CBSE Class 10 exams twice a year from 2026; 64.4% students in favor, second attempt optional

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has proposed conducting Class 10 board exams twice a year starting from the academic year 2026. A press briefing was held by the CBSE exam controller Sanyam Bhardwaj based on the feedback collected from all stakeholders.

Speaking to the reporters, Bhardwaj said: “Feedback showed that a majority of 64.4% students favored having two board exams in a year, while the teachers were a little bit reluctant.”

The CBSE chairman Rahul Singh said that the board is proposing these changes for the academic year 2026 and reiterated that the two-board exam policy is an optional opportunity being provided to the students. The new policy aims to offer greater flexibility, student choice, and best-of-two attempts.

"To further eliminate the 'high stakes' aspect of Board Exams, all students will be allowed to take Board Exams on up to two occasions during any given school year, one main examination and one for improvement, if desired," it said.

CBSE: Scheme of two board exams

It is mandatory for all students to appear in the first board exam, which will be considered as the main exam. The second board exam will primarily be held for compartment and improvement. Notably, internal assessment (IA) will be conducted only once a year.

Students placed under the compartment category will be allowed to sit for the second exam. Additionally, they may opt to improve their scores in three subjects.

If a student has not appeared in three or more subjects in the first exam, they will not be permitted to take the second exam. Such students will be placed in the essential repeat category and can reappear only in the main board exam, to be held the following February.

Also read No change in CBSE Class 10 subjects for 2026, board will offer 45 languages: Chairman clarifies

Winter-bound school students may choose to appear either in the first exam or second examination, he said. Sports students will be allowed to appear in 2nd examinations in the subjects whose examinations have coincides with their sports event.

“All passed and eligible students will be allowed to improve their performance in any of the three subjects out of science, mathematics, social science, and languages.”

CBSE Board exam dates 2026

According to a draft policy published by the board, the CBSE Class 10 board exams 2026 will be held in two phases – first exam from February 17 to March 6 and second exam from May 5 to May 20.

The results for CBSE Class 10 first exam will be declared in the month of April and the second exam results by the end of June. The facility to apply for photocopy, verification and re-evaluation will be made available only after declaration of results of second exam.

Also read CBSE Class 12 board exam still once a year; 20 lakh expected to appear in 2026 from February 17

CBSE Board exam fees

After the draft guidelines were published, principals and teachers raised concerns regarding double fee payment. The CBSE Board had said that it will collect fees for the second exam as well. Teachers questioned how students from EWS, SC, and ST would afford double the fees.

However, the board officials clarified that the second exam is optional, and fees will be collected only from students who choose to reappear for the exam.