CBSE Class 10 Board Exams to be Held Twice a Year from 2026: Everything You Need to Know

New Delhi — In a significant shift aimed at reducing exam pressure on students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced that Class 10 board examinations will be held twice a year starting from 2026. The decision aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates a more flexible and student-friendly assessment system.

First Attempt in February, Second Optional in May

As per the revised structure, the first phase of the board exam will be conducted in February and will be mandatory for all students. The second phase will be held in May, and it will be optional, providing an opportunity for students to improve their scores in up to three subjects out of Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages.

CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj explained, “The results for the two phases will be declared in April and June, respectively. While every student must sit for the first round, the second is designed only for those who wish to enhance their performance.”

A JEE-Mains Style Format for Flexibility
 

This change mirrors the JEE Main exam format, where students can attempt the exam twice a year and consider the better score for admission. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized during the NDTV Education Conclave that this reform is “a giant leap toward creating a more stress-free and adaptable learning ecosystem.”

He stated, “The feedback I’ve received suggests that students are welcoming the opportunity to improve their scores within the same academic year.”

Internal Assessment to Continue as Usual

The internal assessment component, which includes periodic tests and project work, will still be conducted only once per academic session. This ensures that schools are not burdened with conducting internal exams multiple times while giving students the flexibility to improve their board results.

For winter-bound schools, students will be allowed to take the exam in either of the two phases, offering further accommodation for varying academic calendars.

A Step Towards Holistic Learning
 

The dual-exam format aims to shift the focus from rote memorization to continuous learning, reducing the stigma and pressure traditionally associated with “one-shot” final exams.

“This move recognizes the diversity in students' learning pace and performance levels,” said an education expert. “It offers a safety net for those who may not perform their best under the stress of a single exam.”

Stakeholder Involvement in Policy Design

The CBSE had first released the draft policy in February 2024, inviting suggestions and feedback from teachers, school administrators, and other stakeholders. After receiving a largely positive response, the board has now formalized the new structure.

This reform is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Education to make the Indian school examination system more flexible, adaptive, and student-centric. It also ensures alignment with NEP 2020’s vision for reforming assessment methods to reflect real learning rather than test-taking ability alone.

Key Highlights of the CBSE Class 10 New Exam Structure (2026 Onwards):

• Two board exam phases: February (mandatory) and May (optional).
• Improvement allowed in up to 3 subjects.
• April and June results for first and second phases respectively.
• Winter-bound schools can choose either exam phase.
• No change in internal assessment schedule.
• Inspired by JEE Main’s format, allowing students to keep the better score.

As 2026 approaches, schools, students, and parents are advised to begin preparing for this structural shift. While it promises more opportunities, it also demands more strategic planning from educators and learners alike.

With the introduction of this twice-a-year exam system, CBSE aims not just to reduce pressure but to usher in a new era of assessment flexibility and educational reform in Indian schooling.