CBSE has always strived to support the holistic development of students. In a welcome move for aspiring athletes and bright minds the Board has formalised a clear policy to ensure students don't have to choose between sports and their academics. The move provides a structured framework for students to manage their Board exams while participating in important sports events and prestigious Olympiads.
CBSE circular on student sports provisions
Provisions for CBSE Students Participating in Sports and Olympiads
Since March 2018, CBSE has given students a special chance by holding separate exams for those participating in National and International Sports Events or International Olympiads. This applies when CBSE Board exam dates clash with these events or related travel, as recognised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Homi Bhabha Center for Science Education (HBSCE).
New Introduction in Relation with the Current Provisions for CBSE Students
CBSE will now conduct two Board examinations for Class 10. The first exam is scheduled for mid-February 2026, and the second will be held in May 2026, with the special exam for sports students also included in the second exam.
Guidelines for CBSE Schools and Students Regarding the Special Board examinations
For Class 10
- The students participating in the sports events or Olympiads have to compulsorily fill the LOC for the main exam.
- Sports students will be allowed to appear only in the second Board exam in the subjects whose exam clash with their events.
- Other than these two examinations, no special exam will be held for students participating in sports events.
- Sports students placed in the compartment category will have to appear in the Board exams held in the next year February/March.
- It is necessary for such students to obtain permission from CBSE for exemption in the first exam.
- Schools must timely communicate these changes to respective students and their parents as well as the teachers.
- Timely submission of internal assessment must be ensured by all schools.
- CBSE shall issue FAQs regarding the maximum subject combinations for students.
- The LOC for sports students will be filled along with other students to ensure they can appear in the second Board exams if dates clash with their sports events.
- Schools shall ensure that the internal assessment, practical exams, and student records are updated and aligned with the prescribed schedule by the Board.
For Class 12
There is no change in the scheme for Class 12 Board exams. For the students whose sports event clash with the examination, the examinations will be re-conducted after the first examinations are over.
Schools must provide these instructions and SOPs to all their students who are likely to participate in a National or International Sports Event and International Olympiads, well in time so that the students can avail the benefit of this initiative by CBSE.
Standard Opening Positions for CBSE Class 10 and 12
| Sr. no. | Activity | Schedule |
| 1 | Students to ask for permissions to avail special opportunity in the Board exams. | By 15 December, 2025 |
| 2 | Schools to request for issuing the certificate of participation to the respective authorities | By 15 December, 2025 |
| 3 | Schools to send their recommendation along with the participation certificate to the concerned Regional Office | By 15 December, 2025 |
| 4 | Regional Office to communicate the approval of concerned school | By 30 December, 2025 |
| 5 | Conduct of rescheduled examination | Preferably within 15 days from the last examination the main Board examinations of the concerned year. |
Eligibility to Avail the Special Opportunity for CBSE Board Exams
- Applies only to sports recognised by SAI/BCCI and Olympiads recognised by HBCSE.
- Available only for main theory exams that clash with the event or travel dates for the event.
- Not applicable for Supplementary Exams.
- Not applicable for practical exams, projects, or internal assessments, as schools can reschedule these.
- No extra attendance exemptions beyond existing CBSE rules.
- Not applicable for training or selection camps.
- No requests will be accepted beyond the given schedule.
- A valid ‘Certificate of Participation’ from SAI/BCCI/HBCSE in prescribed format must be submitted.
- School heads or organisations must forward the certificates and recommendations to CBSE Regional Offices for eligible cases only.
- No special exam will be held for individual students outside the Board’s fixed schedule.
- SAI/BCCI/HBCSE must host participation certificates on their websites for verification.
- Students cannot appear in Supplementary Exams, as all Class 12 subjects are held in a single day.
- Certificates must be issued only by the nodal officers of the concerned organisations.
- The decision by CBSE will be final and binding on all schools and students.
- Any requests against the policy will not be considered, and schools will be responsible for wrong actions.
- Invalid recommendations from SAI/BCCI/HBCSE will not be accepted by CBSE.
- School principals must give an undertaking that the applications forwarded follows Board policy; otherwise, CBSE can reject them.
- CBSE may change these rules and SOPs at any time.
Final Word
Through this initiative, CBSE ensures students pursuing both academics and sports get equal opportunities without neglecting either. These initiatives promote fitness, discipline, teamwork, and hard work, while supporting students’ overall growth through both in curricular and co-curricular activities.
Did you struggle balancing sports and academics? Tell us your views on this initiative by CBSE in the comments below.
Source
Official Notice by CBSE, 15 September, 2025: click here to read.
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per the CBSE, Education Ministry, and Government of India.
