CBSE Class 10 board exam to be held twice a year from 2026, all students must take first exam

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided that from the year 2026, Class 10 board exams will be held twice a year. All students will have to take the first exam. This new plan is meant to give students a better chance to improve their marks without feeling too stressed.

If a student is happy with the marks they get in the first exam, they do not have to appear for the second one. However, if they want to improve their marks in up to three subjects, they can choose to take the second exam. These subjects can include Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages.

CBSE has clearly stated that every student must appear in the first exam. If a student skips the first exam in three or more subjects, they will not be allowed to take the second exam. These students will be marked under the “Essential Repeat” category and can only appear in the board exam the next year.

Second exam details and exceptions

If a student fails in the first exam and is placed in the Compartment category, they can take the second exam to try and pass. Special arrangements have also been made for students involved in sports. If their sports event overlaps with the first exam, they can choose to appear only in the second exam for those subjects.

In schools that follow the winter-bound calendar (such as in some hilly or snow-bound areas), students have the option to appear in either the first or the second exam, based on what suits them better.

CBSE has also clarified that there will be just one internal assessment before the board exams. The first exam will start in mid-February and its results will be declared in April. The second exam will be held in May and its results will be out in June.

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Other important rules

• Schools must submit the names of all students appearing for the first exam in the List of Candidates (LOC). This is mandatory.

• For the second exam, a separate LOC will be filled, but no new names can be added. Only students who took the first exam can appear in the second.

• Students who pass the first exam and do not want to take the second exam can use their first exam result to get admission to Class 12.

• The marks of the first exam will be uploaded on DigiLocker for easy access.

• Final certificates, like passing documents and merit certificates, will only be given after the second exam is held.

• Both exams will follow the full syllabus. The pattern of the exams, marking system, and rules will remain the same for both attempts.

This new exam system gives students a second chance to perform better and lower their exam stress. However, students must take the first exam seriously as it is mandatory and sets the stage for the second exam.