Students who narrowly miss passing their CBSE board exams get a second chance through the compartment (supplementary) exams. This article provides a detailed overview of the CBSE Class 10 and 12 Compartment Exam 2025 – including its purpose, eligibility, dates, application steps, fees, admit cards, results, preparation tips, and FAQs – with up-to-date information and sources. Key highlights include:
- Second-chance exams: The compartment exams allow students who failed in one or two subjects (by scoring below 33%) to clear only those subjects without repeating the entire year
- Eligibility: Only students placed in “Compartment” for up to two subjects (Class 10 or 12) can apply. Failing three or more subjects requires reappearing in all subjects next time.
- Timing: The Compartment exams for 2025 are expected in mid-July 2025. For example, one source projects Class 10 supplementary exams around July 15–22, 2025 and Class 12 on July 15, 2025. Official dates will be released after the May 2025 board results.
- Application window: Applications open soon after the main results. Regular students apply through their schools, and private candidates apply online (typically in late May/early June 2025).
- Fees: The exam fee is ₹300 per subject for Indian students (₹1000 for Nepal, ₹2000 for other countries). A late application incurs an additional ₹2000 fee. Visually impaired students are exempt from fees.
- Results: CBSE’s compartment results for 2025 are expected in August 2025. Students check their Class 10 and 12 compartment results online on CBSE’s official portals. (In 2024, results were announced in early August.)
- Last year’s pass rates: In 2024, about 48.83% of Class 10 and 29.78% of Class 12 compartment candidates passed, reflecting the exam’s rigor. To pass any subject, students need at least 33% marks (the grade above “E”) in both theory and practical.
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These highlights outline the CBSE compartment exam process. Below we dive into each aspect in detail, with clear sections, bullet points, and tables for easy reference.
Overview of CBSE Compartment Exams
CBSE compartment exams (also called supplementary exams) give students a second chance to clear failed subjects without losing an academic year. After the main board results, any student who has failed (scored below 33%) in one or two subjects (for Class 10 or 12) is eligible to appear in the compartment exam for those specific subjects. This “second chance” is limited: students can attempt the compartment exam up to three times (immediately after the results, and in the next two exam cycles). Failing to clear within three attempts means the student must reappear in all subjects in the next year’s regular board exam. Importantly, the compartment exam only covers failed subjects – students need not retake subjects they have already passed.
- Eligibility: Placed in Compartment for 1–2 subjects (Class 10 or 12). (Note: Less than 33% in a subject triggers compartment status.)
- Number of attempts: Up to 3 attempts overall (immediately after results, next March/April, and next July/Aug)+.
- Exam Format: Same syllabus/pattern as the board exam for those subjects. Students must meet passing criteria (33% in each theory and practical) to clear the subject.
The compartment exam is thus a focused retest. It is typically held soon after the main results, giving students a path to pass without skipping a grade. The application deadline is short, so eligible students should plan to register quickly after results are declared.
Important Dates for Compartment Exams 2025
The exact CBSE compartment exam dates for 2025 will be officially announced by CBSE after the board results in May 2025. However, based on official hints and past patterns, the exams are expected in mid-July 2025. For instance, a CollegeDekho education portal anticipates the Class 10 supplementary exam from July 15–22, 2025 and the Class 12 supplementary on July 15, 2025, following CBSE’s usual timeline. A recent Times of India report similarly notes that CBSE plans to conduct compartment exams in July 2025.
Meanwhile, the main Class 10 and 12 exam results (expected in early May 2025) will trigger the compartment application window (typically a few days in late May or early June). Admit cards for the compartment exam are generally released about one to two weeks before the exams (e.g. late June 2025). The results of the compartment exams are then expected around August 2025.
Below is a tentative timeline for key events. (Exact dates will be confirmed by CBSE.)
| Event | Tentative Date (2025) |
|---|---|
| Class 10 & 12 Main Exam Results | Early–mid May 2025 |
| Compartment Exam Registration opens | Late May / Early June 2025 |
| Compartment Exam Registration closes | Mid June 2025 (short window) |
| Admit Card Release | ~June 25, 2025 |
| CBSE Compartment Exams (Class 10 & 12) | Mid-July 2025 (e.g. ~July 15–22) |
| Compartment Exam Results Declared | August 2025 (expected) |
Table: Tentative timeline for CBSE Class 10 & 12 compartment exams 2025. Dates marked “expected” are based on past years and reportsfrom timesofindia.indiatimes.comand intervaledu.com.
