In a significant reform aimed at reducing exam pressure and giving students more flexibility, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that Class 10 students will now be allowed to appear for board examinations twice in the same academic year, starting from 2026.
This major change was confirmed by CBSE Controller of Examinations, Sanyam Bhardwaj, who stated that under the new system, the first examination will be held in mid-February, and it will be compulsory for all students. The second examination, which will be optional, is scheduled for May.
Students who wish to improve their scores or those who fall short in up to three subjects in the first attempt will be eligible to appear for the second phase of the exams. Importantly, the best score obtained across the two attempts will be considered as the final result.
"This decision is intended to reduce academic stress and provide students with a second chance within the same year, without waiting an entire year to reappear," Bhardwaj explained.
The move is part of broader efforts under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes flexibility, continuous assessment, and reducing the high-stakes nature of board exams.
Education experts and parents have largely welcomed the announcement, calling it a step toward a more student-friendly examination system. Further details regarding the implementation and format of the exams are expected to be released by CBSE in the coming months.
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