The Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE) conducts the Class X Compartmental Examination for students who failed in one or more subjects in the main HSLC 2026 examination. The NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam 2026 is scheduled to be held from June 9 to June 20, 2026, giving students a second chance to pass and complete their Class X education. The registration window for the compartment exam ran from May 11 to May 16, 2026, and schools were required to submit verified forms to NBSE by May 30, 2026.
Under the revised eligibility criteria aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, students with up to four "Needs Improvement" grades can appear for the NBSE Class X Compartmental Examination 2026. Students who clear the compartment exam will have their mark sheet updated to reflect a "Pass" status, allowing them to proceed to Class XI without losing an academic year.
The compartment exam gives students who narrowly missed the passing threshold a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in the subjects where they need improvement. Each paper carries 100 marks — 80 for the external written exam and 20 for internal assessment — and students must score at least 33% to pass each subject.
NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam 2026 Overview
- Students with up to 4 "Needs Improvement" grades in NBSE Class X 2026 are eligible for the compartment exam.
- The NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam 2026 is scheduled for June 9–20, 2026 at designated exam centres across Nagaland.
- The registration window closed on May 16, 2026, with schools completing verification by May 30, 2026.
- The exam fee is ₹600 per subject, paid through the respective school during form submission.
- Students must score at least 33% marks in each subject (both external and internal) to pass the compartment exam.
- Students who pass the compartment exam receive a Pass (Compartment) mark sheet and may proceed to Class XI.
- Students who fail the compartment exam must repeat the entire academic year as a regular student.
- NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam Date Sheet 2026
- NBSE Class X Compartmental Admit Card 2026
- NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam Syllabus
- NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam Pattern 2026
- Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions
- NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026
- NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam Fee Structure
- NBSE Class X Passing Marks Criteria 2026
- NBSE Class X Grading System
- NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam FAQs
NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam Date Sheet 2026
The NBSE has released the schedule for the Class X Compartmental and Improvement Examination 2026. The exam will be conducted from June 9 to June 20, 2026, in two daily shifts — morning (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon) and afternoon (1:00 PM to 4:00 PM). The detailed subject-wise timetable is available on the official NBSE website at nbsenl.edu.in.
The table below lists all key dates and events for the NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam 2026 cycle, with upcoming events listed first.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Admit Card Release | Early June 2026 | (Expected) |
| Compartmental Exam Begins | June 9, 2026 | (Upcoming) |
| Compartmental Exam Ends | June 20, 2026 | (Upcoming) |
| Result Declaration | July 2026 (Tentative) | (Expected) |
| Registration Window | May 11–16, 2026 | (Over) |
| School Form Verification Deadline | May 30, 2026 | (Over) |
Note: Each exam session includes reading time at the start of the paper. Students must reach the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the session begins. The subject-wise daily schedule is available on the official NBSE website at nbsenl.edu.in.
NBSE Class X Compartmental Admit Card 2026
The NBSE will release the admit card for the Class X Compartmental Exam 2026 in early June 2026, ahead of the exam starting on June 9. Students cannot appear for the compartmental examination without a valid admit card — it is a mandatory document for entry to the exam hall. Unlike some online boards, NBSE distributes hall tickets through schools and designated exam centres, not via individual student download portals.
- Regular Students: Collect the admit card from your school. Schools receive hall tickets from NBSE and distribute them to eligible students a few days before the exam.
- Private / Improvement Candidates: Collect the admit card from the designated exam centre where your application was submitted and verified.
The admit card will carry your roll number, exam centre name and address, subject-wise schedule, and important exam day instructions. Carry your admit card to every session of the compartmental exam — you will not be allowed entry without it. Report any errors in name, roll number, or centre details to your school or NBSE immediately so corrections can be made before the exam begins.
Where are NBSE Class X Compartmental Exams held?
The NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam 2026 is conducted at designated exam centres across Nagaland. NBSE published the updated centre list for the 2026 compartmental examination on May 27, 2026, on its official website. Students are allotted centres based on their district and school affiliation. Your admit card will confirm your assigned examination centre — verify the location well in advance so there are no last-minute surprises on exam day.
NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam Syllabus
The syllabus for the NBSE Class X Compartmental Examination 2026 is identical to the main HSLC 2026 examination syllabus. Students appearing for the compartment exam must study the complete syllabus of the subject(s) in which they received a "Needs Improvement" grade — no reduction or modification is made to the syllabus for compartmental candidates. The NBSE follows the NCERT framework with state-specific adaptations for Nagaland, including regional language papers.
The Class X curriculum covers five compulsory subjects and one elective. Language II offers regional options including Ao, Lotha, Sumi, and Tenyidie, reflecting Nagaland’s linguistic diversity. Download the official syllabi directly from the NBSE website for the most accurate subject-specific content.
| Subject | Type | Syllabus PDF |
|---|---|---|
| English (Language I) | Compulsory | Download from NBSE Website |
| Language II (Ao / Alternative English / Bengali / Hindi / Lotha / Sumi / Tenyidie) | Compulsory | Download from NBSE Website |
| Mathematics | Compulsory | Download from NBSE Website |
| Science | Compulsory | Download from NBSE Website |
| Social Sciences | Compulsory | Download from NBSE Website |
| Elective (Book-keeping & Accountancy / Environmental Education / Home Science / Foundation of IT / Music) | Elective (One subject) | Download from NBSE Website |
NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam Pattern 2026
The exam pattern for the NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam 2026 mirrors the main HSLC examination pattern exactly. Each subject paper is worth 100 marks — 80 marks for the external written exam and 20 marks for internal assessment — and students must complete the written paper in 3 hours. Internal assessment marks earned during the main academic year are carried forward and added to the compartmental exam marks to compute the final total.
| Subject | Theory Marks (External) | Internal Assessment | Total Marks | Types of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 80 | 20 | 100 | Objective, Short Answer, Long Answer / Essay |
| Language II | 80 | 20 | 100 | Objective, Short Answer, Long Answer / Composition |
| Mathematics | 80 | 20 | 100 | Objective, Short Answer, Problem-Solving (Long Answer) |
| Science | 80 | 20 (includes Practical component) | 100 | Objective, Short Answer, Long Answer |
| Social Sciences | 80 | 20 | 100 | Objective, Short Answer, Long Answer / Map-based |
| Elective Subject | 80 | 20 | 100 | Varies by elective chosen |
NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam 2026 Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Duration | 3 Hours per Paper |
| Total Marks per Subject | 100 (80 External + 20 Internal Assessment) |
| Passing Marks | Minimum 33% in each subject (external and combined total) |
| Medium of Instruction | English; regional languages for Language II papers |
| Conducting Body | Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE) |
| Exam Dates 2026 | June 9–20, 2026 |
| Official Website | nbsenl.edu.in |
Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions PDF
Practising previous year question papers is one of the most effective strategies for NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam preparation. Past papers reveal the recurring question types, important topics, and marking patterns across subjects. The NBSE Class X papers follow a consistent format year after year, making previous year questions a reliable guide for knowing what to expect in the 3-hour compartmental paper. Download official question papers from the NBSE website.
| NBSE Class X Question Paper | Download PDF |
|---|---|
| NBSE Class X Mathematics Previous Year Question Papers | Download from NBSE Website |
| NBSE Class X Science Previous Year Question Papers | Download from NBSE Website |
| NBSE Class X English Previous Year Question Papers | Download from NBSE Website |
| NBSE Class X Social Sciences Previous Year Question Papers | Download from NBSE Website |
| NBSE Class X Language II Previous Year Question Papers | Download from NBSE Website |
NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026
To be eligible for the NBSE Class X Compartmental Examination 2026, a student must have appeared in the main HSLC 2026 examination and received a "Needs Improvement" (NI / E1 grade) in one or more subjects. Under the revised eligibility criteria aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, students with up to four "Needs Improvement" grades in Class X 2026 may sit for the compartmental examination — an expansion from the earlier limit of one to two subjects.
