75% Attendance Mandatory for Board Exams 2025: CBSE Issues Directive to Schools - Times of India

CBSE Mandates 75% Attendance for Board Exam Eligibility in 2025: Schools Must Follow New SOPs to Address Attendance Shortfalls and Ensure Student Compliance. (Representative Image)

NEW DELHI: In a recent announcement, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has reinforced the importance of regular attendance, stating that a minimum of 75% attendance is essential for students to qualify for the Class X and XII board examinations in 2025. This move aims to ensure that students receive a comprehensive education, promoting their overall development beyond just academic performance.The directive is part of the CBSE Examination Bye-Laws and highlights the critical role of schools in maintaining student attendance.
Importance of Attendance for Holistic Development
CBSE’s emphasis on attendance stems from its recognition that schools serve as essential environments for students’ social, emotional, and academic growth. The board stated, “Regular attendance is not only essential for meeting the Board’s examination requirements but also for fostering responsible and well-rounded individuals.”
Mandatory Attendance Compliance
To facilitate adherence to the 75% attendance requirement, the CBSE has instructed all affiliated schools to ensure the following:
Inform Students and Parents: Schools must communicate the mandatory attendance requirement clearly to both students and parents. The consequences of failing to meet the attendance threshold should be outlined to ensure everyone understands the importance of regular attendance. Any student who is absent due to a medical emergency must apply for leave with appropriate medical documentation immediately after falling ill.
Leave Procedures: In cases of medical emergencies, students are required to submit a leave application along with valid medical documentation without delay. For all other absences, schools should expect students to provide a valid written reason. If students are found absent without proper leave records during CBSE inspections, it will be presumed that they are not attending school regularly, disqualifying them from board examinations.
Attendance Monitoring: Schools must maintain accurate and up-to-date attendance records, with attendance registers signed daily by the class teacher and the competent authority. These records should be readily available for inspection by CBSE officials during surprise visits.
Parental Communication: In instances where a student frequently misses school or fails to meet the attendance requirement, schools should inform parents in writing. This communication should stress the significance of regular attendance and the potential consequences of non-compliance, including the risk of disqualification from board exams.
CBSE Inspections: The Board reserves the right to conduct surprise inspections to verify student attendance records. If discrepancies are found, or if it is evident that students are not attending regularly, the school may face strict penalties, including disaffiliation, and students may be barred from appearing in board exams.
Standard Operating Procedures for Attendance Shortages
In cases where students do not meet the prescribed 75% attendance requirement, schools are mandated to implement specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
Communication of Importance: Schools must inform students and parents about the importance of attendance at the beginning of the academic session.
Sensitization of Attendance Rules: Schools should ensure that students and parents are well aware of the attendance rules and requirements throughout the academic year.
Documentation for Condonation: If a student has a legitimate reason for not meeting the attendance requirement, schools must collect relevant documentation. This includes medical certificates for prolonged illnesses or official documentation for other serious reasons.
Warnings and Notifications: If attendance issues persist, schools are responsible for warning both students and parents, maintaining accurate records of such communications.
Submission of Cases: Schools must submit cases of students with attendance shortages to the concerned regional office of CBSE, along with all necessary documents, by the specified deadlines.
What to Do in Case of Attendance Shortage
In situations where a student has attendance below the required percentage, the following steps should be taken:
Documentation Submission: Parents must provide a formal request along with relevant supporting documents, such as medical certificates or any other proof substantiating the reason for the absence.
School Recommendation: The school will review the case and recommend it for condonation based on the CBSE guidelines, ensuring that all required documents are submitted.
Timely Submission: Schools must ensure that these cases are forwarded to the regional office by the specified deadlines. No requests will be entertained after the set dates, making timely action crucial for students seeking to secure their eligibility for board examinations.
The CBSE’s renewed focus on attendance serves as a reminder of the essential role that consistent schooling plays in shaping well-rounded, responsible individuals prepared for future challenges.

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