Chennai: The Directorate of Government Examinations has invited online applications from private candidates for the August 2026 Class VIII Public Examination, scheduled to be held for eligible candidates who have completed 12-and-a-half years of age as on August 1, 2026.

Candidates can register through the designated Service Centres listed on the Directorate's official website between July 1 and July 8, 2026, including Sundays. Applications submitted by post will not be accepted. Detailed information, including the examination timetable, is available on the Directorate's website.

The examination fee has been fixed at Rs 125, while the online registration fee is Rs 70, taking the total payable amount to Rs 195. The fee must be paid in cash at the Service Centres during registration.

Candidates who fail to register within the prescribed period can apply on July 9 and 10 by paying an additional late fee of Rs 500 along with the regular examination charges, the release said.

First-time applicants are required to upload any one of the following certified documents along with their online application: school transfer certificate, school admission register extract or birth certificate. Candidates reappearing for subjects they had previously failed must compulsorily upload copies of their earlier mark certificates.

Private candidates are also required to enclose a self-addressed envelope affixed with a Rs 60 postal stamp while submitting the application, according to the release.