In a major shift aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that Class 10 board examinations will be conducted twice a year starting from 2026. The first examination phase will be mandatory, while the second phase will be optional, offering students an opportunity to improve performance in up to three subjects.
According to the official statement issued by CBSE on Wednesday, the move aims to reduce exam-related stress and offer flexibility in learning outcomes.
“As per the recommendations of NEP-2020 and consultations with stakeholders, CBSE has decided to implement the policy of two Board Examinations in Class X from the 2026 examinations,” the board stated.
📅 Exam Schedule and Structure
- First Exam (Main): Held in mid-February, results declared by April
- Second Exam (Optional): Held in May, results declared in June
- Internal Assessment: Conducted only once before the main exam
- Subjects for Improvement: Up to three subjects (Science, Mathematics, Social Science, Languages)
Students must appear in the first exam compulsorily. Those who fail in three or more subjects will not be eligible for the second exam and will be marked “Essential Repeat”, meaning they must appear in the next year’s main examination.
Students who receive “Compartment” in the first phase can reappear in the second exam under the same category.
📝 Special Provisions
- Sports Students: May opt for the second phase if sports events clash with exam dates
- Winter-bound Schools: Allowed to choose either exam cycle
- Children With Special Needs (CWSN): Entitled to the same facilities in both phases
📚 Academic Policy Highlights
- Both exams will be based on the complete annual syllabus and follow the same scheme of studies
- No new subjects can be added after passing Class 10
- Standalone subjects will not be allowed
- No subject change in the second phase except as per existing policy
- Final documents and merit certificates will be issued after the second exam
- DigiLocker will host results for provisional Class XI admissions
- Post-result services like re-evaluation and verification will apply only after the second exam
🧾 Important Notes
- Filling of the List of Candidates (LOC) and appearance in the main exam is mandatory
- Separate LOC is required for the second phase; no new candidate registrations will be accepted at that stage
The CBSE clarified that students who do not clear the first exam may be granted provisional admission to Class XI, subject to confirmation based on the second exam result.
This landmark reform is designed to give students multiple chances to succeed without repeating an entire academic year, aligning India’s school assessment practices with global educational standards.