Highlights
- 💡 Two Board Exam Attempts: Students get two board exam attempts in the same academic year — Feb 17 to Mar 6 (main) and May 5 to 21 (improvement).
- 💡 Improve Up to Three Subjects: Both attempts cover the full syllabus, and students can improve up to three subjects.
- 💡 Best Score Counts: The better score from either attempt will be reflected on the final mark sheet; no reduced syllabus or extra exams.
- 💡 NEP 2020 Aligned: Supports stress-free, flexible, and competency-based learning in line with NEP 2020.
Whoever is reading this blog — whether you’re a Class 10 student, a concerned parent, or an educator — we have some exciting news straight from CBSE. But first, imagine this:
What if you had not just one, but TWO chances to appear for your Class 10 board exams within the same academic year?
Sounds like a stress-buster, doesn’t it? Well, that’s exactly what CBSE is introducing for Class 10 students starting 2026 — a two-exam opportunity within the same year, designed to make the examination process more flexible and student-friendly.
Table of Contents
- Why This Change? The NEP 2020 Connection
- What is Changing in Class 10 Board Exams?
- Who Can Appear in These Exams?
- Important Points to Remember
- Admission to Class XI
- Additional Highlights from the CBSE Notification
- Why This is a Game-Changer for Students
- What Schools and Parents Should Do
- Conclusion
Why This Change? The NEP 2020 Connection
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasized the need to reduce the pressure of “high-stakes” exams, promote holistic development, and assess students based on core competencies rather than rote memorization.
Taking this vision forward, CBSE will conduct two Board Examinations for Class 10 from the 2026 session, giving students more flexibility and a fair opportunity to improve their performance.
What is Changing in Class 10 Board Exams?
Until now, students got only one attempt at the Class 10 board exams each year. But starting in 2026:
First Attempt (Main Exam): Tentatively scheduled from February 17 to March 6, 2026
Second Attempt (Improvement Exam): Tentatively scheduled from May 5 to May 21, 2026
This means students don’t have to wait an entire year to improve their scores. You can give your best shot twice in the same academic year!
Who Can Appear in These Exams?
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All students MUST appear for the first exam.
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The second exam is for improvement or for students who couldn’t pass certain subjects in the first attempt.
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You can improve your performance in up to three subjects, including Science, Mathematics, Social Science, Hindi, and English.
Important Points to Remember
Eligibility Criteria
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Students failing three or more subjects in the first exam cannot appear in the second exam and must reappear the following year.
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Students with a compartment result in 1-2 subjects can appear for the second exam under the improvement category.
Fees and Enrollment Process
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Separate exam fees apply for both attempts.
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Schools must fill out the List of Candidates (LOC) separately for each exam.
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No new candidates can be added for the second exam cycle.
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Changes to subject combinations are allowed only for the second exam under strict guidelines.
Special Provisions for Specific Categories
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Sports students: Can appear for the second exam if the first exam clashes with sports events.
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Winter-bound school students: Can choose which exam to appear for.
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Children with Special Needs (CWSN): Facilities will be extended to both exams.
Admission to Class XI
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Students who do not pass the first exam can seek provisional admission to Class XI.
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Final admission is confirmed after the second exam results.
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Results of the first exam will be available via DigiLocker, enabling provisional admissions.
Additional Highlights from the CBSE Notification
- Both exams will follow the full CBSE syllabus for that academic year — there will be no reduced syllabus for the second attempt.
- Practical/ Internal Assessments will be conducted only once.
- Final mark sheets will display scores from both exams and mention the better of the two marks.
- No additional or special exams will be conducted beyond these two attempts.
- Examination centers will remain the same for both exam cycles.
- Schools cannot act as their own exam centers to ensure fairness and transparency.
- A merit certificate will be issued only after the second exam cycle.
Why This is a Game-Changer for Students
- Reduces the pressure of a single exam attempt.
- Encourages better preparation without the fear of losing an entire academic year.
- Provides flexibility for sports enthusiasts and students with personal commitments.
- Aligns with NEP’s vision of student-centered, stress-free education.
- Promotes learning focused on understanding, not cramming.
What Schools and Parents Should Do
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Schools must ensure students and parents are well-informed about this policy change.
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Accurate and timely submission of student data is essential to avoid complications.
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Parents should encourage students to focus on holistic learning, knowing they now have two fair opportunities.
Conclusion
CBSE’s new two-exam policy for Class 10 starting in 2026 is a significant step towards a more flexible, stress-free, and competency-based education system. It’s not just a change in schedule — it’s a shift towards nurturing confident, well-prepared students.
So, Class 10 students — get ready to face your board exams with less fear, more confidence, and double the opportunities to excel!
