How many times can I give 12th board exams?

Many students have the query “how many times can give 12th board exam”. The reason is that many of them struggle to score the passing marks, and thus, they have to appear for the compartment exams. Sometimes, various other reasons can also lead to inappropriate academic performance in the boards. As per the latest CBSE Exam 2026 criterion, students can appear for the 12th exam twice a year. The better score will be considered as the final result. Also, if someone wants to repeat a year because of certain specific reasons, then he/she can appear through the NIOS enrollment (exams are conducted twice – once in April and once in October), or can take re-admission in class 12th. Likewise, in the case of the Karnataka 12th Board Exam 2026, 3 chances are given to a candidate to appear for the main board exams. The best score out of 3 is considered. 

If you are constantly thinking about the question of how many times can I give 12th board exams, then relax. In this article, you will get complete knowledge about the specific attempts permitted for each board exam. Thus, read the forthcoming paragraphs very carefully. 

How Many Times Can I Give 12th Board Exams? Specific Board-Wise Information

Here is the specific board-wise information about the query: how many times can give 12th board exam –

1. CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)

Starting from the current academic session 2025-2026, 12th class students can appear for the board exam twice a year. The better score out of the two exams will be considered as the final result. But if anyone fails in a particular subject, then he/she can appear for the compartment exam. Three chances will be given to pass the compartment exam. The first attempt will be July/August of the same year, the second will be March/April of next year, and the third attempt will be July/August of next year. If anyone fails in all three attempts, then that candidate needs to reappear for all the subjects in the next annual CBSE 12th board exam as a regular student. 

2. ISC (Indian School Certificate Exam)

The ISC exam is a 12th-class exam conducted by the CISCE. Students who couldn’t pass the ISC exam can appear for the improvement exams for a maximum of two subjects. The CISCE has discontinued the compartment exam criterion. So, if anyone fails in a subject, then there is a provision for the improvement paper. If a candidate fails in 3 subjects or more in ISC, then he/she will have to repeat that year. Thus, overall, you can give the ISC exam for improvement for a maximum of two subjects. 

3. NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling)

As per the NIOS guidelines, the 12th board exams are conducted twice a year (April and October). You will get a total of 9 attempts/chances to appear in the public exam module over a time span of five years. There is no limit on the number of attempts for the ODES exam (on-demand examination system). So, if you have failed in any subject, then you can easily reappear for that subject in the subsequent exam session.

4. State Boards such as Maharashtra, UP, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Karnataka

States such as Gujarat, UP, Maharashtra, and West Bengal conduct the 12th-class board exams once a year. If a student fails in such board exams, then an opportunity is provided to appear for the supplementary/compartment exam once a year. In the case of the Karnataka Board, there is an exception. It has started conducting 3 exams in a year for the 12th class, and the students have the right to keep the best score out of 3. 

Also Read: CBSE 12th Compartment Exam 2026

Who Has to Appear for the 12th Board Compartment/Supplementary Exam?

You will have to appear for the 12th board compartment/supplementary exam in the following cases –

• If you have failed in one or more subjects, then you have to appear for the 12th board compartment/supplementary exam.

• Sometimes, students have not failed the exam, but they are unsatisfied with their scores. In this case, certain boards may allow appearing for the improvement paper. 

• If you are unable to pass the supplementary exam even after repeated attempts, then you might have to reappear as a regular candidate for the 12th board exam (this criterion will vary from one board to another). 

Also Read: CBSE Roll Number Finder 2026 

How to Apply For the 12th Board Compartment/Supplementary Exam?

If you want to apply for the 12th board compartment/supplementary exam, then you can follow these guidelines –

• The easiest way to apply for the 12th board compartment/supplementary exam is by taking the help of school authorities. They will fill out the form on your behalf. You have to provide the necessary documents, and a prescribed fee must be submitted for such an exam. 

• You can directly apply on the board’s website. This procedure is mostly followed in cases of open learning students (non-regular candidates). After filling in the required details and paying the prescribed fees, one can register for the compartment/supplementary exams. 

• Whether you apply through your school or by yourself, make sure to download the admit card for the compartment exam and save a copy. 

Also Read: CBSE Class 12th Blueprint 2026 

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