Improvement candidates — students who passed the main exam but want to raise their marks — can also apply under the same registration process. Absent candidates require NBSE approval supported by valid documentation. Students who received Grade E2 (below 21 marks) in any subject are not eligible for the compartmental exam and must repeat Class X as regular students.
| Criteria | Details | Key Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Appeared In Main Exam | Must have appeared in NBSE HSLC 2026 (Class X main examination) | Fresh private candidates who did not appear in the 2026 main exam cannot register for the compartment exam directly. |
| Failed Subjects (NI Grade) | Received "Needs Improvement" (E1 grade, 21–32 marks) in 1 to 4 subjects | NEP 2020 alignment expanded the compartment window from 1–2 subjects to up to 4 subjects, protecting more students from year loss. |
| Improvement Category | Passed the main exam but wishes to improve marks in specific subjects | Improvement candidates use the same form, follow the same process, and pay the same ₹600 per subject fee. |
| Absent Candidates | Absent in specific subjects due to medical or other valid documented reasons | Not automatically eligible — requires supporting documents and explicit NBSE approval on a case-by-case basis. |
| Not Eligible (E2 Grade) | Received E2 grade (below 21 marks) in any subject | E2 students must repeat the full Class X year as regular students; compartment exam is not available to them. |
| Passing Criteria | Minimum 33% marks in each subject (external and combined total) | Must pass all attempted compartment subjects to proceed to Class XI; one remaining failure means repeating the year. |
What is the rule of the compartment exam in NBSE Class X?
- Regular Students (NI Grade): Students who received the "Needs Improvement" (E1) grade in 1 to 4 subjects are eligible. They register through their school, which verifies the form and submits it to NBSE within the prescribed window.
- Improvement Candidates: Students who passed the main HSLC exam but want to improve their marks in specific subjects can register under the improvement category using the same form, process, and fee structure.
- Absent / Medical Candidates: Students who were absent in specific papers due to medical or other valid reasons may apply with supporting documentation. Eligibility is confirmed by NBSE on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed.
How many chances are given in the NBSE Class X compartment exam?
NBSE allows students multiple attempts at the compartmental examination across successive compartment cycles. Students who do not clear the compartment exam in the first attempt (June 2026) can appear again in a subsequent compartmental window, subject to NBSE’s current policy on the maximum number of permitted attempts. Students who exhaust all compartment attempts without passing the required subjects must repeat the full Class X academic year as regular students. Check the official NBSE website at nbsenl.edu.in or consult your school for the exact number of attempts permitted under current board regulations.
NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam: Number of Attempts
| Attempt | Tentative Schedule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First Attempt | June 2026 | Primary compartmental window immediately after HSLC 2026 results; most students with NI grades appear here. |
| Second Attempt | As per NBSE schedule (next cycle) | Available for students who do not clear the first compartment attempt; check nbsenl.edu.in for confirmed schedule. |
| Further Attempts | As per NBSE policy | Subject to the maximum number of attempts permitted under NBSE’s current rules; consult the official website or school. |
NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam Fee Structure
The fee for the NBSE Class X Compartmental Examination 2026 is charged on a per-subject basis and collected through the student’s school. The compartmental exam fee is ₹600 per subject — paid during the registration window (May 11–16, 2026) through the school, which then remits the aggregated amount to NBSE along with verified forms. Students do not pay NBSE directly.
| Category | Fee per Subject | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Students (Nagaland schools) | ₹600 | Through respective school during form submission |
| Improvement Candidates | ₹600 per subject | Through respective school during form submission |
| Late Fee (if applicable) | As announced by NBSE | Check nbsenl.edu.in for any late registration provisions or additional fee notifications |
Note: The registration window for the NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam 2026 closed on May 16, 2026, with school-level verification completed by May 30, 2026. Students who missed the window should contact their school principal or NBSE directly to check whether any late registration provisions are available.
