CBSE 2026 Class 10 board exams to be held twice a year. February exam is compulsory and May is optional for improvement. Final result will include the best score.
CBSE Class 10 Exams to Be Held Twice a Year From 2026
In a major move to reduce exam stress CBSE has introduced a new board exam pattern for Class 10 starting from 2026. Students will now get two opportunities in one academic year to show their best performance. This change follows the goals of the National Education Policy 2020 so it supports flexibility and student well being.
What’s New in the CBSE 2026 Exam Pattern -Two Exams in One Academic Year
From 2026 Class 10 board exams will be held in two phases
1.First phase in February
Second phase in May
February Exam Is Mandatory
Every student must appear in the first phase which is held in February. This will help them stay focused and prepared through the academic session.
2.May Exam Is Optional
Students can appear in the May phase only if they wish to improve their marks. So the second attempt is completely optional and only for score improvement.
Best Score Will Be Counted Automatically
Whether a student appears in one phase or both CBSE will take the better score as the final result. So students get another chance without any risk of score reduction.
Internal Assessment Only Once
Internal assessment including projects and practicals will be done only once in the academic year. This will apply even if a student takes both exams so the workload remains simple.
Result Announcement Timeline
1.First phase results will be announced in April
2.Second phase results will be released in June
This timeline will help students and schools plan further without any long delays.
Improvement Attempt Allowed in 3 Subjects
Students can choose up to three subjects for improvement in the May phase. These include
1.Science
2.Mathematics
3.Social Science
4.Languages
This allows students to focus where they need better marks and make improvements.
Why Did CBSE Make This Change
CBSE wants to Reduce exam stress for students
Give a second chance to those who could not perform well the first time
Make exams fair and flexible
Follow the guidelines of NEP 2020
This change puts the student first and supports healthy learning and assessment.
Important Note for Students and Parents
This update does not mean the board exam is optional. All students must appear in the February exam. The May session is only for improvement so there is no pressure but only a second chance.This decision is a big step to make education stress free and student friendly. With two chances and one best score counted students can prepare with confidence and perform better in the long run.
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