CBSE Class 10 to have 2 board exams in 2026, CBSE approves draft on conducting two board exams a year
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved draft norms to conduct two board exams for Class 10 students starting from the 2026 academic year. This decision aims to provide students with more flexibility and opportunities to improve their scores without waiting an entire year. Here are the key points about this new system:
Exam Schedule: The first set of exams will be held from February 17 to March 6, 2026, and the second set from May 5 to May 20, 2026.
Full Syllabus Coverage: Both exams will cover the full syllabus, ensuring a uniform evaluation process.
No Separate Supplementary Exams: The May session will serve as a retake opportunity, replacing supplementary exams.
Practical and Internal Assessments: These will be conducted only once per academic year.
Final Marksheet: Will include scores from both sessions, highlighting the best score for each subject.
Subject Changes: Students cannot change subjects once the List of Candidates (LOC) is finalized, but they can skip a subject in the first exam and take a different one in the second.
Alignment with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
This change aligns with the NEP 2020, which aims to reduce the ‘high-stakes’ nature of board exams by providing students with more opportunities to perform well.
Reactions and Concerns
Mixed Reactions: Some parents and teachers welcome the flexibility, while others worry about added pressure and logistical challenges.
Implementation Challenges: Concerns include ensuring students do not take the first attempt lightly and managing school resources for additional exams.
The draft norms are open for public feedback until March 9, 2025, after which the policy will be finalized.
