CBSE Class 10 & 12 Private Candidate Exam Form 2026: Latest Update & Key Dates

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that Class XII (Senior Secondary) private candidates can now register for the 2026 board exams. Official circulars released in early September 2025 confirm that private students, including repeaters, compartment candidates, and improvement candidates, can submit their exam forms online starting September 9, 2025. The board issued these notices simultaneously for both Class 10 and Class 12 private candidates, providing a unified timeline for registration. This ensures that thousands of private candidates can plan their registrations well in advance of the 2026 exams.

Key Dates for Class 12 Private Exam 2025–26 Registration

CBSE has set the following deadlines for Class XII private candidates:

• Application window (no late fee): 9 September 2025 – 30 September 2025.
• Extended submission (with late fee): 3 October 2025 – 11 October 2025.
• Exam dates (tentative, Class XII): Starting 17 February 2026.
• Result declaration: Around May 2026.

Students should note these deadlines and apply early to avoid any last-minute issues.

Eligibility of Private Candidates

CBSE defines several categories of eligible private candidates:

• Private: Students not enrolled in any regular CBSE school.
• Essential repeat: Students who failed the previous exam must reappear in all subjects.
• Compartment: Students who failed in one or two subjects and wish to clear only those subjects.
• Improvement: Students who passed Class 12 but want to improve their marks in one or more subjects.

This framework ensures that students with backlogs or seeking better scores have a path to reappear in the CBSE board exams. In general, candidates whose recent status is FAIL, REPEAT, COMPARTMENT, or IMPROVEMENT (in the years 2020–25) are eligible.

How to Apply Online

The application process is fully online via the CBSE portal. Private candidates should:

• Open the CBSE portal: Log in to cbse.gov.in and find the link for “Submission of Examination Form by Private Candidates for Class XII Examination 2025-26.”
• Fill out the form: Enter personal information and subject codes carefully.
• Upload documents: Upload a recent photograph, signature, and any required certificates (e.g., disability certificate).
• Pay the fee: Complete the payment of the exam fee (₹320 for Class XII private candidates) and any late fee if applicable.
• Submit and save: Submit the form, then print or save the confirmation page as proof of registration.

Accuracy is important: CBSE cautions that mistakes in the form (especially subject codes or personal data) can cause processing delays. It is advisable to complete the form a few days before the deadline to avoid technical issues.

Important Instructions for Private Candidates

When filling out the form, candidates should follow these CBSE guidelines:

• Accuracy: Double-check all details. Errors in personal information or subject codes can delay results.
• Subject selection: Only select from the subjects auto-generated by the system (based on your past exam records).
• No extra subject: The 2026 private exam form no longer offers an option to take an additional subject in Class XII.
• Support: CBSE regional centers and affiliated schools have set up help desks to assist private candidates with registration.

Following these instructions will help ensure a smooth application. Always refer to the official CBSE notification for complete details.

Personalized Support for CBSE Students

Private candidates often seek extra guidance for exam preparation. Learnosphere is an online platform that connects students with experienced tutors for personalized one-on-one learning. Students can find tutors in core subjects (often searching for “tuition near me”) and even earn income by teaching their own expertise through the platform.

Learnosphere is designed to help students excel in exams, including CBSE board exams, NEET, SSC, UPSC, and IIT. For example, a Class 12 student can use Learnosphere to receive targeted coaching on difficult topics and practice with CBSE-aligned exercises. The platform also provides high-quality study material that supports students’ preparation.

Conclusion

CBSE’s latest circular clearly outlines the process and deadlines for Class XII private candidates. Students should note the key dates (form submission opens 9 Sept 2025 and closes 30 Sept 2025 without late fee) and ensure their online form is accurate. By following the CBSE guidelines and using available resources – such as Learnosphere’s tutoring services private candidates can maximize their preparation and approach the 2026 board exams with confidence.