CBSE Class 10 Second Exam 2026: Key Details Every Student Must Know

CBSE has made it clear that students absent in three or more subjects in the first board exam (February session) won't be allowed to appear in the second board exam (May session).

Learn important information on compartment eligibility, students who must retake exams, and who can improve their board exam scores.

👉  Also Check - CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026

CBSE Board Exam 2026: New Guidelines Announced

The Central Board of Secondary Education announced new guidelines for students planning to appear in the second board exam scheduled for May 2026.

These guidelines were shared during a national webinar on November 20.

Under the new CBSE two-board exam system, only students absent in up to two subjects in the first board exam (February session) can appear in the second exam (May session).

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Who Can't Appear for Second Board Exam?

The Board has clearly stated that students who are absent in three or more subjects in the first board exam will not be allowed to appear for the May exam.

These students will be given the status of 'essential repeater' and will have to appear for the exam the following year.

👉  Also Check - CBSE 2-Board Exams 2026: Around 40% Class 10 Students Likely to Take Second Exam, Says Chairman

Compartment and Improvement Rules

Students who fail in up to two subjects can appear for the compartment exam. If you want to improve your marks, you can appear in the CBSE Class 10 second exam. However, you must meet the eligibility criteria.

👉  Also Check - CBSE Class 10 2026: 2 Board Exams Pattern, Improvement in 3 Subjects & Compartment Rules

CBSE 2-Board Exam 2026: What Students Need to Know?

The board has informed that the second board exam is not a substitute for the first board exam.

It is an opportunity for students who were unable to appear for their exams due to serious reasons or who wish to improve their scores.

Furthermore, CBSE will not conduct a second board exam for every subject.

It will only be conducted for subjects in which more than 50% of the marks are obtained in the external paper (written board exam).

During the webinar, CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh also stated that the board expects up to 40% of students to appear in each subject during the second board exam.