Starting from the academic year 2026, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct the Class 10 board examination twice a year, giving students a chance to improve their scores. This new rule was officially announced by CBSE Exam Controller Saiyam Bhardwaj and is aimed at reducing pressure and increasing flexibility for students.
First Exam Mandatory, Second Optional
According to the new format, the first board exam will be held in February, and attendance will be compulsory. Students who pass the February exam can choose to appear for the second exam in May to improve their marks. However, appearing for the second exam is optional.
- February Exam: Mandatory for all students
- May Exam: Optional, for improvement only
Internal Assessment Once a Year
Despite having two exams, the internal assessment will be conducted only once during the academic year. This means schools will evaluate project work, assignments, and classroom performance only once.
Exam Dates and Syllabus
As per the CBSE draft shared in February:
- First phase exam: February 17 to March 6
- Second phase exam: May 5 to May 20
- Syllabus: The same for both exams, with the full syllabus covered in both sessions
- Exam Centres: Students opting for both exams will appear at the same exam centre
Best Marks to Be Considered
If a student appears in both exams, the better score will be considered as the final result. For instance, if a student scores higher in February than in May, the February score will be retained. This ensures that there is no penalty for trying to improve.
