CBSE Class 10 Board Exams Twice a Year from 2026: Full Details, Schedule and Eligibility

Starting from 2026, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct Class 10 Board Examinations twice a year, in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The first exam, mandatory for all students, will be held in February, while the second, optional for improvement or compartment cases, will take place in May.

Both exams will cover the full syllabus, and students can improve performance in up to three subjects. Special provisions exist for sportspersons, winter-bound schools, and CWSN candidates. Final results and certificates will be issued after the second exam cycle. This reform, as explained by AUBSP, aims to reduce academic stress and promote a more flexible, student-friendly evaluation system.

CBSE Class X Board Exams Twice a Year from 2026: A Comprehensive Guide

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced a significant shift in its Class X examination framework, beginning with the 2026 academic session. From that year onward, CBSE will conduct two board examinations annually for Class X students, in alignment with the visionary National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

AUBSP brings you a detailed breakdown of what this change means, how it will be implemented, and what students, parents, and schools need to know. Let’s explore the entire scheme in a structured and simplified manner.

Background: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

The NEP-2020 was introduced with the aim of overhauling the Indian education system to make it more student-centric and stress-free. A critical reform recommended in the policy was the option to take board exams twice a year to reduce the “high stakes” pressure traditionally associated with a single board exam.

Key recommendations from NEP-2020 that influenced this decision include:

• Multiple Attempts: Allow students two attempts in an academic year—one main exam and one optional improvement.
• Flexibility & Choice: Offer students the opportunity to attempt improvement exams and present their best scores.
• Reduced Pressure: Encourage modular/semester-based exams to focus on smaller syllabi portions.
• Subject-Level Options: Provide subjects like mathematics at two levels—standard and higher.
• Diversified Assessment: Split board exams into objective (MCQ) and descriptive sections to test holistic understanding.

CBSE’s Decision: Two Board Exams from 2026

In consultation with stakeholders and based on NEP guidelines, CBSE has confirmed that from the 2026 examinations, two Board Examinations will be held annually for Class X students.

AUBSP emphasizes that this policy is not for retests or failures alone—every student will appear in the first examination, and eligible ones may choose to appear in the second for improvement purposes.

Schedule of Examinations

Conditions and Eligibility Explained

General Conditions

Special Categories

CBSE, in line with inclusive education principles, has accommodated special provisions:

• Sportspersons: Can appear in the second exam if sports events coincide with the main exam.
• Winter-Bound Schools: Option to choose between first or second exams.
• CWSN (Children With Special Needs): All support extended in both exam sessions.

Submission of List of Candidates (LOC)

• LOC must be filled for the main exam by all schools.
• Separate LOC will be submitted for second exams.
• No new student entries allowed for the second exam.
• No subject change permitted between exams (unless specially allowed by CBSE policy).

Syllabus and Examination Pattern

Same syllabus for both examinations—no reduction. Full academic content will be assessed in both attempts. Pattern will consist of objective (MCQ) and descriptive sections.

Result Declaration and Certificates

• Main exam results declared in April.
• Second exam results declared in June.
• DigiLocker will host the main exam result for provisional Class XI admission.
• Final mark sheet and merit certificate will be issued only after the second exam cycle.

Post Result Services

All services such as:

• Photocopy of answer sheets
• Re-evaluation
• Verification

will be available only after the results of the second examination are declared, covering both attempts.

Admission in Class XI

1. Students failing in the first examination can be granted provisional admission to Class XI.
2. Admission will be confirmed only after the second exam result if the student qualifies.

What Should Schools and Parents Do?

• Inform students and parents in advance about the two-exam system.
• Prepare internal assessments on time.
• Ensure correct LOC data and guide students on improvement strategies.
• Plan academic calendars to support students appearing in both exams.

FAQs on CBSE Class 10 Board Exam

What is the new CBSE Class 10 board exam policy starting from 2026?
From 2026 onwards, CBSE will conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year—a main exam in February and a second exam in May for improvement or compartment purposes.

