CBSE Compartment & Supplementary Exam: Eligibility, Dates & Process
Students who fail in one or two subjects in the CBSE main board exam are eligible for the compartment (also called supplementary) examination. For the 2026 cycle, the Class 12 compartment exam was scheduled for 15 July 2026, with a single exam day. The registration window ran from 30 May to 17 June 2026.
CBSE compartment exam 2026 key dates
| Event | Date (2026 cycle) |
|---|---|
| Class 12 compartment registration opens | 30 May 2026 |
| Class 12 compartment registration closes | 17 June 2026 |
| Class 12 compartment admit card | Approximately 7 July 2026 (private candidates via cbseit.in) |
| Class 12 supplementary/compartment exam | 15 July 2026 |
| Compartment result | Early-to-mid August 2026 (approximate) |
These dates are from the 2026 cycle. Always confirm exact dates and fees for your session on the official CBSE portal before acting.
How to register for the compartment exam
- Receive your main board result — The compartment status will be mentioned on your result. Keep the result document ready.
- Confirm eligibility — You are generally eligible for compartment if you failed in one or two subjects. Confirm the exact criteria on the official CBSE portal.
- Register within the window — For Class 12, registration opened 30 May 2026. Registering late may mean missing the exam entirely.
- Download admit card and appear — Private candidates collect admit cards via cbseit.in. Schools handle regular-candidate admit cards through the system.
Confirm the exact dates on the official CBSE portal before acting: Compartment dates, registration windows, and fees change each cycle. Do not rely on dates from an older cycle. Verify on cbse.gov.in immediately after your result is declared.
Frequently asked questions
How many subjects can I attempt in the compartment exam?
Generally, students who failed in one or two subjects are eligible for compartment. If you failed in more subjects, you may need to repeat the full year. Confirm the exact rule for your case on the official CBSE portal after your result.
Does compartment result appear on the main marksheet?
CBSE issues a separate result document for the compartment exam. The original marksheet is updated to reflect the improved status once you clear the compartment. Confirm the exact document update process with your school and the official portal.
Official sources
- CBSE official website
- Private candidate portal (cbseit.in) — For admit cards and private candidate forms