University of Cambridge to Accept CBSE Class XII for Select Undergraduate Courses

The University of Cambridge has said the Indian CBSE Class XII qualification “will now be accepted” for some undergraduate courses, with additional requirements where appropriate. The update was announced on January 27, 2026, as part of a wider set of Cambridge initiatives linked to India, and it could expand direct entry routes for high-performing CBSE students applying to select programmes.

What Cambridge has announced?

In an official University of Cambridge news release dated January 27, 2026, the University said it will broaden undergraduate entry pathways for top students educated in India, adding that CBSE Class XII will now be accepted for some undergraduate courses alongside other conditions where needed.

Cambridge also said it is exploring philanthropic funding for scholarships for talented Indian students and has set up a Cambridge India Research Foundation (a Section 8 company) to support bursaries, fees, and student expenses, alongside research partnerships.

What this changes for CBSE students?

Until now, Cambridge’s published international entry guidance for India has generally cautioned that Class XII alone is unlikely to be competitive, recommending additional study routes such as A Levels, IB, multiple AP tests (Score 5), or a year of undergraduate study outside the UK.

The new Cambridge statement signals a shift for some courses—but it does not (yet) spell out a universal CBSE-only route across all subjects.

Key points Indian applicants should note

CBSE Class XII is now accepted for some Cambridge undergraduate courses, per Cambridge’s January 27 announcement.

• Cambridge explicitly says additional requirements may still apply, depending on the course.
• Cambridge’s current published “India – Class XII” guidance still says Class XII alone is unlikely to be competitive, and lists alternative preparation pathways.
• Applicants are advised by Cambridge to check course requirements carefully and also check whether admissions assessments are required for their chosen subject.
• Cambridge also asks applicants with qualification questions to contact shortlisted Colleges early.

Where “additional requirements” can show up?

Cambridge’s undergraduate admissions process can include course-specific assessments and deadlines, which may still apply even if CBSE Class XII is accepted for eligibility.

For example, Cambridge’s official deadlines and test information for the 2026 entry cycle included:

UCAS deadline: 15 October 2025 (6pm UK time) for most Cambridge applicants for 2026 entry

My Cambridge Application deadline: 22 October 2025 (6pm UK time) for most applicants

ESAT required for certain science/engineering-related courses, with test dates listed for October 2025

What Indian students should do next?

Shortlist your Cambridge course first, then review its entry requirements and assessments (tests, subject expectations, and deadlines).

If you are applying with CBSE Class XII, be prepared that Cambridge may ask for additional requirements depending on the course—and confirm the exact CBSE conditions with the College(s) you plan to apply to.

Track Cambridge’s undergraduate pages for updates to the India – Class XII guidance, which currently still reflects the earlier “Class XII alone” competitiveness position.