New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a strict directive to schools, emphasizing the need to enforce the mandatory 75% attendance requirement for students appearing in board examinations.
As per the CBSE Examination Bye-Laws, students must maintain at least 75% attendance to be eligible for the board exams. A relaxation of up to 25% may be considered only in exceptional cases such as medical emergencies, participation in national or international sporting events, or other serious circumstances—provided valid documentary evidence is submitted.
“All students and parents must be clearly informed about the compulsory 75% attendance rule and the consequences of failing to meet it,” said CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj in a letter to schools. He added that students on medical or other approved leave must submit a formal application along with relevant documents at the time of availing the leave. Any absence without prior written approval will be treated as unauthorized.
The Board has also instructed schools to maintain accurate and up-to-date attendance records.
“Attendance registers must be updated daily, signed by the class teacher and school authority, and kept ready for inspection,” the letter noted.
CBSE warned that surprise inspections may be conducted to verify student attendance. In cases where attendance records are found incomplete or students are found not attending regularly, the board may take strict action, which could include disaffiliation of the school and disqualification of students from board exams.
