Introduction
CBSE Announces Two Board Exams for Class 10 from 2026. Starting in 2026, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that from the academic year 2026 onwards. As per the NEP-2020 and stakeholder consultations, CBSE has decided to implement the policy of two Board Examinations in Class X from 2026 examinations. This change is being implemented to emphasize flexibility and continuous assessment.
Because of this significant shift, millions of students would get a big advantage of performing better in academics and an opportunity to improve. The motive behind this decision is to encourage students to deep learning and growth.
What major Changes are made by CBSE for Class 10?
Starting from 2026, CBSE will be conducting two board exams for Class 10 students each year. This change is based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The idea behind this decision is to
- Reduce stress on students
- Give students a second chance to improve their marks
- Make board exams more flexible and student-friendly
Scheme of Two Board Examination:
The scheme for Two board examinations is categorized under 10 groups
- General Conditions
- Scheme for Special Category
- Conduct of Internal Assessment
- Schedule of the Examinations
- Eligibility Criteria for Appearing in the Examinations
- Syllabus and Scheme of Examinations
- LOC Submission for the Examinations
- Result Declaration
- Post Result Facilities
- Admission in Class XI
General Conditions:
- Every student has to appear in the first Board examination, which is mandatory.
- Students who pass the 1st examination and are eligible to improve their performance in any of the three subjects of Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages in the 2nd examination.
- And in case a student fails to appear in 3 or more subjects in the 1st examination, they will not be allowed to appear in the 2nd examination. Such students can only take the exam next year in February.
- Students having the Compartment in the first exam can appear in the second exam under the Compartment Category only.
- Additional subjects will not be permitted after passing Class X.
Scheme for Special Category:
- Sports students are allowed to appear in the second examination for the subjects corresponding to their sports events.
- Students from winter-bound schools have the option to take either the first or the second exam for the subjects they are enrolled in.
- CWSN (Children With Special Needs) shall also apply in the second exam.
Conduct of Internal Assessment:
Internal assessments shall be conducted only once before the main examination.
Schedule of the Examinations:
- The first exam will begin in the middle of February
- The second examination is scheduled to take place in the month of May
Eligibility Criteria for Appearing in the Examinations:
For main examination
- Fresh students of Class X can appear for the first main exam.
- Second Chance Compartment are eligible to appear too.
- Essential Repeat of the previous year can appear for the first exam
- And Improvement student
For second exam
- Improvement category (up to 3 main subjects)
- First/Third Chance Compartment
- Compartment + Improvement
- Improvement for passed students by subject replacement
Syllabus and Scheme of Examinations:
- Both 1st and 2nd exams shall cover the full syllabus for the year.
- The scheme of studies and examinations will remain the same.
LOC Submission for the Examinations:
- Filling List of Candidates (LOC) and their appearance in the Main exam is mandatory
- LOC for the second exam must be filled out separately. No new names can be added.
- No subject change is allowed from the first to the second exam unless it is permitted by policy.
Result Declaration:
- Results will be declared according to the Examination Laws.
- The result of the first exam shall be declared in April
- The result of the first exam shall be declared in June
- Main exam performance will be available in DigiLocker.
- Merit certificates shall only be issued after the second exam.
Post Result Facilities:
Photocopy, verification, and re-evaluation is available only after the results of the second exam (including Main and second).
Admission in Class XI:
- Students who are not qualified in the main exam may get provisional admission in Class XI.
- Admission confirmed based on second exam results.
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