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The CBSE has implemented a significant change in its regulations to crack down on cheating during board examinations. Now, if a student is caught cheating, they will no longer have the opportunity to pass by substituting marks from other subjects; instead, they will be required to retake the examination for that specific subject.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken a major decision to curb cheating in the Class 10 and 12 board examinations. Under the new rules, if a student is caught using unfair means during an examination, the result for that specific subject will be cancelled. Furthermore, the provision allowing students to pass by substituting the marks of a sixth or seventh subject for the cancelled subject has now been abolished.

What Was the Previous Rule?

Previously, the CBSE board had a system in place where, if a student was caught cheating in a particular subject—leading to the cancellation of their result for that subject—they could substitute it with the marks obtained in their additional (i.e., sixth or seventh) subject. Due to this rule, many students were able to pass based on their aggregate scores. According to previous CBSE records, in the main examinations held in 2025, approximately 30 to 40 percent of students were declared ‘Pass’ with the help of additional subject marks, despite having been caught using unfair means.

Why Did CBSE Change the Rules?

During a review meeting, the Board observed that many students were misusing the provision of passing via additional subject marks. This practice had the potential to compromise the fairness and transparency of the examinations. Consequently, the CBSE decided to amend this rule and implement stricter measures to deal with cases of cheating.

What Are the New Rules Now?

According to the new regulations implemented by the CBSE, if a student is caught cheating in any subject, the result for that specific subject will be cancelled immediately. Additionally, students will no longer be permitted to substitute that subject with the marks from any additional subject. Such students will be placed in the ‘Compartment’ category and will be required to retake the examination for that specific subject. This new rule will be applicable to both the Class 10 and Class 12 CBSE Board examinations starting from the year 2026. An important piece of advice for students: CBSE’s decision makes it clear that discipline and integrity are of paramount importance in the Board examinations. If any student is caught cheating, they will face direct consequences and will be required to retake the examination for that specific subject.