CBSE Two Board Exams for Class 10 from 2026: Full Details, Schedule, Eligibility, and New Rules

CBSE has announced two board examinations for Class 10 starting in 2026 as per NEP 2020. Learn about exam schedule, eligibility, syllabus, internal assessment, results, and key benefits of this new CBSE policy.

CBSE Notification 2026 — Two Board Exams Every Year

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made a historic change in India’s school education system. Starting from the academic year 2026, students of Class 10 will appear for two CBSE Board Examinations in a single academic session.

This decision was officially released through a CBSE circular dated June 25, 2025, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The goal is to reduce exam stress, provide flexibility, and promote a continuous learning model.

“To further eliminate the ‘high-stakes’ aspect of Board Exams, all students will be allowed to take Board Exams on up to two occasions during any given school year — one main examination and one for improvement, if desired.”
— CBSE Official Notification 2025

What is the CBSE Two Board Exam System?

Under the new system, CBSE will hold two exams each year:

• First Board Examination (Main Exam) – Mandatory for all students.
• Second Board Examination (Improvement Exam) – Optional for students who wish to improve their scores.

This model ensures that a student who does not perform well in the first exam gets another opportunity in the same year — without repeating the academic session.

Why Did CBSE Introduce Two Exams?

The decision is based on Paragraphs 4.37 and 4.38 of NEP 2020, which recommend flexible and modular board exams.
Key objectives include:

• Reducing exam anxiety and stress.
• Encouraging conceptual learning instead of rote memorization.
• Providing multiple opportunities for students to show their true potential.
• Reducing the coaching dependency by encouraging school-based continuous learning.
• Supporting diverse learners, including athletes, special-needs students, and winter-bound schools.

CBSE’s Decision for 2026 Onwards

After consultations with educational experts and stakeholders, CBSE decided to implement this policy from the 2026 examinations.

All Class 10 students across CBSE-affiliated schools in India and abroad will now follow the two-exam model. This decision will eventually serve as a foundation for reforms in Class 12 examinations in the coming years.

Detailed Scheme of Two CBSE Board Examinations

(i) General Conditions

• First Exam Mandatory: Every student must appear in the first (main) Board Examination.
• Improvement Option: Students can reappear in up to three subjects (Science, Mathematics, Social Science, or Languages).
• Essential Repeat Category: Students missing three or more subjects will repeat the academic year.
• Compartment Students: Students with compartment results can take the second exam for improvement.
• Additional Subjects: Not permitted after passing Class X.

(ii) Special Categories

• Sports Students: If their tournaments coincide with the main exam, they may appear in the second exam.
• Winter-Bound Schools: Schools in regions like Jammu & Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh may choose the first or second exam schedule based on their calendar.

(iii) Internal Assessment

• Internal assessments will now be conducted only once before the main examination.
  This ensures consistency and avoids excessive testing pressure on students.

(iv) Schedule of the Examinations

(v) Eligibility Criteria for Each Exam

First (Main) Examination

• Fresh Class X students
• Second chance compartment candidates
• Essential repeat candidates from previous year
• Students appearing for improvement

Second (Improvement) Examination

• Students improving up to 3 subjects
• Compartment students (first or third chance)
• Students combining compartment + improvement
• Students improving after passing by replacing subjects

(vi) Syllabus and Scheme of Examination

Both the first and second exams will be based on the full annual syllabus.
No change will be made in the:

• Syllabus pattern
• Exam structure
• Scheme of studies

This ensures that all students are evaluated under the same academic standards.

(vii) LOC (List of Candidates) Submission Rules

• All schools must fill the LOC for the main examination — it’s compulsory.
• A separate LOC will be required for the second exam, but no new students can be added later.
• Subject changes between the first and second exams will not be allowed, except under special cases approved by CBSE.

(viii) Result Declaration and Certificates

• All results will follow CBSE’s Examination Bye-Laws.
• First Exam Result: Declared in April 2026.
• Second Exam Result: Declared in June 2026.
• DigiLocker: Results and certificates will be available on DigiLocker.
• Passing Document: Issued after both exams for students who choose to improve.
• Students who skip the second exam can use their first result for Class 11 admission.

Advantages of CBSE Two Exam System

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When will the two-board exam system start for CBSE Class 10?
👉 From the academic session 2026 onwards.

Q2. Are both exams mandatory?
👉 The first exam is mandatory. The second exam is optional for improvement or compartment.

Q3. What is the result schedule for CBSE 2026?
👉 Main exam results will be declared in April 2026, and second exam results in June 2026.

Q4. Will both exams have different syllabuses?
👉 No, both will cover the complete syllabus prescribed for the academic year.

Q5. Can Class 12 students also expect two exams?
👉 Currently, the reform is for Class 10 only, but CBSE may extend it to Class 12 later.

Q6. Where can I download the official CBSE circular PDF?
👉 Visit www.cbse.gov.in → Circulars → “Two Board Examinations for Class X from 2026”.

The CBSE Two Board Examination System 2026 marks a major transformation in India’s school education. By allowing students two opportunities in a year, the system promotes flexibility, stress-free learning, and continuous academic growth.

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