How to Apply (Regular vs. Private Candidates)
Regular (School) Candidates: If a Class 10 or 12 student in a CBSE-affiliated school is placed in Compartment, the school handles the application. After results are declared, the school will notify eligible students and collect their details and exam fee. The school then submits a List of Candidates (LOC) online via CBSE’s Pariksha Sangam portal. The LOC includes each student’s roll number, subjects for compartment, and other details. The school pays the combined fee online and generates the admit cards for its students. It is mandatory for schools to submit the LOC by the deadline; late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. Schools may be guided by CBSE’s official circulars and guidelines for the exact procedure.
Private (Individual) Candidates: Students who appeared as private candidates and got “Compartment” in 2024 or 2025 must apply online themselves on CBSE’s official portal (Pariksha Sangam). To do this:
- Visit the CBSE Pariksha Sangam / CBSE Private Candidate portal after the application window opens.
- Select the “Compartment (Class 10/12)” category (this is only for students who failed one or two subjects and want to reappear in those subjects).
- Fill in personal details and previous exam roll number/year (the system may auto-populate information for 2024 candidates).
- Choose the subject(s) in which you have a compartment. (Only up to two subjects can be selected.)
- Pay the exam fee online (only digital payment is allowed; no offline fees or late requests are accepted).
The CBSE instructions emphasize that all applications and fees must be submitted online by the deadlines. There is no offline form or extension of dates. Once submitted, keep the payment receipt and admit card safe.
Key Points:
- Schools handle Class 10 compartment applications for their students through the CBSE portal. Likewise, schools submit Class 12 LOC.
- Private students (Class 10 or 12) use the CBSE website under the “Private Candidates” section.
- The application window is short (often 2–5 days), so apply promptly after results are out. Late applications may require a hefty extra fee.
Fee Structure
The CBSE compartment exam fee is charged per subject. The official fee structure (2024 data, expected to be similar in 2025) is:
| Candidate / Region | Fee per Subject | Late Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| India (Regular or Private) | ₹300 | +₹2000 (after deadline) |
| Nepal (Private) | ₹1000 | +₹2000 |
| Other Countries (Private) | ₹2000 | +₹2000 |
Table: Compartment exam fees per subject (in Indian Rupees). Note: Visually impaired students are exempt from the exam fee.
- Indian candidates: ₹300 per subject.
- Nepal candidates: ₹1000 per subject.
- Other foreign candidates: ₹2000 per subject.
- Late application: An additional late fee of ₹2000 per subject is applied if the exam form is submitted after the regular deadline.
- How to pay: Schools (for regular students) pay collectively via the portal. Private candidates pay online individually. Payment must be made with net banking/credit-debit card – no demand drafts or cash are accepted.
Be sure to check CBSE’s official announcements for the exact fees and payment instructions each year.
Admit Cards and Results
Once the compartment applications are processed, CBSE will issue admit cards (hall tickets) about 1–2 weeks before the exam date. For 2025, admit cards are expected around late June (e.g. June 25, 2025). Students and schools should download/print the admit cards from the CBSE portal; these admit cards will contain the exam center, date, and details for each subject.
After the exams, CBSE will compile results. The CBSE compartment results 2025 (for both Class 10 and 12) are expected to be announced in August 2025. Results are typically declared online (e.g. cbseresults.nic.in, cbse.gov.in) in the first week of August. Students can check their Class 10 compartment result and Class 12 compartment result on these official sites using their roll number and other credentials. Paper mark-sheets (qualifying mark sheets) are then issued by schools later.
For context, in 2024 CBSE conducted the compartment exam on July 15 (for both classes) and declared the Class 12 supplementary results on August 2, 2024. The Class 10 supplementary results came out on August 5, 2024. This suggests a similar timeline for 2025, with results in early August.
Checking Results: On result day, visit the CBSE result portal. Enter roll number, school code, and other details from your admit card. You will get a provisional results page (for immediate info). The official mark-sheet will be given by your school later. DigiLocker and IVRS (SMS/call) may also be available for results access.
Preparation Tips
Students preparing for the compartment exams should focus efficiently on the failed subject(s). Here are some key tips:
- Review the Syllabus: Go through the CBSE syllabus for the failed subject and ensure you cover all topics that were tested in the board exam. Focus on understanding core concepts rather than rote memorization.
