The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a major policy change for private candidates of Class 10 and 12, creating a wave of concern among students preparing for future competitive exams. Starting with the 2026 board examinations, private students will no longer be allowed to choose additional subjects, a decision that many believe could restrict their career opportunities.
Until now, students who had already cleared their Class 10 or 12 exams could reappear as private candidates to take one or two additional subjects. This flexibility allowed them to meet eligibility criteria for professional courses like engineering (JEE) or medical (NEET), where certain subject combinations such as Mathematics or Biology are mandatory. For example, a Class 12 graduate from the Science stream could later add Mathematics as an extra subject to qualify for engineering entrance tests.
However, a recent CBSE notice for the 2026 private board exams revealed that the option to select an additional subject is no longer available. The board explained that conducting internal assessments for private candidates in additional subjects is not feasible, prompting this decision.
With this new rule, private students can now only appear for the subjects they had originally studied in their Class 12 exams. This change is worrying students who planned to expand their academic profile. Many fear their career pathways may narrow without the chance to add crucial subjects like Mathematics, History, Geography, Accounts, or Business Studies.
Students who had been preparing for months were shocked by the sudden change. For instance, Pratima from Kirti Nagar shared that she passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 2014 and now wishes to appear for JEE. She had planned to take Mathematics as an additional subject but can no longer do so. Similarly, Surbhi from Mayur Vihar pointed out that many entrance exams require Mathematics, and without this option, meeting eligibility criteria will become difficult.
Following student backlash, CBSE issued a public notice stating that while private candidates can no longer take fresh additional subjects, regular students may still opt for up to two additional subjects in Class 10 and one in Class 12 during their regular schooling. However, these students must study the additional subject for two full years. The board also clarified that if a school has not received CBSE approval for a particular subject or lacks proper facilities like labs or qualified teachers, students cannot select that subject at all.
Despite the new restriction, private students can still apply for the 2026 exams under existing subject combinations until September 30, 2025. Meanwhile, many have appealed to CBSE to reconsider its decision and allow private candidates the same flexibility as before.
CBSE’s decision aims to streamline assessments, but students fear it will block alternative career routes. With applications closing soon, aspiring candidates are urging the board to rethink the policy to avoid limiting opportunities for those who wish to pursue higher studies in competitive fields.
