Highlights
CBSE Class 10 board exams will be held twice a year starting in 2026.
The first phase will take place from February 17 to March 6, while the second phase is scheduled from May 5 to 20.
No separate supplementary exams – both phases will act as improvement opportunities.
Same exam center for both attempts.
Increased exam fees will be collected upfront.
Draft norms are open for feedback until March 9, 2025.
CBSE Board Exams Twice a Year – What It Means for Students
In a major reform, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved draft norms to conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year from the 2026-27 academic session. This move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to reduce the stress of a single high-stakes exam and provide students with multiple opportunities to improve their scores.
The first phase of exams will be conducted in February, followed by the second phase in May. Students can choose to appear for one or both attempts, and the best score will be retained in the final result.
Exam Schedule (Proposed for 2026 Onwards)
| Exam Phase | Tentative Dates | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| First Attempt | February 17 – March 6 | Main attempt |
| Second Attempt | May 5 – 20 | Optional attempt / Improvement exam |
No More Supplementary Exams
CBSE has decided that both editions of the board exams will also serve as supplementary exams. This means that:
- If a student fails or scores poorly in the February exams, they can reappear in May.
- There will be no separate compartment exams beyond these two attempts.
- Students will have the same exam center for both phases.
A senior CBSE official explained:
“The first and second editions of the board exams will act as supplementary exams. No special compartment exams will be conducted in any circumstances.”
Impact of Twice-a-Year Board Exams
✅ Benefits for Students
Less Stress – Students will no longer have the pressure of a single board exam determining their final score.
Better Performance – Students who don’t perform well in the first attempt can improve their marks in the second attempt.
More Flexibility – Students can choose the attempt that suits them best, helping them plan better.
Aligned with NEP 2020 – Encourages continuous assessment rather than a one-time high-stakes exam.
❌ Challenges
Increased Exam Fees – Students must pay higher fees upfront if they want to appear in both attempts.
More Study Pressure – Those appearing for both attempts will have to prepare for two full-syllabus exams.
Extended Exam Cycle – Schools will need to manage the extra schedule while completing the syllabus on time.
What’s Next?
CBSE has invited feedback on the draft norms until March 9, 2025.
Once finalized, the new policy will be implemented from the 2026-27 academic session.
This reform is expected to reduce exam stress and improve student outcomes, but it also presents challenges such as higher fees and increased workload. Students and parents should carefully consider how to best utilize this opportunity.
