The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released an important circular introducing two board examinations for Class 10 students starting from the academic year 2026.
This major change is based on the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to reduce the pressure of high-stakes exams and offer students more flexibility and chances for improvement.
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What Does NEP 2020 Say?
According to Paragraph 4.37 of NEP 2020, students should be allowed up to two board exams in one academic year — one main exam and one improvement attempt.
In Paragraph 4.38, NEP also suggests:
- Flexible exam formats.
- Best-of-two scoring systems.
- Modular or semester-wise exams.
- Testing of core skills instead of rote learning.
- Option to attempt some subjects at a higher level.
These reforms aim to reduce exam stress, discourage over-reliance on coaching, and support better learning outcomes.
Key Features of the New Exam Policy
From 2026 onwards, every Class 10 student must appear in the first board exam. Those who pass will be allowed to improve up to three subjects (from Science, Mathematics, Social Science, or Languages) in the second board exam.
However, students who skip three or more subjects in the first exam will not be allowed to appear in the second exam. They will be marked as “Essential Repeat” and will need to reappear next year.
Examination Schedule and Result Timeline
The main board exam will be held in mid-February, while the second exam will take place in May. Results for the first exam will be declared in April, and for the second exam in June.
Students who don’t wish to appear in the second exam can use their main exam result, which will be uploaded on DigiLocker for admissions to Class 11. Final passing documents and merit certificates will be issued only after the second exam.
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Who Can Appear in Which Exam?
| Exam Type | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| First Exam | Fresh students, 2nd chance Compartment, Repeaters, Improvement category |
| Second Exam | Passed students (max 3 subjects), Compartment cases, Improvement + Compartment |
Internal Assessment and Syllabus Rules
Internal assessment will be conducted only once, before the main exam. Both board exams will follow the same full-year syllabus. There will be no changes in the exam pattern, subjects, or marking scheme.
Additional subjects cannot be added after passing Class 10, and stand-alone subjects are not permitted after clearing the exam.
Special Provisions for Some Students
| Category | Facility Provided |
|---|---|
| Sports Students | Can appear in the second exam if the first exam overlaps with events |
| Winter-Bound Schools | May choose to appear in either the first or second exam |
| CWSN Candidates | Will receive the same facilities in the second exam |
LOC and Subject Change Rules
Filling the List of Candidates (LOC) will be compulsory for the first exam. A separate LOC must be submitted for the second exam — but no new names will be added. Subject changes between the first and second exams are not allowed, unless officially permitted.
Result Declaration and Re-evaluation
CBSE will declare results as per its Bye-Laws. Photocopy, re-evaluation, and verification of answer sheets will be available only after the results of the second exam. All students will get passing documents after the second exam. Merit certificates will also be issued after that.
Provisional Admission in Class XI
Students who fail the main exam will be allowed provisional admission in Class XI. Their admission will be confirmed after they pass the second exam. Students who clear the main exam can also choose to improve and use the higher score.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What has CBSE announced for Class 10 from 2026? | CBSE will conduct two board exams annually for Class 10 students. |
| Will both exams cover the same syllabus? | Yes, both will follow the full year’s syllabus and exam scheme. |
| Can a student appear in both exams? | Yes, students must appear in the first exam and may choose to improve up to 3 subjects in the second. |
| When will the board exam results be declared? | First exam results will be out in April; second exam results in June. |
| Is admission to Class 11 allowed after the first exam? | Yes, provisional admission will be allowed after the first exam; final confirmation will depend on second exam results. |
Read the official circular about Two Board Examinations in Class X from 2026- regarding Background
CBSE’s new policy aims to transform the assessment system in schools by focusing on flexibility, fairness, and reduced pressure. This is a significant shift in India’s board exam structure and aligns with the long-term goals of the NEP 2020.
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