The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on June 04, 2026, issued clarification on totaling of marks when extra questions are attempted.
The clarification explains how marks are totaled when students attempt extra questions in CBSE examinations. Due to internal choices in question papers, students sometimes answer more questions than required, leading to confusion when comparing the calculation sheet with the final marks awarded.
As per CBSE policy, only the best marks obtained among the attempted alternatives are considered for the final total. Any additional answers beyond the required number are treated as “over-attempts” and are not included in the total score.
Such excluded marks are indicated with an asterisk (*) in the evaluated answer sheet, along with a footnote stating that these marks are omitted from totaling. This ensures transparency in how the final marks are calculated.
Students are therefore advised to carefully check these asterisk marks and notes before calculating totals, as the final score reflects only the highest valid marks and may also be rounded off where applicable.
[Circular No. CBSE/COORD/TOTALING /CLASS XII/2026]
