CBSE Tightens Exam Security, Warns Schools Against Illegal Fee Collection
New Delhi, April 2026:
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued strict new directives aimed at strengthening examination integrity and protecting students from unfair practices. The move comes ahead of the ongoing and upcoming board examination processes, with the board reinforcing its commitment to transparency, fairness, and accountability in the education system.
In an official circular, CBSE has placed strong emphasis on maintaining strict confidentiality of question papers. Schools, examination centres, and staff have been clearly instructed that question papers must not be accessed, shared, or mishandled under any circumstances before the completion of the examination. The board has laid down detailed protocols for the secure storage, handling, and distribution of exam materials to prevent leaks and ensure a fair testing environment for all students. Any breach of these guidelines will be treated as a serious violation and may result in strict disciplinary action against those responsible.
The directive highlights CBSE’s zero-tolerance policy towards exam-related malpractice, a step seen as crucial in maintaining the credibility of one of India’s largest school education boards. The board has also cautioned teachers and administrators against even indirect sharing or discussion of question papers, including with subject experts, to eliminate any possibility of misuse.
In a separate but equally significant move, CBSE has warned schools against collecting unauthorised fees from students, particularly during the submission of the List of Candidates (LOC) for the Class 10 second board examination. The board took action after receiving complaints that some schools were demanding additional charges, including advance tuition fees, at the time of registration.
Clarifying its position, CBSE has stated that only the prescribed examination fee is allowed, and no extra charges—such as tuition or administrative fees—should be linked to the LOC process. Schools have been directed to immediately discontinue such practices, as they are in clear violation of CBSE norms. Any institution found guilty of overcharging may face strict consequences.
The board has also outlined a structured three-phase LOC submission process to ensure transparency. In the first phase, schools are required to submit student details without collecting any fee, while in later phases, students can make necessary changes and pay the official examination fee to finalise their candidature.
These measures reflect CBSE’s broader effort to create a fair, student-friendly, and secure examination system. By tightening rules on confidentiality and regulating fee collection, the board aims to eliminate malpractice, reduce financial burden on students, and uphold the integrity of the examination process across the country.
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