NBSE Class X Passing Marks Criteria 2026
To pass the NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam 2026, students must meet the minimum threshold in each subject attempted. The minimum passing mark is 33% in each subject, computed separately for the external written paper (out of 80 marks) and for the combined total (out of 100 marks). Internal assessment marks (20 marks) carried forward from the main examination are added to the compartmental paper marks to arrive at the combined total.
Clearing the compartmental exam in a subject means securing at least 27 marks in the external written paper and at least 33 marks in the combined total. Students who meet the external passing threshold but fall short of 33 combined (due to low internal assessment marks) will still not be declared passed in that subject, since both conditions must be satisfied simultaneously.
| Component | Total Marks | Minimum Passing Marks (33%) |
|---|---|---|
| External Written Exam | 80 | 27 marks (33% of 80, rounded up) |
| Internal Assessment | 20 | 7 marks (33% of 20, rounded up) |
| Combined Total (per subject) | 100 | 33 marks (33% of 100) |
Is 27 a passing mark out of 80 in the NBSE Class X compartment exam?
Yes, 27 out of 80 is the minimum passing mark for the external written paper in NBSE Class X 2026. Since 33% of 80 equals 26.4, this rounds up to 27. However, scoring 27 in the external paper alone is not sufficient — your combined score (external marks + internal assessment marks) must also reach at least 33 out of 100 for you to be declared passed in that subject.
NBSE Class X Passing Marks Reference Table
| Component | Total Marks | 33% Value | Minimum Passing Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| External Written Exam | 80 | 26.4 | 27 marks |
| Internal Assessment | 20 | 6.6 | 7 marks |
| Combined Total | 100 | 33.0 | 33 marks |
What happens if you pass the NBSE Class X compartment exam? Students who clear all required subjects in the compartmental examination receive an updated mark sheet showing "Pass (Compartment)" and become eligible to join Class XI, apply for vocational programmes, or seek admission in institutions that recognise compartment pass results. You do not lose an academic year.
What happens if you fail the NBSE Class X compartment exam? Students who do not secure the minimum 33% in any of their compartmental subjects cannot proceed to Class XI. They must repeat the entire Class X academic year as regular students and re-appear in the main HSLC examination in the next cycle. NBSE may permit additional compartment attempts in subsequent windows — consult your school or the official website for the current policy.
NBSE Class X Grading System
The Nagaland Board of Secondary Education uses a nine-point grading scale (A1 to E2) for the HSLC Class X examination, including the compartmental and improvement exams. Students must secure at least Grade D (33–40 marks range, Grade Point 4) in each subject to be considered passed; grades E1 and E2 indicate "Needs Improvement" (compartment-eligible) and "Fail" (year repeat required) respectively.
| Grade | Marks Range | Grade Point | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 91 – 100 | 10 | Outstanding |
| A2 | 81 – 90 | 9 | Excellent |
| B1 | 71 – 80 | 8 | Very Good |
| B2 | 61 – 70 | 7 | Good |
| C1 | 51 – 60 | 6 | Above Average |
| C2 | 41 – 50 | 5 | Average |
| D | 33 – 40 | 4 | Pass |
| E1 | 21 – 32 | — | Needs Improvement (Compartment Eligible) |
| E2 | 00 – 20 | — | Fail (Year Repeat Required) |
Note: Students who receive Grade E1 (21–32 marks) in up to 4 subjects are eligible for the compartmental examination. Students who receive Grade E2 (below 21 marks) in any subject are not eligible for the compartmental exam and must repeat Class X as regular students in the next academic year.
NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam FAQs
Ques. Who is eligible for the NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam 2026?
