CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)
A national board of the Government of India, under the Ministry of Education.
Overview
The Central Board of Secondary Education is a national board under the Government of India's Ministry of Education. It affiliates government and private schools across India, as well as schools in other countries.
Delhi has no separate state board, so Delhi government schools are affiliated to CBSE. Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas also follow CBSE.
Exams
Class X: Secondary School Examination
From 2026, Class X students sit a main board exam and can take a second exam later in the year to improve their scores.
Class XII: Senior School Certificate Examination
Students choose subjects within a stream such as science, commerce or humanities, depending on what the school offers.
How assessment works
- Board exams are held in the first months of the year, and results are usually declared between April and May. In 2026 Class X results came on 15 April and Class XII results on 13 May.
- Most subjects combine a written board exam with internal assessment or practical work marked in school.
- CBSE did not publish a merit list of toppers in 2026.
After school: college admissions
- A CBSE Class XII certificate is accepted for admission by universities across India.
- Entrance exams such as JEE, NEET and CUET are open to CBSE students who meet each exam's subject rules.
- Because CBSE works across India, students can usually move between CBSE schools in different states without changing board.
By the numbers
Board results
Choosing a CBSE school: what to check
- Check the school's affiliation number and details in its mandatory public disclosure on its website.
- For Classes XI and XII, ask which streams and subject combinations the school actually offers.
- Ask how the school prepares students for the second Class X exam, if your child may need it.
CBSE schools on The School Chronicles
- Ahlcon International SchoolPrivate
- Ahlcon Public SchoolPrivate
- Apeejay School, PitampuraPrivate
- Apeejay School, SaketPrivate
- Apeejay School, Sheikh SaraiPrivate
Frequently asked questions
Can Class X students take the CBSE board exam twice?
Yes. From 2026, Class X students can take a second board exam later in the year to improve their scores.
Does Delhi have its own state board?
No. Delhi government schools are affiliated to CBSE.
What was the CBSE Class XII pass percentage in 2026?
The board reported 85.20% for Class XII and 93.70% for Class X in 2026.
Sources
- CBSE official website
- News On Air: CBSE declares Class XII results (13 May 2026)
- Careers360: CBSE Class XII 2026 candidate numbers
Figures are as published by the board or the cited source when checked. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Have a question about CBSE? Ask us.
