The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced three major updates for the 2025–26 academic year. These include:
✅ APAAR ID compulsory for board exams
✅ Increase in exam & registration fees
✅ Opening of an AI-powered Digital Experience Centre
1️⃣ APAAR ID Now Compulsory from 2026
Starting with the 2026 CBSE board exams, all students of Class 10 & Class 12 must have their APAAR ID linked to their academic records.
🔹 What is APAAR?
- 📄 APAAR = Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry
- 🔢 A 12-digit unique student ID under the One Nation, One Student ID scheme.
- 🔗 Linked with DigiLocker & Academic Bank of Credits (ABC).
- 🏫 Schools will generate IDs through the UDISE+ portal after getting parental consent.
- 🖥️ CBSE will track progress via the AIM (APAAR ID Monitoring) Portal.
💡 Why it matters:
It will simplify admissions, verification, and record-keeping for exams like JEE, NEET, CUET, and even for future higher education.
2️⃣ CBSE Exam & Registration Fees Increased
For the first time since 2020, CBSE has revised fees for Indian and international students.
📊 New Fee Structure (2025–26):
| 📚 Category | 🇮🇳 India | 🇳🇵 Nepal | 🌍 Other Countries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📖 Theory Exam (per subject) | ₹320 | ₹1,100 | ₹2,200 |
| 📖 Theory Exam (5 subjects) | ₹1,600 | ₹5,500 | ₹11,000 |
| 🔬 Practical Exam (Class 12) | ₹160 | ₹175 | ₹375 |
| 📝 Registration (Class 9/11) | ₹320 | ₹550–₹660 | — |
📌 Fee hike details:
- ⬆️ ₹20 per subject increase in India.
- ⬆️ Around 10% hike in Nepal & abroad.
- ⬆️ Practical fees up by ₹10 (India) & ₹25 (foreign centres).
3️⃣ AI-Powered Digital Experience Centre 🤖
CBSE will open a tech-driven learning hub at its Integrated Office Complex, Dwarka, New Delhi.
✨ Features & Benefits:
- 🖥️ AI tools for interactive learning.
- 📚 Digital resources for better student engagement.
- 🎯 Supports NEP 2020 & Digital India goals.
📌 What Students & Parents Should Do Now
✔️ Ask your school about APAAR ID registration.
✔️ Keep track of new fee payment dates.
✔️ Stay updated on AI learning opportunities from CBSE.