CBSE Board Exams 2026: APAAR ID Mandatory for Classes 9-12, Exam Fees Revised

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced major changes for the 2026 academic year that will impact lakhs of students across India and abroad. The two biggest updates are:

Mandatory APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) registration for all students in Classes 9, 10, 11, and 12.

Revised CBSE exam fees for board and internal examinations.

These changes are part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 vision, aimed at digitizing student records and streamlining academic administration.

What is APAAR ID?

The APAAR ID is a unique, lifelong academic identification number for every student in India. It is designed to:

Securely store academic records such as marksheets, transfer certificates, and co-curricular achievements.

Enable digital verification of educational qualifications by universities and employers.

Integrate with the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), which allows students to accumulate and transfer learning credits between institutions.

Support paperless, transparent, and faster academic processes.

This ID will remain with the student throughout their educational journey, from school to college and beyond.

Why CBSE Made APAAR ID Mandatory for Classes 9 to 12

CBSE has made APAAR ID compulsory starting from the 2026 session because:

Board exam application forms will be linked directly to APAAR IDs.

It will prevent duplication of student records.

Helps in tracking academic progress across schools, states, and boards.

Aligns CBSE with the government’s national digital education initiatives.

Without an APAAR ID, students may not be able to register for board exams in 2026.

CBSE Revised Exam Fees 2026 – Key Changes

The revised exam fee structure affects both regular students and private candidates.

While the exact fee amounts depend on the subject combination and whether the student is in India or abroad, changes include:

Increased registration fee per subject for board exams.

Higher charges for practical exams in science, fine arts, and vocational subjects.

Additional late fee penalties for delayed submissions.

Adjustments in migration certificate fees and re-evaluation charges.

How to Apply for APAAR ID – Step-by-Step

• Contact Your School – Schools will initiate APAAR registration for all students.
• Submit Required Documents – Aadhaar card, school ID, and basic details.
• Verify via OTP – Parents or students will confirm details via registered mobile number.
• Receive APAAR ID – This unique number will be used for all academic activities.

Benefits of APAAR ID for Students

• No need to carry or store physical marksheets.
• Faster admission processes in colleges and universities.
• Easy retrieval of academic records anywhere in India.
• Useful for scholarship applications and overseas education verification.

Important Deadlines for 2026 CBSE Exams

• APAAR Registration Deadline – Before exam application submission starts.
• Exam Fee Payment Last Date – As per CBSE schedule (avoid late fee penalties).
• Exam Form Submission – Must be done through APAAR-linked accounts only.

The mandatory APAAR ID and revised exam fee structure mark a major shift in how CBSE conducts its examinations and manages student records. While this will require some adjustments initially, it will greatly benefit students in the long run by making academic documentation secure, accessible, and future-ready.

CBSE advises schools, parents, and students to act early—register for the APAAR ID, understand the updated fee structure, and keep track of official deadlines to ensure a smooth examination process in 2026.

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