In a major shift aimed at transforming India’s exam system, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that from 2026 onward, Class 10 students will appear for board exams twice a year.
As part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 reforms, the first attempt will be held in February and is mandatory for all students, while a second optional attempt in May will allow candidates to improve their scores.
This progressive change seeks to reduce exam-related stress by giving students a second chance within the same academic year. Importantly, the better of the two scores will be retained, ensuring that students aren’t penalised for trying again.
CBSE clarified that internal assessments will only be conducted once and will apply to both exam sessions. The February board exam will be open to regular candidates, repeaters, and those with compartment status, while the May session will serve students needing improvement or reappearing for specific subjects.
Furthermore, CBSE has made exceptions for athletes, winter-bound school students, and children with special needs, enabling them to consider the May exam as their primary attempt if justified by circumstances.
The move represents a significant cultural shift in academic evaluation, prioritising consistency and growth over one-time performance, and bringing Indian assessments in line with more flexible global systems.
