CBSE Class 10 Boards 2026 Twice a Year, First Term Mandatory - New Pattern Explained

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that from 2026, Class 10 students will get the option to take board exams twice in an academic year. The first exam will be in February and the second in May.

This change has been made in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to make exams less stressful and provide flexibility to students.

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CBSE Board 2026: Two Chances, Better Marks

From 2026, all students will have to take the first board exam in February. Students who wish to improve their marks can take the second exam in May. The better of the two marks will be included in the final result. This opportunity will be available in core subjects—science, mathematics, social sciences and languages.

The first board exam (February) will be compulsory for all students, while the second (May) will be optional. If a student misses three or more subjects in February, he or she will not be eligible for the May exam. Such students will be placed in the “essential revision” category and will be able to appear in the main exam next year.

Students whose sports competitions clash with the board exams can choose the May session for the affected subjects. At the same time, students of schools with winter sessions will have the freedom to choose either of the two phases. This arrangement has been made to ensure the convenience and flexibility of the students.

CBSE 2026: Changes in Exam Results and Assessment System

The CBSE first board exam results will be declared in April and the second exam results in June. Internal assessment will be conducted only once during the academic session. This change is aimed at making the examination process more streamlined and effective, so that students are not put under unnecessary pressure.

According to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, students will be allowed to take board exams twice in the same academic year—one for main exam and one for improvement, if students wish. This is aimed at reducing the "high stakes" pressure of board exams and making assessment more flexible and student-friendly.

CBSE 2026 Changes: Flexibility and Less Stress in Learning

NEP 2020 emphasises on flexibility in assessment, core competency-based testing and reduction in coaching culture. It promotes semester or modular exams based on understanding instead of rote learning. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan called CBSE's decision a "laudable and necessary step" that will reduce exam stress and make learning enjoyable.

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