- Solve Past Papers: Practice previous years’ compartment/supplementary question papers. This helps you get familiar with the question pattern and manage time. (Past papers for main exams can also give insight.)
- Make a Study Schedule: Create a realistic timetable giving priority to the subject(s) you failed. Divide topics into study blocks and include short breaks. Stick to the schedule as compartment windows are short.
- Clarify Doubts: Don’t hesitate to ask teachers or peers to explain any topics you find difficult. Use reference books or online videos for tricky concepts.
- Practice Writing: Because CBSE exams are pen-and-paper, practice writing answers neatly and fully. Work on diagrams/graphs (if needed) for science and math subjects.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Compartment exams have the same syllabus and difficulty as the main exam. Trust your preparation, get enough sleep, and avoid last-minute cramming. A positive mindset can improve performance.
Consistent revision and practice are key. Remember, you only need to clear the failed subjects. Use the short preparation time wisely to reinforce your weaknesses.
CBSE Compartment Exam FAQs
What exactly are the CBSE Class 10 and 12 compartment exams?
These are supplementary board exams for students who failed one or two subjects in the main CBSE board exams. They provide a “second chance” to clear those subjects within the same academic year. Students who passed other subjects do not need to retake them – only the failed subjects are re-examined. Passing the compartment lets you move forward without losing a year.
Who is eligible for the CBSE compartment exams?
Any student who scored below the passing mark (33%) in only one or two subjects (and passed all others) in their Class 10 or 12 board exam is eligible to appear in the compartment for those subject(s). If a student failed three or more subjects, they are not eligible for compartment; instead, they must reappear in all subjects next year. Private candidates with a “Compartment” result are eligible to apply online (as per CBSE norms).
When will the CBSE compartment exam 2025 be conducted?
CBSE has not yet announced official dates, but the compartment exams are expected in July 2025. Based on last year’s schedule and current projections, Class 10 supplementary exams may be held from around July 15–22, 2025, and Class 12 on or around July 15, 2025. Keep an eye on the CBSE website for the official date sheet after the May results.
How do I apply for the Class 10 or 12 compartment exam?
Regular (school) candidates: Submit the compartment exam application through your school. The school will collect forms and fees from eligible students and submit the online application (List of Candidates) on the CBSE portal.
Private candidates: Apply individually on the CBSE Pariksha Sangam website under the “Private Candidates (Compartment)” section. Fill in your roll number, year of passing, and select the subject(s) you need to reappear in. Pay the required fee online by the deadline.
Both regular and private applications are strictly online. The application window is very short (a few days), so apply as soon as it opens (usually late May/early June after results).
What is the fee for the compartment exam?
The fee is per subject. For Indian students (regular or private), it is ₹300 per subject. Private candidates from Nepal pay ₹1000 per subject, and those from other countries pay ₹2000 per subject. A late fee of ₹2000 per subject is charged if the form is submitted after the regular deadline. Visually impaired candidates are exempt from the exam fee.
When will the CBSE compartment result 2025 be announced?
The compartment results for both Class 10 and 12 are expected by August 2025. CBSE usually declares supplementary results a few weeks after the exams. For example, in 2024, results were out in early August (Class 12 on Aug 2, Class 10 on Aug 5). So check the CBSE results website (cbseresults.nic.in) in August 2025 using your admit card details.
What is the passing criterion and pass percentage for the compartment exams?
To pass any compartment subject, a student must score at least 33% marks (grade above “E”) in that subject – this applies to both theory and practical components. In terms of performance, last year’s pass rates give a sense of difficulty: in 2024, the overall pass percentage was about 48.83% for Class 10 compartment and 29.78% for Class 12 compartment. This means roughly half of Class 10ers and one-third of Class 12ers cleared their supplementary exams in 2024. Each year’s pass rate can vary depending on exam difficulty and student preparation.
How many attempts are allowed for the compartment exam?
CBSE allows a maximum of three attempts to clear a compartment subject. These are: (1) right after the current board results (July 2025), (2) during the next year’s March/April board exams, and (3) in the July/August session following that. If a student fails to clear within three chances, they must reappear for all subjects in a future board session.
What if a student fails the compartment exam again?
If a student does not clear the failed subject in the compartment exam, they will have to reappear for that subject (and any others) in the next full board exam cycle (e.g. the March 2026 exams). In effect, failing compartment delays passing until the next year. Students should therefore prepare thoroughly to avoid this scenario.