Why is CBSE implementing two board exams per year?
This change follows the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recommends reducing the high-stakes pressure of board exams by offering two opportunities for students.

Is it mandatory for students to appear in both exams?
No, students must appear in the first (main) examination. The second exam is optional and only for eligible students who want to improve their scores or fall in the compartment category.

Can students improve scores in all subjects in the second exam?
No, students can improve performance in up to three subjects only, chosen from Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages.

What happens if a student misses three or more subjects in the first exam?
They will not be allowed to appear in the second exam and will be placed in the “Essential Repeat” category, requiring them to retake the exam in the next main exam session.

Will the syllabus be reduced for either of the two exams?
No, both exams will cover the full syllabus prescribed for the academic year.

What is the schedule for these two exams?
The first exam will be conducted in mid-February, and the second will be held in May each year.

When will the results be announced?
Results for the first exam will be declared in April, and for the second exam in June.

Are internal assessments conducted for both exams?
No, internal assessments will be conducted only once before the main examination.

Who is eligible to appear for the second examination?
Students who passed the main exam and want to improve in up to three subjects, or those in the compartment category, are eligible.

Can students who pass all subjects still appear in the second exam?
Yes, if they wish to improve marks in up to three subjects, they can opt for the second examination.

Are students allowed to change subjects between the two exams?
No, subject changes are not allowed between the first and second examinations unless specially permitted by CBSE policy.

Will new candidates be allowed to appear in the second examination?
No, only those students who appeared in the first exam can be included in the second exam. No new names will be added in the second LOC (List of Candidates).

Are additional subjects allowed after passing Class 10?
No, students are not permitted to take additional subjects after clearing Class 10.

Are students with compartment results in the first exam eligible for the second exam?
Yes, students placed in the Compartment Category after the first exam can appear for the second exam under the compartment provision.

Can sportspersons skip the first exam if it clashes with their event?
Yes, sportspersons are allowed to appear in the second exam if their sports event coincided with the first exam schedule.

What about students from winter-bound schools?
Winter-bound school students can choose whether to appear in the first or second examination for applicable subjects.

Are provisions available for Children With Special Needs (CWSN)?
Yes, all facilities provided to CWSN students will also be applicable during the second exam.

What documents will be issued after the exams?
Passing documents and merit certificates will be issued only after the declaration of second exam results.

Will the results of the first exam be useful for Class XI admission?
Yes, results from the first exam will be made available in DigiLocker and can be used for provisional admission into Class XI.

Can students get photocopies or re-evaluation of answer sheets after the first exam?
No, post-result facilities like photocopy, verification, and re-evaluation will be available only after the second exam results are declared.

Will students failing the first exam be allowed in Class XI?
Yes, they can be granted provisional admission, which will be confirmed based on the second exam results.

What should schools do under this new policy?
Schools must inform students and parents about the two-exam policy, ensure correct data collection for LOC submission, and complete academic tasks on schedule.

How will the performance be recorded if a student appears in both exams?
The best performance between the two exams will be considered for the final result, aligning with the “best-of-two” approach under NEP 2020.

Will this policy also apply to Class 12 students?
As of now, the policy is announced only for Class 10 students. There is no official confirmation for Class 12.

The implementation of two Board Examinations for Class X is a transformative step by CBSE under the guidance of NEP-2020. AUBSP believes this move offers greater flexibility, reduces academic stress, and promotes deeper learning by allowing students to demonstrate their best performance.

It’s essential for students, teachers, and schools to adapt to this new normal and make the most of the opportunities it brings.

Let’s prepare for a smarter, student-centric assessment system. For more updates and academic support, keep following AUBSP.com—your partner in success.

If you need guidance on how to prepare for the new exam structure or want downloadable study plans and syllabi for Class X 2026, just let AUBSP know!