The CBSE Class 10 board exams are a significant milestone in a student's academic journey. While most students pass successfully, some may face challenges and fail in one or more subjects. If you find yourself in this situation, it's important to understand your options and the CBSE policies that can help you continue your education. This article explains the difference between failing, compartment, and repeating exams, the replacement rule using skill/additional subjects, and specific scenarios like failing in languages or optional subjects.
1. Difference Between Fail, Compartment, and Repeat
i. Fail (Essential Repeat)
If a student fails in three or more subjects, they are declared "Essential Repeat" and must repeat Class 10 entirely. They are not eligible for compartment exams and must reappear for the entire Class 10 Board examination as a private or regular student the next year.
ii. Compartment
If a student fails in one or two of the compulsory subjects but passes in at least three, they are placed in the "compartment" category. This means they can appear for a supplementary exam in the failed subject(s) to clear them without repeating the entire year.
CBSE allows up to three attempts:
- 1st chance: July/August of the same year
- 2nd chance: March/April of the next year
- 3rd chance: July/August of the next year
If the student clears the compartment exams within these attempts, they are promoted to Class 11. If not, they must repeat Class 10.
iii. Repeat
If a student:
- Fails in two or more subjects, or
- Does not clear the compartment exam even after three chances,
they have to repeat the exam the next year either as a private candidate or by re-enrolling in a school (i.e., as a regular student).
2. Replacement Rule Using Skill/Additional Subjects
CBSE provides a replacement policy to help students pass if they fail in one of the compulsory subject (Math, Science, or Social Science):
- If a student fails in any one of the compulsory subjects (Math, Science, or Social Science) but passes in the Skill subject (taken as 6th optional subject), then the skill subject will replace the failed subject.
- The student is declared PASS in this case, and the result is computed based on the best five subjects, including the skill subject.
- For example, if a student fails in Science but passes in their skill subject (e.g., Information Technology), the skill subject marks will replace the Science marks, and the student can still pass Class 10, provided they meet the overall passing criteria in the remaining subjects.
This rule is applicable only if the skill subject was officially registered as the 6th subject.
3. What If You Fail in Languages?
Languages are a critical component of the CBSE Class 10 curriculum, with two compulsory languages (Language 1 and Language 2) among the first five subjects. The curriculum mandates that either Hindi or English must be one of these two languages. If a student fails in one of these languages, the following rule applies:
If the student has taken a sixth subject (such as a skill subject or another language) or a seventh subject (an additional language or subject) and passes in it, the failed language can be replaced by this sixth or seventh subject. However, this replacement is only valid if, after the replacement, either Hindi or English remains a passed language among the first five subjects. For example, if a student fails in Language 1 (e.g., Hindi) but passes in Language 2 (English) and a third language (e.g., Sanskrit) taken as the sixth subject, the Sanskrit marks can replace the failed Hindi marks. The student can still pass Class 10 because English remains a passed language in the first five subjects.
If the student does not have a sixth or seventh subject to replace the failed language, they will be placed in the compartment category for that language. They must clear the language through the supplementary exam to pass Class 10.
If a student fails in both compulsory languages (e.g., Hindi and English) but has a sixth or seventh subject, they cannot use the additional subject for replacement. This is because, after replacement, there would be no passed language (Hindi or English) among the first five subjects, which violates the CBSE requirement. The student must clear at least one language (Hindi or English) through the compartment exam to pass Class 10.
If a student fails in both compulsory languages and does not have a sixth or seventh subject, they will be placed in the compartment category for both languages. They must clear both subjects in the supplementary exams to pass Class 10. Failing to do so after all attempts will result in an "Essential Repeat" (Grade E), requiring the student to repeat the entire Class 10 examination the following year.
4. What If You Fail in Optional Subjects Only?
CBSE considers five main subjects for the purpose of declaring a pass or fail:
- Language I
- Language II
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Science
If you fail in only the optional subject (like Skill subject or Language III), your result is not affected, and you are considered Pass as long as you clear the five compulsory subjects. Your result will be calculated based on the best five subjects, excluding the failed optional subject.
However, if you wish to retain the optional subject, you can reappear for it in the compartment exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I fail in one compulsory subject in CBSE Class 10?
If you fail in one compulsory subject (Language 1, Language 2, Mathematics, Science, or Social Science), you will be placed in the compartment category for that subject. You can appear for the supplementary exam in July/August of the same year, with additional chances in February/March/April and July/August of the next year. If you pass the supplementary exam, you will clear Class 10. Alternatively, if you have a sixth subject (e.g., a skill subject) and pass in it, the failed compulsory subject can be replaced by the sixth subject, and your result will be computed based on the best five subjects.
Can I pass Class 10 if I fail in both languages but have a sixth subject?
No, if you fail in both compulsory languages (e.g., Hindi and English) and have a sixth subject, you cannot use the sixth subject for replacement. CBSE rules require that either Hindi or English must remain a passed language among the first five subjects after replacement. Since you failed both languages, you will be placed in the compartment category for both subjects and must clear at least one language (Hindi or English) through the supplementary exam to pass Class 10.
What if I fail in more than two compulsory subjects?
If you fail in three or more compulsory subjects, you will not be eligible for the compartment category. You will be marked as "Essential Repeat" (Grade E) and must repeat the entire Class 10 examination the following year, either as a private candidate or by re-enrolling in a school.
What happens if I fail in my optional sixth subject?
Failing in an optional sixth subject (e.g., a skill subject like Information Technology or a third language) does not affect your overall passing status for Class 10, as long as you pass in all five compulsory subjects (Language 1, Language 2, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science). However, if you also fail in a compulsory subject, you cannot use the failed sixth subject to replace the compulsory subject.
How many chances do I get to clear a subject in the supplementary exam?
You get three chances to clear a subject in the supplementary exam: the first in July/August of the same year, the second in February/March/April of the next year, and the third in July/August of that year. If you fail to clear the subject after all attempts, you will need to repeat Class 10.
What should I do if I’m not satisfied with my marks after failing a subject?
If you’re not satisfied with your marks, you can apply for the following, as per CBSE’s updated process for 2025: first, obtain a photocopy of your evaluated answer book; then, request verification of marks or re-evaluation. You must pay the prescribed processing charges and apply within the time frame set by CBSE. Note that marks may increase or decrease after verification or re-evaluation, and you must accept the revised result. A new marks sheet will be issued if there’s a change, but only after you surrender the old one.
Will my practical marks be carried forward if I fail in theory and appear for the supplementary exam?
Yes, if you have passed in the practical component of a subject, your previous practical marks will be carried forward and accounted for in the supplementary exam. You will only need to appear for the theory portion of the subject.
Can I improve my marks in a subject after passing Class 10?
Yes, after qualifying Class 10, you can appear for improvement in up to two subjects. You can take the improvement exam in the supplementary exam of the same year or in the succeeding year. However, you cannot appear for an improvement exam and an additional subject exam simultaneously.
Best book for compartment exam preparation
Conclusion
CBSE provides multiple opportunities for Class 10 students to avoid repeating a year if they fail in one or more subjects. The compartment exams, replacement rule with skill or additional subjects, and specific provisions for languages ensure that students have a fair chance to progress. However, failing in three or more compulsory subjects will require repeating the year. Students are advised to prepare thoroughly and seek support from teachers to meet the passing criteria and avoid these scenarios.
sir is computer science is a skill subject
Computer Application can be considered as 6th or 7th subject and can be used for replacement.