CBSE announces two board exams for Class 10 from 2026
The CBSE Class 10 board exams will be undergoing a big change starting in 2026, allowing students to appear for board exams twice in a single academic year.
The move aims to reduce the “high stakes” aspect, reduce exam pressure and offer students a chance to improve their performance without waiting an entire year.
Under the new scheme, every student must appear in the first exam, scheduled for mid-February, while those seeking to improve their scores or falling short in up to three subjects can appear in the second exam in May.
The decision follows the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which called for flexible and student-friendly assessments.
In a press note dated June 25, 2025, CBSE stated that the policy allows fresh candidates, compartment cases, essential repeat students, and those appearing for improvement to sit for the first exam.
The second exam will be open to those from the improvement category, first/third chance compartment cases, and students combining compartment and improvement subjects.
Special provisions have been made for specific groups. Sportspersons whose events clash with exams, students from winter-bound schools, and CWSN candidates will be allowed to take the second exam as their main attempt if needed.
Internal assessment will be conducted only once, prior to the first board exam.