New Delhi: In a major step towards reforming the Indian school examination system, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that Class 10 board examinations will be conducted twice a year starting from 2026. The announcement, made on June 25, 2025, aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to reduce exam stress and offer greater flexibility to students.
As per the official CBSE press release, students will now have two chances to appear for board exams in a single academic year. While the first exam will be mandatory, the second will be optional, providing students the opportunity to improve their scores. The best score out of the two attempts will be considered final for result purposes.
CBSE’s Controller of Examinations, Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, explained, “This initiative is aimed at eliminating the ‘high-stakes’ nature of board exams and encouraging continuous learning. The new structure promotes student choice, flexibility, and reduces the pressure of performing well in a single attempt.”
Rooted in NEP 2020 Vision
The decision stems directly from Paragraphs 4.37 and 4.38 of the NEP 2020, which recommend restructuring board exams to allow students to take them on two occasions during the year. The policy aims to replace the current one-time, high-pressure exam system with a modular, low-stress assessment model that supports conceptual understanding and holistic development.
In addition to the biannual exam format, the NEP also suggests broader changes such as offering subject-wise customisation, dual-level exams (standard and higher), and mixed assessment formats including both objective and descriptive questions—indicating the direction CBSE may take in the future.
Key Features of the New CBSE Class 10 Exam System
1. Dual Exam Windows:
The first examination will be conducted in February and is mandatory for all students.
The second examination will be held in May, and students may choose to appear in it to improve their marks in up to three subjects.
2. Retention of Best Score:
Only the better score between the two exams in each subject will be considered for the final result.
3. Eligibility for Second Attempt:
Students must appear in at least three subjects in the first phase to be eligible for the second exam. Those absent in three or more subjects during the first phase will be marked as ‘Essential Repeat’ and will have to appear the next academic year.
4. Improvement Subjects:
Students may choose to improve marks in up to three subjects such as Science, Mathematics, Social Science, or Languages.
5. Internal Assessment:
Internal assessments will be conducted only once per year, before the first examination, to avoid duplicating academic pressure.
Result, Certificate, and Admission Rules
Results for the first exam will be declared in April and for the second exam in June.
Students can use their first exam result for provisional admission to Class XI.
The final marksheet and certificates (including pass and merit certificates) will be issued only after the second exam concludes.
Re-evaluation, photocopies, and verification services will be offered only after the final result—to ensure consistency across both phases.
Low-Stress, High-Flexibility Learning Model
CBSE officials highlighted that the two-exam system is the first step in transitioning toward a flexible, learner-centric exam structure. “This model gives students a second chance to improve their performance without the fear of penalty, and encourages year-long learning instead of last-minute cramming,” said Dr. Bhardwaj.
CBSE is also exploring the gradual rollout of modular assessments, which may include assessments at the end of each learning unit, replacing the reliance on a single final exam to determine academic success.
What This Means for Students and the Education System
This new system could have far-reaching implications for the Indian education system. If successful, it might serve as a model for state boards across the country to adopt a similar multi-attempt, low-pressure approach to board exams.
By reducing pressure and focusing on core competency-based learning, CBSE aims to redefine how success is measured in school education. The new system promises to empower students with more control over their academic journey, and reduce the psychological burden traditionally associated with board exams.
Conclusion:
The biannual board exam structure marks a historic shift in CBSE’s assessment philosophy. Beginning 2026, the Class 10 board exam will not just test knowledge but will support growth, improvement, and flexibility—the true spirit of NEP 2020.
