On Tuesday, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) approved draft norms for conducting Class 10 board exams twice a year, starting from 2026. The first exam will be held in February, followed by the second in May. Students will have the option to appear for both exams if they wish. Additionally, they can skip specific subjects in the second attempt if they are already satisfied with their scores from the first examination. Similarly, they can also opt out of certain subjects in the first attempt if they prefer to take them later.
The draft norms are now in the public domain, and stakeholders can submit their feedback until March 9, 2025. Based on the inputs received, the final policy will be determined and implemented accordingly.
As per a TNN report the first phase of the Class 10 board exams will take place from February 17 to March 6, 2026, while the second phase will be conducted from May 5 to May 20, 2026. Both exams will follow the full syllabus and prescribed textbooks, ensuring uniformity in assessment.
Will CBSE Conduct Supplementary Exams?
With the introduction of two board exams a year, many are wondering whether CBSE will still conduct supplementary examinations. The Board has clarified that no separate supplementary exams will be held under this new system. Instead, the May session will serve as the supplementary exam, allowing students to improve their scores if needed. There will be no provision for special examinations under any circumstances.
Practical Assessments and Marksheet Issuance
For practical and internal assessments, CBSE has decided that these evaluations will be conducted only once per academic year. Additionally, no separate marksheets or certificates will be issued after the February-March examination.
The final passing certificate and marksheet will be issued only after the May examination. This document will include:
- The marks obtained in both exam sessions (if the student appeared for both).
- The best score for each subject, ensuring that students get the highest possible marks in their final results.
This decision aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recommends reducing the high-stakes nature of board exams by allowing students more flexibility in their assessment.
By providing students with this flexibility, CBSE aims to ease academic stress and pressure, allowing them to perform at their own pace. This approach ensures that students have multiple opportunities to improve their scores, ultimately fostering a more balanced and student-friendly evaluation system.