CBSE Class 10 Compartment Exam 2025: Form, Dates, Eligibility, Admit Card

The CBSE Class 10 compartment exam, now officially termed the Supplementary Exam as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, is a crucial opportunity for students who did not pass one or two subjects in their Class 10 board exams. This blogpost provides a detailed overview of the CBSE Class 10 compartment exam 2025, covering what it is, who is eligible, the subjects allowed, its importance, and the passing criteria. Read this article till the end to know the correct and accurate information about CBSE Compartment/Supplementary Exams.

What is a Compartment Exam?

The CBSE Class 10 compartment exam is a second chance for students who fail to secure the minimum passing marks (33%) in one or two subjects in the main board examinations. Unlike the main exams, which cover all subjects, the compartment exam focuses only on the subject(s) the student failed, allowing them to clear the subject(s) without repeating the entire academic year. According to CBSE guidelines, if a student has passed the practical component of a subject, those marks are carried forward, and they only need to appear for the theory portion. Also, the term “Supplementary Exam” is now used instead of “Compartment Exam,” in line with the NEP 2020 nomenclature.

The exam follows the same syllabus and exam pattern as the main board exams for the academic year 2024-25, ensuring consistency in assessment. The supplementary exam is scheduled to start on July 15, 2025, and the results are announced in August. Passing the supplementary exam is compulsory for students already enrolled in Class 11 as their admission would be cancelled unless they produce their Class 10 Passing certificate.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility for the CBSE Class X compartment exam 2025 is clearly outlined in the CBSE circular dated May 26, 2025. The following categories of students can apply:

1. Students Declared in Compartment: Regular students who appeared for the 2025 main exams through CBSE-affiliated schools and were placed in the "Compartment" category for one or two subjects are eligible to apply for those subjects.
2. Improvement of Performance (Pass with Replacement): Students who passed the 2025 main exams due to the replacement of subject(s) (e.g., in 6 or 7 subjects) can appear for the replaced subject(s) under the Improvement of Performance category, provided the subject combination is valid per the date sheet.
3. Improvement of Performance (General): Students who passed the 2025 main exams can opt to improve their performance in up to two subjects, subject to the availability of those subjects in the supplementary exam schedule.
4. Subject Change: Students who wish to switch between Mathematics (Standard) (Code 041) and Mathematics (Basic) (Code 241), or vice versa, are eligible.
5. Private Candidates (3rd Chance): Students who appeared in 2024, were placed in Compartment, and failed in both their 1st (2024) and 2nd (2025) attempts can apply for their third and final chance as private candidates. A separate circular for private candidates is available here.

Can Previous Year Students Apply?

A maximum of three attempts is allowed for students in the Compartment category:

1. July 2025 (1st attempt)
2. February/March/April 2026 (2nd attempt)
3. July/August 2026 (3rd and final attempt)

Also See: CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam Complete Guide

Also See: CBSE Class 10 Compartment Exam 2025 Syllabus – Download PDF

Subjects Allowed in the Compartment Exam

The CBSE Class 10 Supplementary Exam 2025, scheduled from July 15 to July 22, 2025, includes 40 subjects as per the official date sheet released on June 25, 2025. These cover core, language, and skill-based subjects. Below is a table of key subjects:

The complete list includes 40 subjects, covering academic and skill-based areas, as listed in the official CBSE Class 10 Supplementary Exam Date Sheet 2025. Students must ensure their chosen subject(s) align with the valid combination per their registration for the 2025 main exams. The date sheet is available on www.cbse.gov.in.

Why is the Compartment Exam Important?

The CBSE Class 10 compartment exam is a lifeline for students who failed in one/two subjects or simply want to improve their marks. The main benefits are:

• Saves an Academic Year: Passing the compartment exam allows students to move to Class 11 without repeating Class 10, maintaining their academic progress.
• Focused Preparation: Since the exam covers only one or two subjects, students can concentrate their efforts, making preparation more manageable.
• Opportunity for Improvement: Students who passed but are dissatisfied with their marks can use the exam to boost their scores in up to two subjects, potentially improving their overall percentage for future opportunities.
• Multiple Attempts: With up to three chances (July/August 2025, February/March/April 2026, and July/August 2026), students have flexibility to clear their subjects.

The exam is especially critical for students aiming to pursue higher education or competitive exams, as a Class 10 pass certificate is a prerequisite for many academic and professional pathways.

Passing Criteria

To pass the CBSE Class 10 compartment exam 2025, students must meet the following criteria, as per the CBSE Guidelines:

• Minimum Marks: Achieve at least 33% marks in each subject, including both theory and internal assessment/practical components separately, as well as in the combined total.
• Subject Requirement: Students must pass in at least five subjects (as offered in the main exams) to be declared "Pass" overall. For compartment candidates, passing the supplementary exam in the failed subject(s) contributes to this requirement.
• Consolidated Mark Sheet: Students who clear the compartment exam in 2025 will receive a consolidated mark sheet, issued only after surrendering the original mark sheet from the main exams, reflecting their updated status as "Pass."

Important Details for 2025

• Exam Dates: The Class 10 Supplementary Exam 2025 will start on July 15, 2025 (Tuesday) and continue over multiple days, depending on the subjects. The exact date sheet will be available on cbse.gov.in in June 2025.
• Application Process: Schools must submit the List of Candidates (LOC) online via the Pariksha Sangam portal from May 30 to June 17, 2025, without a late fee (₹300 per subject in India, ₹1000 in Nepal, ₹2000 outside India). A late fee of ₹2000 applies from June 18–19, 2025. Visually impaired students are exempt from the fee. No applications will be accepted after June 19, 2025.
• Admit Card: Admit cards will be available for download (private candidates) or collection (regular students) in late June or early July 2025 via cbseit.in or through schools.
• Syllabus: Download CBSE Class 10 2025 Compartment Exam Syllabus
• Results: Results are expected in August 2025 on cbseresults.nic.in.

Preparation Tips

1. Review the Syllabus: Focus on the 2024-25 syllabus for the specific subject(s), available on cbseacademic.nic.in.
2. Practice Past Papers: Use CBSE sample papers and previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern.
3. Time Management: Practice answering questions within the three-hour exam duration, including the 15-minute reading time.
4. Seek Support: Consult offline teachers or follow YouTube Channel like CBSE Guidance to learn concepts and clarify doubts.
5. Stay Positive: Treat the exam as an opportunity to succeed, and maintain a disciplined study schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Read the official circular here:

Final Thoughts

The CBSE Class 10 compartment exam 2025 is a valuable opportunity for students to overcome academic setbacks and progress toward their goals. By understanding eligibility, focusing on the relevant subjects, and preparing strategically, students can approach the exam with confidence. Regularly check cbse.gov.in for updates on the date sheet, application process, and admit card release. With dedication and the right approach, you can turn this second chance into a stepping stone for success!