Starting in 2026, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce a major change: Class 10 students will have the option to appear for board exams twice a year. This move aims to reduce stress and give students a better chance to improve their scores without waiting an entire year.

However, opinions on this change remain mixed. While some parents and teachers welcome the flexibility, others are concerned about added pressure, logistical challenges, and its overall impact on students’ learning.

What’s changing?

From 2026, Class 10 students will have the option to take board exams twice a year, giving them more flexibility to improve their scores. They can choose to appear in either session or both, and if satisfied with their first attempt, they can skip specific subjects in the second round. This change eliminates the need to wait an entire year for a second chance.

Important details about the new system

• The draft norms were approved by CBSE on Tuesday and are open for public feedback until 9 March 2025.
• Both exams will cover the full syllabus and follow the same textbooks, with students taking exams at the same centres for both attempts.
• Exam fees will increase and will be collected at the time of application.
• No separate supplementary exams will be held — the May session will replace them, and no special examinations........
  

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