CBSE Class 10 Exams to Be Held Twice a Year Starting 2026: First Attempt Mandatory, Second Optional

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will implement a new system from 2026 that allows Class 10 students to take board exams twice within an academic year, officials confirmed to PTI on Wednesday.

Under this revised structure, the first exam will be held in February and will be compulsory, while the second attempt in May will be optional—designed for students aiming to improve their scores. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), which advocates for reducing exam stress by offering students multiple opportunities within the same year.

CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj stated, “The first exam phase will be held in February and the second in May. Results will be declared in April and June, respectively. Students must appear for the February exam, while the May session will be optional for those wishing to improve in up to three subjects among science, mathematics, social science, and languages.”

In the case of winter-bound schools, students will have the flexibility to choose between either of the two phases.

Internal assessments, however, will continue to be conducted only once during the academic year.

CBSE had previously released draft guidelines in February and invited input from schools, educators, and other stakeholders. The final decision reflects the board’s broader effort to make examinations less burdensome.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also announced last month that CBSE would shift to the twice-a-year exam model for Class 10 beginning in 2026. Speaking at the NDTV Education Conclave, he highlighted that this step mirrors the flexibility of exams like JEE Main, giving students the chance to retain their best score.

“This initiative is aimed at relieving exam pressure and supports the goals of the NEP,” he said, adding that feedback suggests students are pleased with the decision. He emphasized that the reform marks a significant move toward a healthier, more balanced academic environment.