Board exam season has begun across CBSE, CISCE, and all State Boards, and lakhs of students are preparing to take their important Class 10 and 12 papers. During this crucial time, one of the most discussed concerns is:
What happens if a student misses a CBSE board exam?
A recent report by India Today highlights an important clarification:
CBSE does not conduct a re-exam if a student misses their scheduled board paper—whether due to illness, personal emergencies, or any other circumstances.
This policy is derived from the Board’s established exam rules communicated to schools through circulars.
While this may sound worrying at first, understanding the rule correctly will help students prepare calmly and responsibly.
📌 What CBSE Has Clarified
According to the policy (as described in India Today’s coverage based on CBSE exam rules):
➡ No re-exam will be conducted for any missed subject paper.
Even if the absence is due to:
- sudden illness
- family emergency
- personal reasons
- travel delays
- incorrect planning
Students are required to appear strictly on the scheduled date and time.
What Happens If You Fall Sick on Exam Day
If a student is unwell but still reaches the examination centre and attempts the paper:
- They are allowed to appear for the exam as usual.
- Invigilators may offer basic assistance (like water or comfortable seating).
- No extra time is granted for illness unless explicitly approved by CBSE rules.
- Once a student sits for the paper, it is officially marked as attempted, and they cannot later request special consideration or re‑evaluation due to sickness.
If You Are Hospitalised or Unable to Appear
- If the student cannot reach the centre due to serious illness or hospitalisation, the paper is simply marked as absent.
- In such cases, having a medical certificate does not qualify you for a re‑exam.
CBSE treats all absences — whether due to illness or personal reasons — the same under its evaluation policy. So, missing even one subject paper can affect your overall pass status.
Family Emergency or Personal Reasons
Many students wonder whether CBSE provides exceptions for family emergencies, bereavement, or other serious personal situations. The board’s current policy does not allow re‑exams or exemptions, even in these situations.
Grace Marks Policy and Absence
CBSE’s grace marks system is used only in specific scenarios related to marginal score adjustments after evaluation — not for absences. If you miss a paper, grace marks do not apply to change your absence to an attended status.
What Should Students Do If Sick on Exam Day?
Here are practical steps to take:
🔹 Notify your school immediately if you are sick and unable to attend.
🔹 Submit all medical documentation to the school for record‑keeping (though it won’t qualify for a re‑exam).
🔹 Stay in close touch with your school’s exam coordinator for guidance on next steps.
Key Takeaways
➡ CBSE does not provide make‑up exams for missed board papers due to sickness, even with medical certificates.
➡ Attempting the exam while unwell still counts as an attempted paper, with no special accommodations.
➡ There are no exceptions for family emergencies or bereavement in CBSE’s current policy.
🎯 Why This Policy Exists
CBSE conducts exams for millions of students across India and abroad.
Allowing individual re-exams leads to:
- logistical challenges
- risk of paper leaks
- unfair advantages
- extended exam timelines
Thus, to maintain fairness and uniformity, CBSE adheres to this strict rule.
📝 What Students MUST Do
1. Reach the Exam Centre Early
Aim to reach 45–60 minutes before reporting time.
2. Double-Check Your Exam Date Sheet
Many students get confused between morning/evening shifts or similar subject names.
3. Keep All Documents Ready
- Admit Card
- School ID
- Required stationery
- Extra pens
4. Stay Healthy & Rested
A clear mind reduces mistakes and panic.
5. Follow Your School’s Instructions Carefully
Schools receive official circulars from CBSE and have the latest updates.
| Going to write your Board Exams? Check Dos and Dont’s for class 10 and 12 students https://growinjob.com/board-exams-are-beginning-warm-guidance-dos-donts-best-wishes-for-class-10-12-students/ |
🌟 A Warm Word to Students from GrowInJob.com
This period can feel overwhelming, but remember:
🌼 Your teachers, seniors, and parents have guided you through similar advice many times — not to pressure you, but to help you succeed.
🌼 Every board—CBSE, CISCE, or State—expects the same: calm preparation and discipline.
🌼 You have worked hard for months. Trust your effort.
Exams are only one chapter of your journey, not the entire story.
You can do this — and you will do well.
GrowInJob.com wishes every student strength, focus, and success in the 2026 board exams. 💛📘
📚 Useful Links:
- CBSE Official Website
https://cbse.gov.in - India Today Education Report (Policy Summary Mentioned Above)
(Reflects CBSE’s exam rules as communicated to schools)
https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/tips-and-tricks/story/cbse-board-exams-no-re-exam-policy-for-missed-papers-illness-emergencies-2865873-2026-02-10
🛡 GrowInJob.com Advisory
This article is created to guide students based on publicly available information and credible educational reporting. Students must always follow instructions issued by their school and CBSE.
⚠ Disclaimer
This article is prepared using publicly available information for awareness purposes. For the latest and official updates, always refer to the CBSE website.
GrowInJob.com does not provide legal or official interpretation of CBSE policies.
🔗 Full Disclaimer & Fraud Alert:
https://growinjob.com/home/disclaimer-fraud-alert/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will CBSE give a re-exam if I miss a paper due to fever or illness?
No. CBSE has confirmed that no re-exam will be conducted.
What if I have a medical certificate?
A medical certificate will not grant a re-exam.
What if I miss the board exam due to an emergency?
You must reappear in next exam.
Where can I check official CBSE updates?
📌 Official CBSE Website: https://cbse.gov.in/
