The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has just published the official timeline for Class 10 and 12 private candidates to register and file their application forms for the 2026 exams.
This CBSE exam schedule private candidates release is an essential guideline for students who don’t study through regular school but need to appear for board exams independently.
Here’s everything you need to know about the deadlines, process, and what steps you should take right away.
Application Period & Important Deadlines
CBSE has laid out two windows for private candidates to submit their exam forms and complete the List of Candidates (LOC) submission:
Without Late Fee: Students must submit their LOC and forms between September 29 to September 30, 2025. This applies to both Class X and Class XII private applicants.
With Late Fee: An extended period runs from October 3 to October 11, 2025, allowing those who miss the initial window to apply—though with additional fees.
These dates are crucial under the CBSE exam schedule private candidates framework, as missing them could mean exclusion or further penalties.
Additional Provisions for Special Candidates
CBSE has also made special arrangements for CWSN (Children With Special Needs) who require exemptions or modifications under the Web Module feature.
CWSN candidates must submit their requests and fill relevant parts between September 9 to September 22, 2025.
If applying during the late window with fee, the CWSN module remains open from October 3 to October 8, 2025.
These measures aim to ensure that all candidates, regardless of circumstances, have clarity and time to make their application.
What “LOC Submission” Means & How to Do It
LOC stands for “List of Candidates”. It signals CBSE that an institution will handle the exam registration, forms, and verification for those students.
In context of the CBSE exam schedule private candidates, private candidates must:
Fill in the required forms via CBSE’s application portal.
Upload or submit documents needed based on the Class (10 or 12).
For those paying via challan (if available), complete submission by September 22, 2025, without late fee option.
Why This Schedule Matters
For private candidates, knowing the CBSE exam schedule private candidates timeline is more than just dates—it’s about preparing well in advance. Here’s how it helps:
Allows time to arrange documents, apply for exemptions if needed.
Helps plan revision schedules, especially if applying during the late window.
Ensures no surprises regarding fees or missed opportunities.
Gives clarity to CWSN candidates about adjustments or accommodations.
Things You Should Do Right Now
If you are a private candidate, here are immediate steps:
Check that you have all required documents.
Mark all deadlines on your calendar.
Decide whether you’ll apply within the regular window or late, and be ready with extra fees.
If you are CWSN or need special consideration, start the exemption process early.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
Q1: Who is considered a private candidate under CBSE?
Ans: Private candidates are those not studying in affiliated schools regularly but need to appear for board exams independently under CBSE regulations.
Q2: What happens if I miss the September 30 deadline?
Ans: You can still apply during the late window (October 3-11) but will need to pay an additional fee.
Q3: What are the special provisions for CWSN (Children With Special Needs)?
Ans: CWSN candidates have an earlier window (Sept 9-22) to submit accommodation/exemption requests and a late window (Oct 3-8) as well.
Q4: Do I need to submit a List of Candidates (LOC)?
Ans: Yes. Submission of LOC signals that your details are properly registered and validated under the CBSE exam schedule private candidates process.
Q5: Is payment by challan accepted?
Ans: Yes. Candidates using challan must complete their application by September 22, before the regular deadline, for valid processing without late fee.
