Starting in 2026, Class 10 students under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will have the option to take board exams twice a year. This change aims to reduce academic stress and give students a chance to improve their scores.
Key Details
- CBSE will conduct Class 10 board exams in two sessions each year.
- The first exam will take place from February 17 to March 6.
- The second exam will be held from May 5 to May 20.
- Students will have the same examination centers for both attempts.
- Exam fees will be increased and collected at the time of application.
- Both exams will cover the full syllabus.
Why This Change?
This decision follows the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recommends reforms in board exams. The goal is to reduce students' dependence on coaching and focus on testing their actual understanding rather than memorization.
Impact on Students
- Students can choose to appear in both exams or just one.
- If they take both, the best score will be counted.
- No extra supplementary exams will be held.
- Exams will be designed to ensure that students who attend classes regularly and make normal efforts can pass without excessive pressure.
Stakeholder Feedback
CBSE has released draft guidelines for this new system and invited feedback from stakeholders. The final policy will be set after reviewing the responses, which can be submitted until March 9, 2025.
This move is expected to make board exams less stressful and provide students with greater flexibility. It is designed to help them focus on learning rather than rote memorization, ultimately improving their overall academic experience.
