The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced a revision in exam fees for the 2026 board exams. This marks the first increase since 2020, affecting students in India as well as those studying in Nepal and other foreign countries. The decision, approved in June 2025, aims to meet rising administrative and digital evaluation costs.
How Much Have the CBSE Exam Fees Increased For 2026?
From the 2025–26 academic session, students appearing for the 2026 board exams will pay as per the revised fee structure. In India, the theory exam fee has increased by ₹20 per subject, while the practical exam fee has gone up by ₹10 per subject. For students in Nepal and other foreign countries, the hike is comparatively higher. Theory exam fees have increased by 10%, and practical exam fees have gone up by ₹25 per subject. This is the first revision in five years, reflecting the board’s effort to maintain smooth exam operations amid growing expenses.
New Fee Structure for 2026 Board Exams
CBSE has released a detailed fee chart applicable to Classes 9, 10, 11, and 12. Below is a simplified breakdown of the updated structure:
| Category | India (₹) | Nepal (₹) | Other Countries (₹) |
| Theory Exam – 1 subject | 320 | 1,100 | 2,200 |
| Theory Exam – 5 subjects | 1,600 | 5,500 | 11,000 |
| Practical Exam (per subject) | 160 | 175 | 375 |
| Registration (Class 9/11) | 320 | 550–660 | 660 |
These rates are applicable from the 2025–26 academic year. Students registering for the 2026 board exams will pay according to this revised structure.
Why Did CBSE Increase Exam Fees in 2026?
According to CBSE officials, the last fee revision took place in 2020. Since then, the costs associated with conducting large-scale board examinations have increased significantly.
Key reasons behind the fee hike include:
- Rising expenses for printing and logistics.
- Higher costs in digital evaluation and administration.
- Expansion of online exam support services for students and schools.
Officials emphasize that the increase is modest, around 6.6% for theory exams in India, and ensures that CBSE maintains high standards of efficiency while expanding its digital capabilities.
New Developments: Open Book Testing in 2026
Apart from the fee hike, CBSE has announced a major academic shift. The 2026 board exams will introduce “Open Book Testing” for selected subjects as part of a pilot project. Under this system, students will be allowed to consult textbooks during exams in specific papers.
The move aims to promote concept-based learning rather than rote memorization, aligning with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Schools will be informed in advance about which subjects will fall under the open-book format.
Impact on Parents and Students
For most families in India, the fee increase is modest and manageable. However, for students abroad, the change is more noticeable.
Parents are advised to:
- Verify the updated fee structure directly with their schools.
- Ensure timely payments, as schools collect fees and deposit them with CBSE.
- Avoid delays, as mismatched or late payments could affect registration.
Students appearing for the 2026 exams should plan their budgets early and account for the increase while submitting exam forms.
Broader Changes: APAAR ID Integration
In line with the government’s push toward digitalization, APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) will be mandatory for all CBSE students from 2026 onwards. This initiative will create a digital academic identity for every student, storing their exam records, marksheets, and achievements in one place. It ensures seamless academic tracking and easier verification during college admissions.
CBSE’s Clarification on Affordability
CBSE officials have clarified that the revised fees are designed to maintain a balance between affordability and sustainability. While expenses have increased, the board has opted for only a small adjustment, particularly for students in India. The board also confirmed that the additional revenue will help upgrade infrastructure, improve digital evaluation systems, and enhance data security for student records.
FAQs on CBSE 2026 Exam Fees
1. What is the reason behind the CBSE exam fee hike for 2026?
CBSE increased the exam fees to cover rising administrative, printing, and digital evaluation costs since the last revision in 2020.
2. When will the new CBSE exam fees be applicable?
The revised CBSE exam fees apply from the 2025–26 academic session for students appearing in the 2026 board exams.
3. How much has the CBSE exam fee increased for Indian students?
For Indian students, theory exam fees increased by ₹20 per subject, and practical exam fees by ₹10 per subject.
4. How much fee hike applies to CBSE students abroad?
For students in Nepal and other foreign countries, theory exam fees have gone up by 10%, and practical fees by ₹25 per subject.
5. What is the new CBSE 2026 exam fee structure?
The new fees are ₹320 per subject for theory exams in India, ₹1,100 in Nepal, and ₹2,200 in other countries.
6. Will CBSE 2026 exams include open book testing?
Yes, CBSE will introduce open book testing for selected subjects in 2026 as part of a pilot project to promote concept-based learning.
7. What is the APAAR ID mentioned for CBSE 2026?
The APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) is a digital ID that will store each student’s academic records and achievements.
8. How can parents verify the new CBSE fee details?
Parents should confirm the exact fee structure with their school authorities, as schools collect and deposit exam fees directly with CBSE.
9. Does CBSE provide fee concessions for weaker sections?
Yes, CBSE continues to offer special fee concessions and exemptions to schools serving students from economically weaker sections.
10. Where can students find official CBSE updates on exam fees?
Students can visit the official CBSE website at www.cbse.gov.in for the latest circulars and fee notifications.