In an initiative that can bring down the stress on students, the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) has decided to hold Class 10 board exams twice a year from academic session 2026.
This modification implies students will no longer have to depend on a single attempt to get their final marks. Rather, they’ll have two chances initially in February and then in May as well. The results for these exams will be declared in April and June respectively.
This choice, which is joined by CBSE’s Controller of Examinations Sanyam Bhardwaj, is being viewed as a huge change in the present exam pattern and will help lower academic pressure while offering the students a fair opportunity at enhancing their scores.
First Exam Compulsory, Second Optional
The new pattern is not about doubling the work but about providing flexibility. All Class 10 students must appear for the first exam in February. However, the second exam in May is optional.
Thus, if a student thinks that they have not performed well in the first, then they can opt to appear for the second and try to get better marks. There is no compulsion to take the second unless there is a wish to perform better.
And it’s also significant that internal tests such as project work or practicals will still be conducted only once in an academic year, not twice.
NEP 2020 Was the Inspiration Behind This Move
This move is a part of the efforts towards the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which had suggested going for more student-centered examination patterns.
The premise for this change is straightforward: minimize the stress and provide students with more than one opportunity to demonstrate their ability. The board is convinced that when students have a second chance, the pressure is minimized and they perform better.
Schools on the winter session calendar (predominantly in cold areas) have been provided with some degree of flexibility under this revised regulation. These students will be permitted to take either of the two examination sessions February or May whichever is most convenient for them.
This flexibility has been provided considering the weather-related issues and varying academic year patterns adopted in such places.
Improve Scores in Up to Three Core Subjects
Another key feature of the announcement is the facility of enhancing marks in three subjects. Those who believe they did less than they would have on their initial attempt will be awarded with extra exams in a maximum of three major subjects like science, mathematics, social science, or language.
Consequently, the student is not required to take all the papers if, for example, they perform poorly in Science and Math on the February exam. They can, instead, take only the two subjects in May.
Feedback Taken Before Final Decision
Having already published a draft plan on this two exam pattern in February 2025, the CBSE solicited input from the schools, teachers, parents, and kids. The last nod was granted and the announcement was made once the recommendations and comments were carefully evaluated.
This reform is being embraced by parents and teachers alike as it’s likely to make exams less intimidating and more adaptable for kids. It not only creates room for development but also builds a framework by which performance anxiety can be more effectively managed.
CBSE seeks with these changes to simplify the learning process to be student-friendly, more balanced, and simpler. Board examinations could serve as a stepping stone with many choices ahead rather than a do-or-die situation from 2026.