The CBSE’s decision to conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year from 2026 marks a significant shift in India’s education system, aligning with the reforms suggested in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This change is designed to reduce the pressure of board exams, allowing students to take the tests twice a year and choose their best score. The move is expected to ease academic stress and encourage a more holistic learning approach, shifting the focus from rote memorization to concept-based understanding and critical thinking skills.
Key Details of the New CBSE Board Exam System
According to the draft guidelines, which will remain open for stakeholder feedback until March 9, the first exam session is scheduled to be held from February 17 to March 6, while the second session will take place between May 5 and 20. Unlike the current system, where students get only one chance to appear for their board exams (except for compartment exams), the revised format will give them a second opportunity to improve their scores without waiting for an entire year.
One of the most notable aspects of the new system is that both exams will cover the full syllabus, ensuring that students are assessed comprehensively. Additionally, the examination centres will remain the same for both sessions, ensuring logistical convenience for students and schools. A CBSE official stated that exam fees will be increased and collected upfront for both attempts at the time of application filing. This means students who opt for the second attempt will not need to pay separately later.
Another crucial clarification from CBSE is that the two board exams will also act as supplementary exams, meaning that there will be no additional compartment exams for students who fail in one subject. Those who do not pass or wish to improve their scores will automatically get another chance in the second session, making the process more structured and reducing long-term uncertainty for students.
Why is CBSE Implementing This Change?
The NEP 2020 advocates for reforms in board examinations to minimize reliance on coaching classes and to introduce a more balanced and skill-based evaluation system. The current format of board exams often puts excessive pressure on students, leading many to focus on memorization rather than truly understanding concepts. The new system aims to address this by encouraging continuous learning and improvement rather than treating the exams as a make-or-break event.
CBSE has emphasized that question papers under this revised system will be structured in a way that students who regularly attend classes and put in normal effort will be able to pass comfortably. This is meant to reassure students that preparing systematically throughout the year will be sufficient to perform well, without the need for excessive last-minute cramming or dependence on external coaching.
By allowing students to attempt the exams twice a year and retain the better score, CBSE aims to reduce the anxiety associated with a single high-stakes exam. Students who may have a bad day or struggle with exam stress will have a second chance without affecting their overall academic trajectory. This model is similar to internationally accepted examination systems like the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) in the United States, where students can retake the test and submit their highest score.
Potential Challenges and Concerns
While this new system is expected to benefit students by offering them greater flexibility and reducing exam stress, it also brings certain logistical and financial challenges. Some of the key concerns include:
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Increased Academic Pressure Throughout the Year:
- While students will have two opportunities to appear for the exams, some critics argue that this might spread the stress across a longer period, rather than reducing it. Students may feel compelled to prepare continuously for both attempts, leading to increased mental fatigue.
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Financial Implications for Parents and Schools:
- The exam fee hike could become a financial burden on some families, especially those who may struggle to pay for both attempts. Additionally, schools may need to adjust academic calendars and dedicate extra resources for conducting two full-fledged board exams in a single year.
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Impact on School Schedules and Admission Processes:
- Schools will need to redesign their teaching schedules, ensuring that students are adequately prepared for both exam sessions.
- Colleges and higher secondary schools may also have to adjust their admission processes to accommodate students who appear for the second session in May, which could potentially delay result announcements.
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Quality of Assessments and Risk of Overburdening Teachers:
- Conducting two board exams annually may place additional pressure on teachers, who will need to prepare question papers, evaluate answer sheets, and conduct assessments twice in a short span.
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Uncertainty Over Practical Exams and Internal Assessments:
- The guidelines do not yet clarify whether practical exams will also be conducted twice a year or only once. If practical exams are held just once, students appearing for the second attempt might face challenges in aligning their performance with the written exams.
Future Implications of This Policy
Despite the challenges, the two-exam system has the potential to bring about a significant transformation in India’s education landscape. Some of the expected long-term benefits include:
- Reduced Exam Anxiety: Students will have a chance to improve their scores without the pressure of a one-time performance.
- Better Conceptual Understanding: Since the system discourages rote memorization, students are likely to focus more on understanding concepts deeply.
- More Aligned with Global Education Standards: Many international examination systems allow students multiple attempts, giving them greater flexibility to showcase their abilities over time.
As CBSE gathers feedback from stakeholders and finalizes the policy, students, parents, teachers, and schools will need to prepare for this transition. The new system could pave the way for similar reforms in other Indian education boards, potentially redefining the country's examination culture in the years to come.
