CBSE Proposes Biannual Class 10 Board Exams in New Draft Guidelines

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has proposed a major reform in its examination system by introducing biannual Class 10 board exams. According to the newly released draft guidelines, students will have the opportunity to take their board exams twice a year, allowing them to improve their scores and reduce academic pressure.

Key Highlights of the Proposal

1. Two Exam Opportunities – Students can appear for the Class 10 board exams twice in an academic year.
2. Score Improvement – If a student is not satisfied with their first attempt, they can retake the exam to improve their scores.
3. Reduced Stress – This system aims to ease pressure on students by providing an additional chance instead of a single high-stakes exam.
4. Aligned with NEP 2020 – The proposal aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which focuses on flexible learning and reducing exam-related stress.

Benefits for Students

• Better Performance – More chances mean students can perform to their best potential without the fear of a single attempt.
• Enhanced Learning – Instead of rote memorization, students can focus on understanding concepts and improving their knowledge.
• Less Pressure – A flexible system will reduce stress and anxiety associated with board exams.
• Increased Confidence – Multiple attempts can help students gain confidence in their academic abilities and prepare better for future challenges.
• Encouragement of a Growth Mindset – By allowing students to learn from their mistakes and improve, the system promotes a growth-oriented learning approach.

Challenges and Considerations

While this move is student-friendly, it also raises concerns about logistical challenges, including exam scheduling, evaluation processes, and maintaining fairness in assessments. Schools and educators may need to adapt to new exam formats and teaching methods to align with the proposed changes. Additionally, the possibility of increased workload for teachers and administrators needs to be addressed to ensure smooth implementation.

Another consideration is whether the biannual exams will truly benefit all students equally. While it provides an opportunity for improvement, students from underprivileged backgrounds may face challenges in accessing resources and coaching for multiple attempts. Authorities must ensure that all students get fair support to take advantage of this reform.

What Experts Say

Education experts have responded positively to this proposal, stating that it aligns with global best practices that prioritize continuous learning over one-time high-stakes exams. However, they emphasize the need for proper planning, including ensuring that question papers maintain the same level of difficulty across both exams to prevent biases.

The biannual exam system is a step towards a more inclusive and student-centric education approach. If implemented effectively, it can empower students with better learning opportunities and ease the pressure of board exams. However, proper planning and execution will be crucial for its success. Authorities must work closely with educators, parents, and students to create a system that balances flexibility with fairness.

Key Highlights of the Proposed Scheme for CBSE Class 10 Exams 2026

1. Two Exams Per Year: The new structure allows two board exams to be held each year, providing students with an opportunity to improve their results in the second exam if needed.
2. Examination Start Date: The exams will commence on the first Tuesday after 15th February every year, with CBSE Class 10 Exams 2026 scheduled from February 17 to March 6, and the second phase running from May 5 to May 20.
3. Examination Duration: The entire examination process will span 34 days, involving 84 subjects, with approximately 26.60 lakh students expected to appear for the CBSE Class 10 exams in 2026

Examination Groups and Subject Categorization for CBSE Class 10- 2026

The CBSE Class 10 subjects are categorized into four groups:

1. Language Group: English, Hindi
2. Elective Group: Science, Mathematics, Social Science
3. Regional & Foreign Languages: French, Sanskrit, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati, Spanish, and more
4. Remaining Subjects Group: Elements of Bookkeeping, Computer Applications, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and more.

Two Exam Phases for 2026: Key Details

Important Guidelines for CBSE 10th Exam 2026

• Fixed Days for Core Subjects: Science, Maths, Social Science, Hindi, and English will be scheduled on fixed days.
• Regional and Foreign Languages: These exams will be conducted in one go on a single day.

CBSE 10th Board Exam 2026 Twice: Key Updates

New Guidelines for CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026

• Study and Exam Scheme: The scheme of studies and scheme of examinations will be simplified, with a focus on more efficient and practical assessments.
• Support for CWSN Students: The facilities extended to CWSN (Children With Special Needs) candidates will continue, as per current provisions, ensuring equal opportunities for all students.
• Sports Students: Students involved in sports will appear in one of the two exams and will not have a separate examination.
• Examination Centres: Students will be allotted the same examination centre for both the first and second phases of exams. No self-centres will be permitted.
• Loc Filling Deadline: List of Candidates (LOC) for the first examination must be completed by the end of September the year before the exams. There will be no changes in subject offerings after the submission of LOC for the first exam.
• Fees and Supplementary Exams: The examination fees will be non-refundable once paid for the first exam. The first and second exams will also act as supplementary exams.
• Practical/Internal Assessment: Practical and internal assessments will be conducted only once in the year.