In a significant reform aimed at reducing academic pressure and aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced that Class 10 board exams will be conducted twice a year starting from 2026. This move marks a historic change in India’s school education system, offering students an opportunity to improve their scores within the same academic year.
The decision, confirmed by CBSE and widely discussed by educators, policymakers, and parents, aims to promote continuous learning, reduce stress, and provide greater flexibility for students preparing for one of the most crucial academic milestones in their school journey.
What is the New Exam Structure?
According to the new policy by the CBSE, the Class 10th Board exams will take place in two phases every year. The first phase will be conducted in February and will be compulsory for all students. While the second phase will be conducted in May, this will be optional for those students who want to improve their grades.
In the second phase students can retake exams in up to three subjects out of Science, Maths, Social Science, or Languages if they are not satisfied with their phase 1 performance.
Importantly, the best score obtained in each subject from either of the two attempts will be considered for the student’s final mark sheet.
However, internal assessments, however, such as practical exams and project work, will continue to be conducted only once per academic year. It will be held before the main examinations. While the scheme of study, exam as well as syllabus will remain the same.
Also, if a student misses three or more subjects in the first phase, cannot sit again in May. As they will be placed in the “Essential Repeat” and will only reappear next year in the main examination that is scheduled for February.
Whereas winter bound students can choose to appear in either exam session only in offered subjects.
Sports Category:
Sports students can appear in the second phase of examination if national/state-level events clash with their subject of examination.
Special Needs Students:
Children with Special Needs (CWSN) will receive full exam accommodations in both sessions.
Examination and Results Category:
For the examinations, filling of the List of Candidates (LOC) and appearing in the Main/First examination will be compulsory. The LOC for the second examination will be filled separately; however, no new names will be added to the LOC of the second examination.
Additionally, no subject change will be allowed from the first examination to the second examination, except as permitted under the prescribed policy.
The results for these two examinations will be announced in April and June according to the CBSE Examination Controller. These results of the Main examination will be available on DigiLocker.
Students can use this to take admission in Class XI if they do not want to appear for the Second examination for improvement. The final passing certificate and merit certificate will be given to all students only after the results of the Second examination are declared.
Photocopy, verification, and re-evaluation facilities will be available only after the results of the Second examination are declared. This applies to both the Main and Second examinations.
Students who do not pass the Main examination can still take provisional admission in Class XI. Their admission will be confirmed after the results of the Second examination.
Eligibility Criteria for Appearing in the Examinations
The eligibility to appear in the first examination will be:
(a) Fresh students of Class X
(b) Second Chance Compartment
(c) Essential Repeat of previous year
(d) Improvement examination
The eligibility to appear in the second examination will be:
(a) Improvement category up to 3 main subjects
(b) First/Third Chance Compartment
(c) Compartment + Improvement
(d) Improvement for the students passed by the replacement of the subject
Why This Change? The NEP 2020 Connection
The two-exam structure is closely aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes reducing rote learning, shifting towards competency-based education, and lowering the high-stress environment associated with board exams.
NEP 2020 recommends offering students multiple opportunities to demonstrate their learning and progress, allowing them to perform to the best of their abilities without being burdened by exam fear.
CBSE’s two-exam approach echoes global education systems like those in the United States and the United Kingdom, where students have access to retake options and phased assessments.
Reactions from the Education Community
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from educators, parents, and students. Many school principals and education experts have welcomed the move, calling it “student-friendly” and “progressive.” They believe that giving students a second chance within the same academic year will reduce anxiety, promote better preparation, and allow for gradual improvement.
However, some educators have raised concerns about logistical challenges, including the need to manage two exam cycles, scheduling new academic sessions, and ensuring adequate infrastructure and supervision during both phases.
Pros and Cons of the Two-Exam System
Advantages:
- Reduced Stress: Students will no longer have the burden of performing perfectly in a single exam attempt.
- Flexibility: The option to retake select subjects provides a chance for self-improvement.
- Aligned with Global Practices: Encourages phased assessments similar to international education systems.
- Motivation for Consistent Study: Students may remain engaged throughout the academic year, knowing they have opportunities to improve.
Challenges:
- Logistical Burden: Schools will face additional administrative responsibilities in conducting two board exams.
- Possible Dilution of Exam Significance: Some fear that the importance of board exams may diminish if multiple attempts become the norm.
- Impact on New Academic Year: The second exam phase in May could delay the start of the new academic session for some students.
What Should Students and Parents Do?
With these changes set to roll out from 2026, it’s important for students and their parents currently in Class 7 and 8 to start preparing early for the new exam structure. The important factor is to understand how the exams will work, focus on building strong fundamentals, and develop steady, consistent study habits from now itself.
For parents, this is also the time to offer both academic and emotional support. It’s important to help children see exams not as a one-time test of memory, but as a learning process — a chance to improve, understand better, and grow in confidence.
The CBSE’s decision to conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year is a bold step towards creating a more flexible, student-friendly education system. The idea is to reduce the burden of “one final exam” and give students more than one opportunity to perform well. But for this to work smoothly, schools, teachers, and education authorities will need to plan and coordinate effectively.
Like any major reform, it will take time to see how well this change works in reality — whether it actually helps reduce exam pressure and still maintains academic standards. But for now, students can look forward to a system that offers a little more breathing room and more chances to succeed.
