CBSE to Conduct Two Class 10 Board Exams a Year from 2026

India(25 February, 2025): The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved a draft policy to conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year starting from 2026. This change aims to reduce the stress of high-stakes exams and provide students with more opportunities to improve their performance.

Two Phases of Exams – February and May

Under the new system, CBSE will conduct two editions of board exams every year. The first phase will take place from February 17 to March 6, while the second phase will be held from May 5 to May 20. Students will have the flexibility to choose the best score out of the two attempts.

Same Exam Centres for Both Attempts

CBSE has ensured that students will be allotted the same examination centre for both attempts, making the process more convenient. This will help students familiarize themselves with their exam environment, reducing last-minute anxiety.

No Separate Supplementary Exams

Unlike the previous system, where students who failed or wanted to improve their marks had to wait for supplementary exams, both board exams will now act as supplementary exams. If a student does not perform well in the first exam, they can reattempt it in the second phase without waiting for a year.

Exam Fees and Registration Process

Students appearing for the exams will have to pay fees for both attempts during the registration process. The fees are expected to be slightly higher than before, as per CBSE officials. However, this structure eliminates the need for additional supplementary exams, ultimately benefiting students.

NEP 2020 and the Shift Towards Flexible Exams

This change is in line with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recommended reducing the “high stakes” pressure of board exams. The goal is to give students multiple opportunities within a year to improve their scores without feeling overwhelmed.

Public Feedback on the Policy

Before finalizing the new system, CBSE has decided to invite public feedback. Stakeholders, including students, teachers, and parents, can submit their opinions on the policy until March 9, 2025. Based on this feedback, CBSE will make final adjustments to the plan.

A Step Towards Stress-Free Learning

With the introduction of two board exams a year, CBSE aims to make the examination process more student-friendly. This move is expected to reduce academic pressure, encourage better performance, and align with global education standards. As students prepare for these changes, the education system in India is stepping into a new era of flexible learning.