CBSE Direct Admission Instruction: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a strict directive to affiliated schools: all direct admissions and subject-change requests for Classes 10 and 12 for the 2025-26 session must be completed by August 31, 2025. The board has required schools to compile cases in tabular form, attach required documents, and forward records to the respective CBSE Regional Offices by September 2, 2025. Principals and examination in-charges are explicitly held accountable for compliance.
Key actions and deadlines are now fixed: schools must finalise direct admissions and subject changes by August 31; Regional Offices will process and clear requests by September 15; exceptions for parent transfers in government service must follow a two-day Harkara submission protocol; and four new CBSE regional offices will become operational from September 1, 2025. Non-compliance or late entries are likely to be rejected, so timely, accurate submission is essential.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Central Board of Secondary Education |
| Scope | Direct admissions and subject changes for Classes 10 and 12 (academic year 2025-26) |
| School deadline for admissions/changes | August 31, 2025 |
| Schools to forward compiled records to RO by | September 2, 2025 |
| Regional Office clearance deadline | September 15, 2025 |
| Exceptional case protocol | Parent transfer in government service: send documents to Regional Office within two days of admission via Harkara |
| New Regional Offices (operational from Sept 1, 2025) | Lucknow, Gurugram, Ranchi, Raipur |
| Temporary handling until Sept 1 | Parent offices: Prayagraj, Panchkula, Patna, Bhubaneswar |
| Sub-regional routing for 2025-26 | Agartala, Itanagar, Gangtok through Guwahati RO |
| Required submission format | Tabular compilation per class with supporting documents |
| Accountability | Principal/Head of Institution responsible for accuracy and timeliness |
| Consequences | Late or incorrect submissions may be rejected; students could be ineligible for exams |
| Official circulars and portal | CBSE official website |
| WhatsApp Official Channel | Join WhatsApp Channel |
| Telegram Official Channel | Join Telegram Channel |
What the CBSE notice requires schools to include and verify
The board has asked schools to prepare separate tabular lists for Class 10 and Class 12 cases. Each record must include:
- Student name as per school and government ID
- Date of birth and admission number
- Previous school details where applicable
- Class/stream and subject codes before and after change (where relevant)
- Category, reservation status and supporting certificate references
- Reason for direct admission or subject change (transfer, migration, late admission, etc.)
- Date of admission and signature of the Principal with school stamp
Incomplete entries will be returned for clarification. The board has stressed that documents must be attached in the format specified in the circular and that scanned copies must be clear and legible.
Step-by-step workflow schools should follow now
- Create a project timetable with internal cutoffs: complete initial data collection by August 20 and internal verification by August 27, to allow time for final sign-off.
- Assign responsibilities: designate a LOC/admissions officer, a verifier (different staff member), and a senior signatory (Principal).
- Collate documents: admission forms, transfer certificates, parent transfer orders, proof of identity, caste/income/disability certificates where applicable.
- Prepare the tabular lists separately for Class 10 and Class 12, following CBSE’s template if provided.
- Validate subject codes against the CBSE subject-code list to prevent mismatches.
- Obtain parental signatures on any required consent forms for subject changes.
- Forward compiled tables and documents to the Regional Office by registered email/upload portal or as specified; retain proof of submission and acknowledgement.
- Monitor the Regional Office response and act promptly on any queries or requests for clarification.
Special-case handling and acceptable reasons for post-deadline admissions
CBSE has made a narrow exception for admissions prompted by transfer of a parent in government service. In such cases:
- The school must admit the student and send all documents to the concerned Regional Office so they reach within two days via Harkara.
- The Regional Office will process these urgent cases on priority.
Other reasons for late admission or subject change are unlikely to be accepted once the August 31 cutoff passes; schools should not rely on ad hoc approvals.
Subject-change specifics: what to check before approving
When a student requests a subject change, schools must:
- Confirm the student meets prerequisites for the new subject (previous study, minimum marks where applicable).
- Ensure the student’s timetable and teaching resources allow the change without disrupting learning.
- Capture the exact old and new subject codes, examination group (theory/practical), and whether practical facilities are available.
- Obtain written parental consent and the Principal’s sign-off before forwarding to the Regional Office.
Regional restructuring: what schools should know
From September 1, 2025, four new CBSE Regional Offices come into operation: Lucknow, Gurugram, Ranchi, and Raipur. Until they are functional, their pending cases will be handled by parent offices:
- Lucknow’s cases by Prayagraj RO
- Gurugram’s cases by Panchkula RO
- Ranchi’s cases by Patna RO
- Raipur’s cases by Bhubaneswar RO
Additionally, three sub-regional offices (Agartala, Itanagar, Gangtok) will route matters through Guwahati RO for the 2025-26 cycle. Schools should route submissions to the office specified in the circular to avoid delays.
Documentation, verification and audit readiness
CBSE has warned that schools must keep originals and scanned copies for audit. Records to retain:
- Admission forms and transfer certificates
- Parent transfer orders where relevant
- Caste, income, and disability certificates with issuing authority details
- Parental consent forms for subject changes
- Proof of submission to the Regional Office and any email acknowledgements
These records should be maintained for the entire examination year and handed over if CBSE initiates an audit.
Communication with students and parents
Principals should schedule briefings to explain:
- The August 31 deadline and implications of non-compliance
- Documentation required for direct admission and subject changes
- Expected timelines for Regional Office decisions (up to September 15)
- How to appeal or raise queries through the school if a request is rejected
Clear, proactive communication reduces last-minute pressure and lowers the risk of rejected submissions.
Accountability and likely outcomes if rules are not followed
The notice places responsibility squarely with school leadership. CBSE’s warning is explicit: “no cases of direct admission or subject change case should be entertained by the schools after 31st August 2025.” Schools that submit incomplete or incorrect dossiers may face:
- Rejection of admissions or subject-change requests
- Students rendered ineligible to appear in the scheduled board examinations
- Administrative follow-up or audit from CBSE Regional Offices
Acting early and following the board’s prescribed formats will reduce exposure to these risks.
Practical checklist for the final week before the August 31 cutoff
- Run a roll call and confirm each candidate’s documentation is complete.
- Cross-check subject codes against the master list.
- Ensure APAAR ID or other board-specific identifiers are included if required by CBSE circulars.
- Get final sign-off from Principal and head clerk.
- Submit compiled tables to the Regional Office and obtain an acknowledgement receipt.
- Inform parents of the submission and expected timeline for confirmation.
Where to find official instructions and help
All official circulars, templates and contact details for Regional Offices are published on the CBSE website; schools should consult the latest circular and the Regional Office contact list before submission. If technical or process queries arise, use the CBSE helpline channels listed in the circular and retain email or ticket numbers for follow-up.
Principals and school managers should treat these deadlines as non-negotiable operational tasks that affect student eligibility. Careful planning, early validation and rigorous documentation are the best defenses against avoidable errors.
