CBSE Class 10 Board Exams to Introduce Twice-a-Year Format from 2026
Significant Changes in CBSE Class 10 Board Exams
Starting in 2026, the CBSE Class 10 board examinations will undergo a major transformation, allowing students to take the exams twice within a single academic year. This initiative aims to alleviate exam-related stress and provide students with an opportunity to enhance their scores without having to wait an entire year. According to the revised structure, all students must participate in the first examination scheduled for mid-February. Additionally, those who wish to improve their grades or who fail in up to three subjects will have the option to sit for a second exam in May.
This decision aligns with the guidelines set forth by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes a more flexible and student-focused assessment approach.
Details of the New Examination Structure
The Class 10 board exams will now be conducted twice annually, with the first exam in February and the second in May. While the first exam is mandatory, the second is optional.
Results for the first exam will be announced in April, followed by the second exam results in June, allowing students to make improvements.
Internal assessments will occur only once throughout the academic year, applicable to both examination sessions.
Eligibility and Special Provisions
In a press release dated June 25, 2025, CBSE clarified that under the new framework, new students, those in compartment cases, and students retaking exams will be eligible for the first examination.
The second exam will be accessible only to those in the improvement category, first/third chance compartment cases, and students with both compartment and improvement subjects. Special arrangements have also been made for specific groups.
For instance, athletes whose competitions coincide with the exam dates, students from winter regions, and CWSN (Divyang) students will be permitted to take the second exam as their primary assessment if necessary.
Future Reforms and Focus on Continuous Learning
The internal assessment will be conducted only once before the first board exam.
CBSE has hinted at further reforms, including modular exams, dual-tier question papers, and a mix of objective and descriptive questions, which may soon be integrated into the standard examination process.
The board believes that these changes will shift the emphasis from the intense pressure of exams to a model of continuous learning, providing students with more chances to excel or improve their performance.
While the new policy for two exams will be implemented for Class 10 starting in 2026, there are indications that a similar system may be considered for Class 12 in the future, although no official confirmation has been made yet.