The CBSE Class 12 compartment exam, now referred to as the supplementary exam, is for students who did not pass one or two subjects in their Class 12 main board exams. This system allows students to avoid repeating an entire academic year. This article is a detailed guide on the CBSE Class 12 compartment exam 2025, covering its definition, eligibility, allowed subjects, importance, passing criteria, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What is a Compartment Exam?
The CBSE Class 12 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 solely on the subject(s) the student failed, enabling 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.
The CBSE Class 12 Supplementary exam has the same syllabus and exam pattern as the main board exams for the 2024-25 academic year. The supplementary exam is scheduled for July 15, 2025, and conducted in a single day, and the results will be announced in August, 2025. The supplementary exam allows students to progress to higher education or professional pathways without significant delay.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility for the CBSE Class 12 compartment exam 2025 is outlined in the supplementary exam notification. The following categories of students can apply:
- 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 subject are eligible to apply for that subject.
- Students who appeared with six subjects and were placed in Compartment for two subjects can apply for any one of those two subjects.
- Improvement of Performance (Pass with Replacement):
- Students who appeared in six subjects in the 2024 main exams and passed due to subject replacement can appear for the failed subject under the Improvement of Performance category, provided it is listed in the supplementary exam schedule.
- Improvement of Performance (General):
- Students who passed the 2025 main exams can opt to improve their performance in one subject, subject to its availability in the supplementary exam schedule.
- Private Candidates (3rd Chance):
- Students who were placed in the Compartment category in 2024, failed in their first (2024) and second (2025) attempts, can apply for their third and final chance as private candidates. Schools should direct such students to apply online via the CBSE website (www.cbse.gov.in).
The CBSE allows a maximum of three attempts to clear the supplementary exam:
- July 2025 (1st attempt)
- February/March/April 2026 (2nd attempt)
- July 2026 (3rd and final attempt)
Also See: CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam Syllabus PDF Download
Also See: CBSE Class 10 Compartment Exam Complete Guide
Subjects Allowed in the Compartment Exam
The CBSE Class 12 compartment exam 2025 will be conducted for a wide range of subjects, as listed in the table below:
Category | Subject Name | Subject Code |
---|---|---|
Core Subjects | English Core | 301 |
Hindi Core | 302 | |
Mathematics | 041 | |
Physics | 042 | |
Chemistry | 043 | |
Biology | 044 | |
Accountancy | 055 | |
Business Studies | 054 | |
Economics | 030 | |
Electives | History | 027 |
Political Science | 028 | |
Geography | 029 | |
Psychology | 037 | |
Sociology | 039 | |
Physical Education | 048 | |
Informatics Practice | 065 | |
Computer Science | 083 | |
Languages | Urdu Elective | 003 |
Sanskrit Core | 322 | |
Punjabi | 104 | |
Bengali | 105 | |
Tamil | 106 | |
French | 118 | |
Skill-Based Subjects | Information Technology | 802 |
Web Application | 803 | |
Tourism | 806 | |
Artificial Intelligence | 843 | |
Data Science | 844 |
The complete list includes 84 subjects, covering academic, vocational, and skill-based areas. Students must ensure their chosen subject aligns with the valid combination per the CBSE date sheet, available on cbse.gov.in in June 2025.
Why is the Compartment Exam Important?
The CBSE Class 12 compartment exam is critical for students, offering several key benefits:
- Saves an Academic Year: Passing the compartment exam allows students to pursue higher education or career opportunities without repeating Class 12.
- Focused Preparation: With only one subject to focus on, students can streamline their efforts, making preparation more manageable.
- Opportunity for Improvement: Students who passed but are dissatisfied with their marks can improve their score in one subject, potentially enhancing their prospects for college admissions or competitive exams.
- 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.
This exam is particularly crucial for Class 12 students, as the board certificate is a prerequisite for university admissions, job applications, and competitive exams like JEE, NEET or CUET.
