The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that only students studying in regular schools can appear for the Class 12 board exams. The decision is aimed at addressing concerns about the growing number of students enrolling in “dummy schools” to focus exclusively on competitive exams such as engineering and medical entrance exams.
CBSE to Disqualify Dummy School Students
The CBSE is planning to amend its exam rules to bar students from non-functioning or “dummy schools” from taking the Class 12 exams. Instead, these students will be directed to appear for the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) exams. The move is part of the CBSE’s effort to curb the growing number of dummy schools that let students skip regular schooling and take only board exams.
A senior CBSE official said that students who do not come to school or are not present during surprise inspections may be denied board exams. The students and their parents will also be responsible for this.
CBSE Enforces Strict Attendance Rules for Class 12 Board Exams
CBSE has put the onus of maintaining regular school attendance on students and their parents. The board has warned that students enrolled in dummy schools who fail to meet attendance requirements may face severe consequences. Schools promoting such practices will also be penalised as per CBSE’s Affiliation and Examination Bye-laws.
New Attendance Rule Effective from 2025-26
During the recent governing board meeting, CBSE decided to implement new attendance rules from the 2025-26 academic session. As per CBSE guidelines, students must maintain at least 75% attendance to pass the class 12 board exams.
A CBSE official confirmed that merely enrolling in a non-attending school does not guarantee eligibility for board exams. Students who fail to meet the attendance criteria may have to take their exams through NIOS.
CBSE to Enforce Attendance Rules
CBSE has allowed 25% attendance exemption for students facing serious challenges such as medical emergencies or attending national and international sporting events. However, the board will strictly monitor these exceptions to prevent misuse.
CBSE to Penalize Schools Promoting Dummy Admissions
CBSE plans to take disciplinary action against schools that support dummy admissions by referring students for board exams without meeting attendance requirements. The board is also considering collaborating with NIOS to set up clear guidelines for students with low attendance, which will be announced in the next academic session.
Why Students Opt for Dummy Schools
Many students preparing for competitive exams such as engineering and medical entrance exams, opt for dummy schools to avoid regular schooling and focus only on exam preparation. However, the CBSE has raised concerns about the long-term academic impact of bypassing structured learning throughout the academic year.
CBSE Cracks Down on Dummy Schools and State Quota Misuse
Many students enrol in dummy schools to get state-specific quotas for medical and engineering admissions. For example, students completing Class 12 in Delhi can claim the Delhi state quota in medical colleges, making dummy schools a popular option in the capital. This practice has raised concerns about fairness in admissions.
CBSE Strengthens Regulations Against Dummy Schools
CBSE is stepping up efforts to curb the growing number of dummy schools where students skip regular classes to focus only on entrance exams. The board aims to enforce strict attendance rules to ensure that students get a holistic education instead of just appearing for board exams.
Strict Attendance Rules for Class 12 Students
As per the new policies of CBSE, students and parents should prioritise regular school attendance. Those failing to meet the 75% attendance requirement may be barred from board exams and advised to take the NIOS route. These measures reflect CBSE’s commitment to maintaining the credibility of its exams and fully engaging students in academic education.
Read More:
- Goa Board HSSC Result 2025 Announced: Check Your Scores Online
- MP Board Results 2025: Class 5 and 8 Out Today at 1 PM; Where & How to Check
