To appear in the CBSE Class 12 board exam as a regular candidate, you must be a bona fide student of a CBSE-affiliated school and be registered by your school through the LOC. Students who are not eligible as regular candidates may apply as private candidates in specified categories.

Regular Candidates

• Studying Class 12 in a CBSE-affiliated school, admitted as per CBSE’s rules.

• Registered in the school’s List of Candidates (LOC) with correct data and valid subject combinations.

• Meeting CBSE’s attendance requirement of 75% (relaxation only on valid documented grounds).

• Subjects offered must follow the CBSE Scheme of Studies; invalid combinations are treated as not eligible.

Private Candidates

Private candidates apply online directly to CBSE. As reported for 2026-27, categories include Essential Repeat or Fail candidates, those short of attendance, compartment candidates of 2026, and candidates who passed in 2026 and want to improve their performance. See the next subsection for details.

Key Takeaways

• Regular students are registered through their school’s LOC.

• 75% attendance is required.

• Only valid subject combinations under the Scheme of Studies are accepted.

Pro Tip: Ask your school for your LOC data verification slip and check every detail — errors on your marksheet are hard to fix later.

Source: CBSE LOC circular 2026-27; CBSE page on attendance shortage; private candidate categories as reported (secondary)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can appear for the CBSE Class 12 exam as a regular student?

Students of CBSE-affiliated schools who are registered by their school through the LOC and meet attendance and subject rules.

Is 75% attendance compulsory for CBSE Class 12?

Yes, 75% attendance is required. Relaxation is possible only on valid, documented grounds.

Can I choose any combination of subjects?

No. Only combinations allowed under the CBSE Scheme of Studies are accepted.