EXAM NEWS:: CBSE to Hold Class 10 Board Exams Twice Yearly from 2026

CBSE to Hold Class 10 Board Exams Twice Yearly from 2026:: In a major change to ease student stress and provide greater flexibility, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that it will hold Class 10 board exams twice a year from 2026. The change is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates a more student-centric and integrated assessment system.

Exam Schedule and Structure

According to the new scheme, students will get two chances to sit for their Class 10 board examinations within an academic year. The preliminary exam dates are:

• First Session: Mid-February to early March
• Second Session: Early May to late May

Students may choose to appear in either or both sessions, and the best performance will be considered for their final score.

Main Features of the New Exam Pattern

• Holistic Test: Both test sessions will include the entire syllabus to test students’ knowledge comprehensively.
• One Practical Test: Practical and internal tests will be held once a year, and the marks will be common for both sessions.
• Flexible Subject Attempts: Students have the option to attempt some subjects in one session and the remaining in another, enabling them to organize their workload effectively.

Benefits for Students

This two-exam system has several advantages, such as:

• Less Exam Pressure: Since there are two attempts, students no longer have to depend on a single high-stakes exam.
• Chance to Improve Score: If a student is not happy with his/her performance in the initial attempt, he/she can take the test in the second sitting to get a higher score.
• Promotion of Conceptual Learning: This pattern discourages last-minute cramming and encourages learning throughout the year.

Responses from Students, Teachers, and Parents

Introduction of bi-annual board exams has been received with mixed sentiments by various stakeholders:

• Students: Most students appreciate the chance to enhance their marks and feel less stressed.
• Teachers: Though educators recognize the advantages for students, some are apprehensive about the additional workload owing to the multiple exam sessions.
• Parents: While parents welcome the flexibility in some, others feel apprehensive about the additional pressure of having to study for two exams rather than one.

Implementation and Next Steps

The system has been mooted by CBSE as part of an education reform agenda and is now awaiting feedback from schools, educators, and students before arriving at a final decision. Right planning and resource mobilization would be crucial to its effective implementation.

CBSE to Hold Class 10 Board Exams Twice Yearly from 2026

Final Thoughts

Implementation of twice-a-year board examinations for Class 10 students is a move toward a more flexible and student-focused assessment system. With the offering of multiple opportunities to do better, this scheme can potentially relax academic pressure and enhance learning results. But stringent implementation will be required to facilitate students, teachers, and schools to transition harmoniously to this new system.

ALSO READ:: Are Calculators Allowed in the 2025 Board Exams? Everything You Need to Know

FAQs for CBSE to Hold Class 10 Board Exams Twice Yearly from 2026::

1. Will students be required to take both exam sessions?

No, students have the flexibility to appear for either one or both exam sessions. If they take both, the best score will be considered for their final result.

2. Will the syllabus be different for each exam session?

No, both exam sessions will cover the full syllabus to ensure a uniform assessment standard across the academic year.

3. How will the practical exams be conducted?

Practical and internal assessments will be conducted only once per academic year, and the same scores will be used for both exam sessions.

4. Will this change apply to Class 12 board exams as well?

Currently, this change is planned only for Class 10 board exams. CBSE has not yet announced any similar changes for Class 12.

5. Will schools need to change their academic calendar?

Schools may need to adjust their teaching schedules to accommodate the two exam sessions, ensuring students are well-prepared for both attempts if they choose to take them.

CBSE to Hold Class 10 Board Exams Twice Yearly from 2026