CBSE offers second chance to students who were not able to clear a subject or two in the main board exam. The CBSE 10th compartment exams are typically conducted in the month of July after the CBSE 10th main board results have been announced. The compartment exams are essential for students to pass the 10th standard without losing an academic year, and the students get only limited attempts.
The article gives a detailed understanding of the the CBSE 10th compartment exams including the eligibility criteria to appear for the exam, how to apply for the compartment exam, exam fees (if any), the rules of the exam, and other important information.
Eligibility Criteria for the CBSE 10th compartment exam
CBSE has laid out some strict rules to appear for the CBSE 10th compartment exam which the students must fulfil. Check the eligibility criteria below.
- Regular Candidates: Students who appeared in the 2025 CBSE Class 10 exams as regular school candidates and have failed in one subject are eligible.
- Private Candidates: Students who appeared as private candidates and have failed in one or two subjects may apply.
- Absent Candidates: Students who were absent in one subject due to medical or other valid reasons are also eligible.
- Improvement Seekers: Although not classified as compartment, students who passed but wish to improve their marks in a subject can apply under the Improvement Exam category.
CBSE 10th grace marks policy - read here
New rules introduced by CBSE for the CBSE 10th compartment exam
CBSE has introduced some new rules for the compartment exams and the candidates must follow these rules to give the CBSE 10th compartment exams. Students can check these rules below.
- Maximum Three Attempts: Students now have up to three consecutive chances to clear their compartment subject — the first in July 2025, followed by two more in subsequent exam cycles if needed.
- Only One Subject Allowed: Candidates can appear for the compartment exam in only one subject. Those who fail in more than one subject are not eligible and must reappear in all subjects as a private candidate in the following year.
- Internal Assessment Carried Forward: Marks from internal assessments or practicals will be retained from the main exam. Students only need to appear for the theory component of the subject.
- Fresh Admit Card Required: A new admit card must be downloaded for the compartment exam. This will include updated exam center and timing details.
- No Grade Downgrade: If a student passes the compartment exam, the new marks are added to the record. If not passed, previous scores remain unchanged. There's no downgrade of previously passed subjects.
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How to apply for the CBSE compartment exams?
The CBSE compartment exams can be taken easily and the application procedure is not complicated. To apply and appear for the CBSE compartment exams follow the below steps.
- Regular students must apply through their respective schools.
- Private candidates can register via the official CBSE portal: cbse.gov.in
Students must submit their details, select the subject, and pay the exam fee (usually ₹300–₹500 for Indian centers). The last date to apply will be announced soon after the Class 10 results are declared.
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CBSE 10th compartment exam 2025 - New Rules Vs Old Rules
In this section the candidates can understand the basic differences in the new rules and the old rules for the CBSE 10th compartment exams.
Feature / Rule | Old Rules (Before 2025) | New Rules (From 2025 Onwards) |
Eligibility – Regular Students | Failed in 1 subject | Failed in 1 subject |
Eligibility – Private Candidates | Failed in 1 subject | Failed in 1 or 2 subjects |
Number of Attempts Allowed | 1 immediate attempt (max 3 overall) | 3 attempts allowed (consecutive years) |
Timing of First Attempt | July after result declaration | July after result declaration |
Subjects Allowed in Compartment | 1 subject only | 1 subject only |
Internal Assessment Marks | Carried forward | Carried forward |
Practical Marks (if applicable) | Retained | Retained |
Application Mode | Offline (school) and online (private candidates) | Fully online via CBSE portal or school login |
Admit Card | Same as main exam in some years | Fresh admit card issued for every attempt |
Improvement Exam Option | Allowed in any subject | Still allowed, but separate from compartment exams |
Result Labeling | “Compartment – Pass” mentioned on marksheet | Same (No mention of original failure if passed) |
Grade/Score Impact | Only subject appeared gets updated | Only subject appeared gets updated |
Reappearance After 3 Attempts | Must reappear as private candidate | Same rule continues |
