CBSE Class 10 Board Exams to Be Held Twice a Year from 2026: Complete Details

In a significant move aimed at reducing exam stress and giving students more flexibility, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a new exam policy for Class 10 students, which will take effect from the academic year 2026. Under this new system, all students will have the opportunity to appear for the board exams twice within the same academic session. This decision has been widely discussed in the education sector and is expected to impact millions of students across India.

What Are the New Rules?

According to the new guidelines, starting from 2026, CBSE will conduct two board exams for Class 10 in every academic year. The first exam, known as Phase 1, will be held in February and is mandatory for all students. The second exam, or Phase 2, will be organized in May and is optional—meant for those who wish to improve their scores or who could not perform to their expectations in the first attempt.

This dual-exam system is designed to provide students with an additional opportunity to enhance their marks without having to wait for another whole academic year. It is also expected to reduce the pressure traditionally associated with the “one-shot” board exam system.

How Will the Scoring Work?

One of the most student-friendly aspects of the new policy is that the best score out of the two attempts will be considered as the final result. If a student appears for both exams, the higher score will be counted for their mark sheet and certificate. This means that students who are satisfied with their performance in the first phase do not need to appear for the second phase, while those who wish to improve have a clear and immediate opportunity to do so.

Syllabus, Pattern, and Results

CBSE officials have clarified that the syllabus and exam pattern will remain the same for both phases. There will be no change in the structure or content of the exam papers between the two sessions. The results for both phases are expected to be declared by the first week of June, ensuring that the academic calendar is not disrupted and students can plan their next steps—such as admissions to higher classes—without delay.

Why This Change?

This reform is inspired by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for reducing exam-related anxiety and providing students with multiple opportunities to demonstrate their learning. The NEP recommends flexibility in the examination system and aims to bring Indian education standards closer to global practices, where multiple attempts at standardized exams are common.

Education experts believe that this move will not only reduce stress but also encourage a deeper understanding of subjects, as students will have more time and less pressure to prepare. It is also expected to help students who may face unforeseen circumstances such as illness or personal issues during the first exam phase.

Reactions from Students and Parents

The announcement has been met with a positive response from both students and parents. Many have expressed relief, saying that the new system will make board exams less of a “make or break” moment. “Knowing that I have a second chance if something goes wrong in the first exam definitely makes me less anxious,” said a Class 9 student from Delhi.

Parents have also welcomed the policy, noting that it aligns with international education systems and will help in building student confidence.

Key Points at a Glance

Two board exams per year for Class 10 from 2026
First exam in February (mandatory), second in May (optional)
Best score will be counted for the final result
Same syllabus and exam pattern for both phases
Results by early June
Policy aims to reduce exam stress and align with NEP 2020

Conclusion

The CBSE’s decision to introduce biannual board exams for Class 10 marks a major shift in India’s school examination system. By offering students a second chance within the same year and counting their best performance, the board hopes to foster a healthier, more balanced approach to learning and assessment.