides students with a second opportunity to obtain a higher grade in one or more subjects. It is for students whose marks are not a representation of their ability, particularly since each percentage can make a difference in stream selection or college cut-offs.
Here are the details on eligibility and the score:
- You need a “Pass” result to apply. Students who failed cannot opt for improvement and must go through the compartment route instead.
- CBSE will consider your best of the two marks and the lower mark will never be displayed on your marksheet.
- Your original marks are automatically saved. You won’t lose any points.
- The board issues a revised marksheet reflecting whichever score works in your favour.
- Private candidates can register using their original roll number and school details.
Check Out: CBSE Grading System for Class 10th 2026: Grades, Passing Marks Criteria & CGPA Explained
Difference Between Compartment and Supplementary Exam vs Improvement Exam
Both exams occur at approximately the same time (race against time phrase meaning) and do require school coordination, but address different issues. So you don’t waste preparation time in the wrong process, here’s a side-by-side comparison.
| Aspect | Compartment / Supplementary Exam | Improvement Exam |
| Purpose | Pass a failed subject and save your academic year | Boost your score in a subject you already passed |
| Eligibility | Result status shows “Compartment” | Result status shows “Pass” |
| Marksheet Impact | Status changes from “Compartment” to “Pass” | The fresh marksheet shows the higher of the two scores |
| Subjects Allowed | Failed subjects only, maximum two | One subject for Class 12; up to three for Class 10 |
| Nature | Mandatory for a valid passing certificate | Completely optional |
In short, the compartment is about survival, securing that pass status. Improvement is purely about polishing a number that was already safe.
CBSE Class 10 vs Class 12 Compartment Exam Rules: Who Gets the Improvement Option
While there are improvement chances in both 10th and 12th, the board improvement exam 2026 rules differ and so is the CBSE supplementary exam 2026 schedule.
Class 10: The Twice-a-Year Structure
Class 10 is now under CBSE’s new twice-a-year exam pattern, NEP 2020:
- Phase 1 (main exam): This is a mandatory exam period for all students and will take (take with a grain of salt idiom synonym) place from February to March.
- Phase 2 (improvement attempt): There is an optional opportunity to sit for improvement in up to 3 subjects in May.
- Final score: Whichever score is higher between the two attempts gets locked into the final marksheet.
Class 12: One Subject, One Window
The rules remain more restrictive for CBSE class 12 compartment vs improvement, as the system has not yet implemented a dual-examination:
- Subject limit: Students who have already passed will get just one subject to improve.
- Timing: This happens in the same supplementary window as the compartment exam, typically held in July.
- Is it possible to give the compartment exam to a passed student? No, you must have a clear “Pass” status to be eligible for improvement. Students in the compartment will not be eligible for improvement in the same cycle.
How to Apply for a Compartment Exam or Improvement Exam 2026 (Step-by-Step)
The application process for the compartment exam and the improvement exam should be followed separately. Both are part of CBSE’s supplementary examination window, and your result status determines which track you choose on the application portal. Below are the steps split according to the type of candidates: regular school students and private candidates.
1. How to Apply for a Compartment Exam
This route is for students whose results explicitly state “Compartment” because they missed the minimum 33% passing mark in one or two subjects.
For Regular Students (Through School)
Regular students cannot apply online by themselves. Your school has to handle this submission on your behalf.
- Contact your school immediately after results are declared. Reach out to your exam coordinator.
- Fill the form provided by the school. Enter your personal details, subject code, and roll number.
- Pay the fee directly to the school, which collects the standard board examination fee.
- Get verified that your school includes your name in the official List of Candidates (LOC) sent to CBSE.
- Receive your admit card, issued physically or digitally by your school, before the exam date.
2. How to Apply for an Improvement Exam
This route is for students who have already passed but want to reappear in a subject to boost their percentage.
For Regular Students (Through School)
- Notify your coordinator that you want to opt for “Improvement of Performance” rather than a compartment.
- Select your subject, usually one subject for Class 12 in the immediate July cycle, or up to three for Class 10.
- Get verified so your category is correctly marked as “Improvement” on the school’s LOC sheet.
- Complete the fee payment to the school to finalise your registration.
Applying for the Compartment or Improvement Exam as a Private Candidate (Online via Portal)
Visit the CBSE Parikshasangam portal, choose “Online Submission of LOC for Supplementary/Compartment Exam,” and enter your previous roll number, school code, and centre number from your old admit card. Select “Compartment” or “Improvement of Performance,” upload a passport photo and signature in JPG format, and pay the fee online.
FAQs on Compartment, Supplementary and Improvement Exams
Q1. Are supplementary and compartment exams the same?
Yes. CBSE officially calls it the compartment exam; supplementary is just the common term for the same exam. Both describe the second chance given to students who failed one or two subjects.
Q2. Can I give an improvement exam for all subjects?
No. Class 12 students typically get one subject in the immediate cycle, while Class 10 students under the 2026 system can attempt up to three subjects in the May exam.
Q3. What happens if I fail a compartment exam?
You get up to three attempts across the following cycles. If you still don’t clear it, CBSE asks you to repeat the academic year as a regular student.
Q4. Is a separate marksheet issued for improvement exams?
Yes, CBSE will issue a new marksheet with your better score, but the year and roll number will not change.
Q5. Which marks are considered if I scoreless in an improvement exam?
Your original marks. CBSE always takes the highest of the two scores and there is no risk of your final marksheet showing a lower score in case you take an improvement exam.
Q6. Does a supplementary exam affect college admission?
Not after you clean it out. A cleared compartment subject entitles you to a full “Pass” marksheet which is accepted by colleges in the same manner as a normal pass.
Q7. Can I apply for both the compartment and improvement exams together?
No, eligibility depends on result status; you are either in the “Compartment” or “Pass” category, and only one of the two will apply to you.
Written By: Saumya Sarin (Content Writer at Motion Education)
Reviewed against: CBSE’s official 2026 notifications
Last updated: June 2026
