Beginning with the academic year 2026, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has chosen to administer the Class 10 board exams twice a year. This new system’s draft rules have been approved, and it will be put into effect following public comment.
Imagine having two opportunities to sit for the CBSE Class 10 board exams in a single year, with only your highest score being taken into account. What used to appear like a far-off potential is now turning into a reality.
Of course, a lot of parents and kids are curious about the following:
- When are these two exams scheduled?
- How will the scores be determined?
- How many days will each subject be allotted?
- Is it possible for students to change subjects during exams?
- What happens if a student receives a lesser score on their second try?
- For what reason did CBSE reach this conclusion?
Let’s answer all these questions one by one.
Q: When will CBSE Class 10 board exams take place in 2026?
The first round of the Class 10 board exams is scheduled for February 17–March 6, 2026, in accordance with the draft regulations. The dates of the second phase are May 5–May 20, 2026.
At the moment, the Class 10 board exams are administered by CBSE in a single session that lasts for 32 days. However, starting in 2026, the exam will last 34 days (16+18 days) with two exam sessions.
One significant modification is that, instead of the five to ten days that currently separate two subject exams, students will now only have one to two days between them.
Q: What does having two exams mean?
This does not imply that there will be two semesters on the course. Rather, the full syllabus and texts will serve as the basis for both tests. Simply put, students are given two opportunities to take the tests.
Q: Will appearing for both exams be mandatory?
No, students have the option of taking just one exam or both. Students must register for the 2026 board examinations by September 2025, at which point they will have to indicate if they wish to sit for one or both tests.
- Students are unable to switch their elective subjects once they have registered.
After the deadline, no new students will be permitted to register.
For instance, a student can forgo the second attempt in English if they receive 70 on their first try and feel they couldn’t get any higher.
Q: How will the final score be calculated?
For the ultimate outcome, the best score from the two tries will be taken into account.
For instance:
- The initial score (70) will be taken into account if a student receives 70 in English on the first exam and 69 on the second.
Q: When will the final results be announced?
- On April 20, 2026, the first exam results will be released and posted on DigiLocker.
- Students can use their April results for admission to Class 11 if they choose not to take the second exam.
- Nevertheless, “Passing Documents” won’t be provided until the results of the second exam are announced.
- By June 30, 2026, the full results (following the second exam) will be revealed.
Q: Why is CBSE introducing two board exams per year?
The revamped exam structure is intended to:
- Lessen reliance on coaching classes, per the proposed policy.
- Enhance entrance exam assessment techniques.
- Get rid of the existing evaluation system’s detrimental effects.
- Promote students’ overall growth.
Lastly, it’s critical to remember that this policy is still in draft form. Before final implementation, public input will be gathered and changes may be made.