Ans. Students who appeared in the NBSE HSLC 2026 main examination and received a "Needs Improvement" (E1 grade, 21–32 marks) in one to four subjects are eligible for the compartmental exam. Under the NEP 2020-aligned revision, the eligibility ceiling was raised from the earlier limit of 1–2 subjects to up to 4 subjects. Students who passed the main exam but wish to improve their marks in specific subjects can also apply under the improvement category. The registration deadline was May 16, 2026, through respective schools.
Ques. When is the NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam 2026?
Ans. The NBSE Class X Compartmental and Improvement Examination 2026 is scheduled from June 9 to June 20, 2026. The exam is conducted in two daily shifts — morning (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon) and afternoon (1:00 PM to 4:00 PM). The subject-wise daily timetable is published on the official NBSE website at nbsenl.edu.in.
Ques. What is the fee for the NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam 2026?
Ans. The fee for the NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam 2026 is ₹600 per subject. This is collected by the school during the registration window (May 11–16, 2026) and remitted to NBSE along with verified application forms. Students do not pay NBSE directly — all fee collection happens through the school.
Ques. What are the minimum passing marks for the NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam?
Ans. Students must score a minimum of 33% in each subject to pass the compartmental exam. For the external written paper (out of 80 marks), the minimum passing mark is 27. For the combined total (external + internal assessment, out of 100), the minimum is 33 marks. Internal assessment marks from the main exam are carried forward and added to the compartmental paper score.
Ques. How many subjects can I appear for in the NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam?
Ans. You can appear for the compartmental exam in up to four subjects in which you received the "Needs Improvement" (E1) grade. This revised limit, aligned with NEP 2020, expanded the earlier ceiling of 1–2 subjects and gives more students the opportunity to clear Class X without repeating the full year. Students with E2 grade (below 21 marks) in any subject are not eligible for the compartmental exam in that subject.
Ques. When will the NBSE Class X Compartmental Admit Card 2026 be released?
Ans. The NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam 2026 admit card is expected to be released in early June 2026, a few days before the exam begins on June 9. NBSE distributes hall tickets through schools and exam centres — students cannot download them individually. Collect your admit card from your school before exam day and report any errors immediately.
Ques. What happens if I fail the NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam?
Ans. Students who fail to secure 33% in any of their compartmental subjects cannot advance to Class XI. They must repeat the entire Class X academic year as regular students and appear in the full HSLC main examination in the next cycle. NBSE may permit additional compartment attempts in subsequent windows depending on its current policy — check nbsenl.edu.in or consult your school for the rules applicable to your situation.
Ques. What happens if I pass the NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam?
Ans. Students who clear all required subjects in the compartmental examination receive an updated mark sheet showing "Pass (Compartment)" status. You become eligible to join Class XI, apply for admission to vocational or technical programmes, or seek opportunities in institutions that accept compartment pass results. Passing the compartment exam means you do not lose an academic year and can continue your education on schedule.
Ques. When will the NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam 2026 result be declared?
Ans. The NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam 2026 result is expected to be declared in July 2026. Results will be published on the official NBSE website at nbsenl.edu.in. You will need your roll number and registration number to access your individual result. No separate result booklet is issued — the updated mark sheet reflecting compartment pass status is collected through your school.
Ques. Is the NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam syllabus different from the main exam?
Ans. No. The syllabus for the NBSE Class X Compartmental Exam is exactly the same as the main HSLC examination syllabus. Students must prepare the complete syllabus of the subject(s) in which they received the "Needs Improvement" grade — no reduction, shortlisting, or modification is made for compartmental candidates. Download the official subject syllabi from nbsenl.edu.in for accurate and updated content.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is sourced from official NBSE announcements and best available public sources as of May 2026. Dates, fees, eligibility criteria, and exam schedules are subject to change at NBSE’s discretion. Always refer to the official Nagaland Board of Secondary Education website at nbsenl.edu.in for the most current and authoritative information before taking any action.
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