The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a major reform that will reshape how Class 10 board exams are conducted in India. Starting from the academic year 2026, students will have the option to appear for board exams twice a year, giving them the opportunity to improve their scores and reduce exam-related pressure.
This reform aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes flexibility, conceptual understanding, and a stress-free learning environment.
Key Highlights of the New CBSE Exam Policy
Here’s what students, parents, and teachers need to know about this new system:
- Two exam sessions will be held every year for Class 10.
- First exam session: February 17 to March 6
- Second exam session: May 5 to May 20
- Common exam centers: Students will use the same centers for both sessions.
- Full syllabus coverage: Both exams will assess the complete syllabus, not divided parts.
- Increased exam fee: The new structure will come with a slightly higher exam fee, collected during application.
- Optional attempt: Students can choose to appear once or twice, based on preference and preparation.
Why This Change?
The idea of conducting board exams twice a year comes directly from the NEP 2020, which recommended that school assessments focus more on understanding rather than rote learning.
For years, CBSE board exams have been seen as high-stress, high-stakes events. A single exam often determined a student’s future opportunities, leading to immense academic pressure and dependence on coaching institutes.
With this new format, students will get two fair chances to perform their best without the fear of one bad day affecting their entire academic record.
According to CBSE officials, the new system aims to:
- Encourage consistent learning throughout the year.
- Reduce exam-related anxiety.
- Help students learn from their first attempt and improve in the second.
- Align India’s school education with global assessment practices.
What This Means for Students
This decision marks a shift toward student-centered education. Instead of treating exams as a “make-or-break” situation, it allows flexibility and continuous learning.
1. Freedom to Choose Attempts
Students will not be required to take both exams. They can appear in:
- Only the first exam, or
- Both exams (and keep the better score).
2. No Supplementary Exams
CBSE has confirmed that no separate supplementary or compartment exams will be held from 2026 onwards. The second exam session will act as a replacement for improvement or supplementary exams.
3. Full Syllabus, Twice
Both sessions will cover the entire syllabus instead of splitting it into two halves. This ensures fairness and consistency in evaluation while allowing students to prepare at their own pace.
4. Same Exam Centers
Students will not need to travel to different cities or schools for their second attempt. They will use the same examination centers as assigned during registration.
Benefits of Two Board Exams Per Year
The new CBSE format brings multiple benefits that could redefine how students approach exams:
1. Reduced Exam Pressure
Students often feel intense pressure to perform well in one final exam. Now, having two attempts allows them to approach exams more calmly and confidently.
2. Opportunity for Improvement
If a student doesn’t perform well in the first session, they can improve their score in the second without waiting an entire year.
3. Encouragement for Continuous Learning
Teachers can focus on conceptual teaching rather than last-minute revision strategies. It helps ensure students genuinely understand topics rather than memorizing them.
4. Increased Fairness
Every student learns at a different pace. The two-exam system allows flexibility for students who might need more time to master certain subjects.
5. Reduced Dependency on Coaching Classes
One of the goals of NEP 2020 is to reduce the over-reliance on private coaching. Multiple exam opportunities will help reduce this dependence, as students can improve their performance through self-study and school-based learning.
Concerns Raised by Stakeholders
While the decision has been praised for being student-friendly, some teachers and parents have raised valid concerns:
1. Increased Workload
Two sets of exams mean more work for teachers in terms of preparation, evaluation, and reporting. Schools may also face logistical challenges in managing exam centers twice a year.
2. Cost Implications
The CBSE has announced that exam fees will be slightly higher, which may burden families with limited financial resources.
3. Academic Calendar Pressure
Conducting two exams in a year could shorten the teaching period, especially for students appearing in both sessions.
However, CBSE officials have assured that these concerns are being carefully reviewed, and final guidelines will include measures to minimize additional strain on schools and teachers.
Implementation Timeline and Feedback Process
The CBSE has released draft guidelines for the new exam system and invited feedback from stakeholders including teachers, principals, parents, and students.
Feedback can be submitted until March 9, 2025. Once reviewed, the final guidelines will be published and officially implemented for the 2026 academic session.
The first double-exam schedule will apply to Class 10 students appearing in 2026, while Class 12 board exams are expected to continue in their traditional annual format for now.
Global Context: How Other Countries Conduct Exams
CBSE’s move is part of a global shift toward flexible assessment systems. Many countries, including the United States, Japan, and the UK, already follow systems where students can retake standardized exams to improve their scores.
By adopting this system, India aims to:
- Promote inclusivity.
- Reduce inequality in educational outcomes.
- Prepare students for future competitive exams, which often allow multiple attempts.
Expert Opinions on the New CBSE System
Education experts have largely supported CBSE’s move, calling it a “progressive step” toward stress-free learning.
- Dr. Biswajit Saha, Director (Skill Education) at CBSE, said the two-exam system will “give students greater flexibility while ensuring better learning outcomes.”
- Educational psychologist Dr. Amrita Mehta noted that “the reform addresses mental health concerns among adolescents, especially the fear of failure.”
However, both experts agree that successful implementation will depend on teacher training, curriculum design, and digital infrastructure in schools.
How Students Can Prepare for the Two-Exam Format
At Chate Coaching Classes, we believe this reform can be a game-changer if approached with the right preparation strategy. Here are a few tips for students:
1. Plan Your Year in Two Phases
Prepare for the first session as your “main attempt,” and treat the second as a chance to improve. Having two clear timelines helps structure your study plan.
2. Regular Practice and Mock Tests
Solve practice papers regularly to strengthen concepts and time management skills. Our CBSE practice series for Class 10 covers all subjects with real exam patterns.
3. Focus on Concept Clarity
With both exams covering the full syllabus, conceptual clarity is more important than memorization. Review NCERT-based study material and focus on application-based questions.
4. Time Management and Well-being
Avoid burnout by setting realistic goals for each session. Use the time between exams to work on weaker areas instead of starting from scratch.
CBSE’s Vision: A Step Toward Exam Reform in India
This decision is more than just a change in exam scheduling — it represents a philosophical shift in India’s education system. By giving students a second chance without penalty, CBSE aims to foster a culture of resilience, self-improvement, and balanced learning.
It reflects the NEP 2020’s broader goals of:
- Reducing rote learning.
- Encouraging critical thinking.
- Making assessments more flexible and student-friendly.
Conclusion
The introduction of two Class 10 board exams per year from 2026 is one of the most significant education reforms in recent times. It promises to make exams less stressful, more flexible, and more reflective of a student’s actual understanding.
While implementation challenges remain, this system has the potential to bring India’s school education in line with global standards empowering students to learn better, stress less, and perform with confidence.
At Chate Coaching Classes, we welcome this reform and are committed to helping students adapt to the new CBSE system through comprehensive courses, mock exams, and expert guidance.
