Changing your board after Class 10: migration, TC and Class 11 admission

Can you change your board after Class 10?

Yes, you can change your board (10वीं के बाद बोर्ड कैसे बदलें) after Class 10 and join a different board for Class 11. All national boards—CBSE, ICSE (CISCE) and NIOS—as well as state boards recognise examinations from one another. This means a student who passes Class 10 from one board can seek admission to Class 11 in a school affiliated to a different board.

The key reason boards allow this is that they recognise each other's certificates as equivalent qualifications. However, the admission process requires specific documents and approval from your previous school, so understanding the requirements beforehand makes the transition smooth.

Documents you need: migration certificate, TC and marksheet

When you apply for Class 11 admission at a school affiliated to a different board, you will need three main documents from your Class 10 school:

• Transfer Certificate (TC) — issued by your current school, confirming you are free to leave and are not under any disciplinary action. It includes your name, roll number, class and dates of study.
• Class 10 marksheet (or result sheet) — showing the marks and grades you scored in each subject. This proves you have passed Class 10.
• Migration certificate — issued by your current board (not the school) confirming that you have completed Class 10 from a school affiliated to that board and are free to move to another board. This document is often issued automatically after results or can be obtained from the board's office or DigiLocker.

How to change your board for Class 11 admission, step by step

1. 1

   Decide which board and school you want to join for Class 11 and confirm that your academic background is accepted (most boards accept all recognised boards).

2. 2

   Inform your current school (the Class 10 school) of your intention to leave. This is usually done after results are declared.

3. 3

   Apply for a Transfer Certificate from your school. The school issues this and keeps a record. A TC typically takes a few working days.

4. 4

   Collect your Class 10 marksheet and migration certificate. If your board issues these via DigiLocker, activate your account using your roll number and school code to download them digitally.

5. 5

   Collect the original or digitally-verified copy of your marksheet and migration certificate from your board's office or DigiLocker.

6. 6

   Apply for admission to Class 11 at your chosen new school. Submit the Transfer Certificate, marksheet and migration certificate along with the school's admission form.

7. 7

   The new school will verify the documents and submit your registration to the new board once you are enrolled. The new board then activates your candidature for Class 11.

8. 8

   Collect your admit card or enrolment number from the new school once the new board confirms your registration.

Do CBSE, state and ICSE boards recognise each other?

Yes, all recognised boards in India recognise examinations from one another for the purpose of school admissions. This means a student from CBSE can move to ICSE, NIOS or any state board. A student from a state board can move to CBSE, ICSE or NIOS. A student from ICSE can move to CBSE, a state board or NIOS.

The recognition applies to all recognised boards affiliated to state governments or autonomous bodies. Admission is granted on the basis of your Class 10 results, and the boards treat Class 10 certificates from other boards as equivalent to their own.

Changing board after 10th FAQ

Do I need my school's permission to change boards? Yes, you must inform your school and obtain a Transfer Certificate. Schools are required to issue this once you leave.

What if I cannot get a physical Transfer Certificate? Many schools now issue TCs digitally or through DigiLocker. Check with your school first. If neither is available, contact your school office or the board directly for a certified copy.

Can I change boards mid-year or just after Class 10 results? Board changes are typically processed after Class 10 results are declared. Some schools may allow mid-year transfers, but this is rare and depends on the new school's policy.

Will I lose my Class 10 marks or grade if I change boards? No, your Class 10 result remains the same regardless of which board issues it. Marks and grades are permanent and are not recalculated when you move boards.

Do I need to reappear for Class 10 if I am changing boards? No. Once you have passed Class 10 from any recognised board, you do not reappear. You can move directly to Class 11 at your new board.