The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will close the registration portal for the List of Candidates (LOC) form for the CBSE Board Examinations 2026 today, October 8, 2025. The LOC form, which schools must fill and submit for students appearing in the Class 10 and Class 12 Board Exams, is available on the CBSE’s official website — cbse.gov.in. As the regular submission period has ended, schools now need to pay a late fee to complete the process. According to the Board, the final payment window with a late fee will remain open until October 11, 2025. Schools have been strictly instructed to complete the submission before the deadline to avoid any consequences that may affect students’ eligibility for the upcoming board exams.
I am writing about this because the LOC submission is not just a technical formality — it is a vital step in the board examination process. Every student’s exam roll number, subject code, and eligibility depend on this data. Even minor errors or delays from schools can result in students being unable to appear in their final exams. For principals and school administrators, it’s a crucial reminder to act promptly, while for parents and students, it’s an assurance that registration processes are underway and must be completed accurately. Understanding these deadlines helps everyone stay informed and avoid last-minute issues.
What is the LOC Form and Why It Matters
The List of Candidates (LOC) form is a compulsory document that schools must submit to the CBSE to register students for the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. It contains details such as:
- Student names, roll numbers, and personal information
- Subject combinations (including practical subjects)
- Category of candidates (regular, private, or improvement)
- School and examination centre details
This data is used by CBSE to generate admit cards, roll numbers, and attendance sheets for the final board exams. If a school fails to submit the LOC on time, its students may be excluded from the 2026 examination list, and the responsibility will rest solely on the institution.
The CBSE has repeatedly stated that accuracy in LOC entries is essential, as corrections will not be entertained after final submission. Schools must double-check spellings, subject codes, and other details before completing the form.
Deadline and Late Fee Submission Schedule
While the LOC submission deadline officially ends today, October 8, 2025, the CBSE has provided a final payment window that remains open until October 11, 2025 for schools completing the process with a late fee.
After these dates, the portal will automatically close, and no school will be allowed to submit or edit any student details.
CBSE’s Strict Instructions to Schools
The CBSE has issued clear directions to all affiliated schools and principals, stating that any delay or failure in submitting the LOC within the stipulated time will make the school fully responsible for the consequences. The board has warned that such lapses could lead to:
- Students being declared ineligible for the 2026 board exams.
- The school facing administrative action or penalties.
- Delays in the issue of roll numbers or admit cards.
To avoid these issues, CBSE has advised schools to verify every entry carefully before submission. The Board has also requested that principals ensure accurate data mapping between school records and student registration details.
Step-by-Step Process for LOC Submission
For school administrators completing the process, here’s how to submit the LOC form on the official CBSE portal:
- Visit the official website: cbse.gov.in.
- Click on the “Examination Portal” link.
- Select the “LOC for Class X/XII Board Exam 2026” option.
- Log in using the school’s affiliation number and password.
- Review and verify all student details, subject codes, and personal data.
- Proceed to the payment section to pay the applicable late fee.
- Download and print the confirmation receipt for the school’s records.
CBSE recommends that schools retain hard copies and digital backups of the confirmation page and payment receipt for reference.
Why Timely Submission is Important
Submitting the LOC form on time ensures smooth coordination for all subsequent exam-related activities such as:
- Allotment of examination centres
- Issuance of admit cards
- Scheduling of practical examinations
- Preparation of attendance sheets and mark records
Any error or delay at this stage could disrupt the entire examination process for the students concerned. Moreover, students rely on schools for these official submissions, so ensuring accuracy is both an administrative and moral responsibility.
In previous years, some schools faced serious issues due to late submissions or incomplete forms, leading to students being left out of the final exam list. CBSE’s current guidelines aim to prevent such situations by enforcing strict deadlines and accountability.
