The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a reform for Class 10 students, set to roll out from the academic year 2026. In a move inspired by the National Education Policy (NEP), the CBSE Board is introducing dual board exams.
Students will get two opportunities to attempt their CBSE Class 10 Board exams each year.
Let’s take a look in-depth of what this reform is.
Two CBSE Board Exams Annually from 2026
Under the new system, students will have two chances to take their Board exams within a year. The first set of exams will be held early in February, with results declared in April.
A second, optional exam phase will be scheduled for May, targeting those who wish to improve their scores. Results for this phase will be announced in June.
This initiative is designed to reduce the immense pressure and anxiety that often accompany a single high-stakes exam.
Flexibility in Subjects for CBSE Students
For students who wish to improve their scores, CBSE will allow them to choose up to three subjects from Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages to retake.
What About Students in CBSE Winter Bound Schools?
Recognising the diversity of school schedules across India, CBSE has made special provisions for winter-bound schools. Students in these schools can choose which exam phase best fits their academic calendar.
CBSE Internal Assessments Remain Consistent
While the theory exams of CBSE Board are being split into two phases, internal assessments will continue to be conducted only once per academic year.
This reduces the administrative load on schools, while keeping internal evaluations fair and reliable.
What do you think about this change? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Source
Official Notification by CBSE: 25 June, 2025: click here to read.
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per CBSE, Ministry of Education, and the Government of India.
