The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has outlined a fee structure that includes additional fees for the board exams in 2026. The fees have been slightly increased to meet the costs of the operations and to elevate the exam infrastructure. Discover what the price changes are and the details that students need to know.
CBSE has increased the examination fees of both regular and private candidates who will take the 2026 board exams. The revised fee structure is for the students in India as well as those studying abroad, and there are different rates for SC/ST students and for the students who want to take extra subjects or practical exams.
Revised Fee Structure for Class 10 and 12
The following table outlines the updated fees for various categories of students:
Category
Fee Type
Previous Fee
Revised Fee
Increase
Indian Students
5 Subjects
INR 1,500
INR 1,600
INR 100
Extra Subject
INR 300
INR 320
INR 20
Practical (per subject)
INR 150
INR 160
INR 10
Overseas Students
5 Subjects
INR 10,000
INR 11,000
INR 1,000
Extra Subject
INR 2,000
INR 2,200
INR 200
Practical (per subject)
INR 350
INR 375
INR 25
Key Changes Introduced
Fee Hike Across Categories: The increase ranges from INR 100 to INR 200 for Indian students and up to INR 1,000 for overseas candidates.
Uniformity in Class 10 and 12 Fees: Both grades now share the same base fee structure, simplifying the registration process.
Higher Charges for Private Candidates: Private students will pay INR 200 more than regular candidates, reflecting additional administrative handling.
Practical Exam Fee Raised: Practical exam fees have been increased by INR 10 to INR 25, depending on the location of the candidate.
Important Dates for 2026 Board Exams
CBSE has also released tentative timelines for the 2026 board exams:
Exam Level
Expected Start Date
Expected End Date
Registration Deadline
Class 10
Mid-February 2026
Early March 2026 (est.)
November 2025*
Class 12
Late February 2026
Early April 2026
November 2025*
Students are advised to check the official CBSE website regularly for updates on the final schedule and registration process.
What Students Should Keep in Mind
To ensure a smooth registration and exam experience, students should:
Register early to avoid late fees or technical issues
Confirm category status (General or SC/ST) with school authorities
Budget for additional subjects or practicals if applicable
Track announcements on CBSE’s official portal for any changes
School Responsibilities
CBSE connected schools should:
Communicate the new fee structure to students and parents
Make the process of registration and fee payment comfortable through the online mode
Check the details of the student and the correctness of the category
Help the students who want to take an additional subject or appear in the practical exam