Passing Criteria
To pass the CBSE Class 12 compartment exam 2025, students must meet the following criteria, as per the 2023 FAQ document:
- Minimum Marks: Achieve at least 33% marks in each subject, including theory, internal assessment, project, or 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. Clearing the supplementary exam in the failed subject contributes to this requirement.
- Consolidated Mark Sheet: Students who pass 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 "Pass" status.
Important Details for 2025
- Exam Date: The CBSE Class 12 Supplementary Exam 2025 will be held on July 15, 2025 (Tuesday), conducted in a single day, as per the CBSE circular. The official date sheet will be released on cbse.gov.in in June 2025.
- Application Process: Schools must submit the List of Candidates (LOC) online via the Pariksha Sangam portal (cbse.gov.in) from May 30 to June 17, 2025, without a late fee (INR 300 per subject in India; INR 1000 in Nepal; INR 2000 outside India). A late fee of INR 2000 applies from June 18–19, 2025. Visually impaired students are exempt from the fee. Schools must ensure fees are transferred to CBSE’s account by the last date, or candidature will be rejected.
- Admit Card: Admit cards will be available for download (private candidates) or collection (regular students) in late June or early July 2025. Check cbseit.in or contact your school for discrepancies, which should be reported to the concerned Regional Office immediately.
- Syllabus: Download CBSE Class 12 Supplementary Exam Syllabus 2025
- Results: Results are expected in August 2025 on cbseresults.nic.in.
Preparation Tips
- Review the Syllabus: Focus on the 2024-25 syllabus for the specific subject, available on cbseacademic.nic.in.
- Practice Past Papers: Use CBSE sample papers and previous years’ question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern.
- Time Management: Practice answering questions within the three-hour exam duration, including the 15-minute reading time.
- Seek Support: Consult teachers, join study groups, or use online resources to clarify doubts.
- Stay Positive: Approach the exam as an opportunity to succeed, and maintain a disciplined study schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the CBSE Class 12 compartment exam tough?
The CBSE Class 12 compartment exam is not tougher than the main board exams. It follows the same syllabus and exam pattern, focusing only on the subject you failed or wish to improve. The difficulty depends on your preparation. Since you’re studying one subject, it can be more manageable with a targeted study plan. Review past mistakes, practice sample papers, and seek help for weak areas to make the exam approachable.
How many compartment exams can a student take in CBSE Class 12?
A student placed in the "Compartment" category can take up to three attempts to clear the exam: the first in July/August of the same year (e.g., July 2025), the second in February/March/April of the next year (2026), and the third and final attempt in July/August of the next year (2026). For improvement, only one subject is allowed in the supplementary exam.
What is the difference between a CBSE improvement exam and a compartment exam?
The compartment exam is for students who failed one subject (or one of two subjects if they took six subjects) in the main exams and need to pass to avoid repeating the year. The improvement exam is for students who have passed the main exams but want to improve their marks in one subject (Class 12). Students cannot appear for both improvement and additional subject exams simultaneously, as per CBSE rules.
CBSE Class 12th ka compartment exam kab hoga?
The CBSE Class 12 Supplementary Exam 2025 is scheduled for July 15, 2025 (Tuesday), conducted in a single day. The official date sheet will be released in June 2025 on cbse.gov.in. Regularly check the CBSE website for the exact schedule and updates.
Read the official circular here:
CBSE Class 10 Compartment Exam Quick Links |
CBSE Class 10 Compartment Exam Complete Guide |
CBSE Class 10 Supplementary Exam Syllabus PDF Download |
CBSE Class 10 Supplementary Exam Date sheet |
CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam Quick Links |
CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam Complete Guide |
CBSE Class 12 Supplementary Exam Syllabus PDF Download |
CBSE Class 12 Supplementary Exam Date sheet |
Final Thoughts
The CBSE Class 12 compartment exam 2025 is a valuable opportunity for students to overcome academic setbacks and pursue their higher education or career goals. By understanding eligibility, focusing on the relevant subject, 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!