The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to conduct a new two-exam policy for Class 10 students from the year 2026, based on the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP). This decision is intended to reduce stress and improve the performance of children during exams.
Students also have the opportunity to improve on a few subjects in which they received lower marks in the first exam. Under this system, board exams will begin in February and again in April/May, with the option to keep the best score.
Why the two-exam policy?
For years, students have faced extreme pressure to perform well in board exams, leading to rote learning and a state of depression. By giving students a second chance within the same year, the change reduces the stress of having just one crucial exam. It allows learners to improve their scores without waiting a full academic year.
The NEP 2020 suggests major changes in assessments to reduce stress and encourage real understanding of the syllabus. CBSE is implementing these reforms step by step.
The important changes in CBSE board exams in 2026
Two Board Exams in a Year
Students will have two chances to take the board exams every year.
The first exam will be the main one, and the second exam is for students who want to improve their scores.
The better score between the two attempts will be considered.
This will reduce the high-stakes pressure of a single board exam.
Exams Will Be Easier and More Skill-Based
Board exams will focus on core skills and understanding rather than just memorizing textbooks.
Students attending school regularly should be able to pass without extra coaching.
Subjects like mathematics may be offered at two difficulty levels to suit different students.
Some subjects may be divided into two sections: objective (MCQs) and descriptive (written answers)
Flexible Exam Scheduling
Exams will begin on the first Tuesday after February 15 each year.
Subjects like science, math, social science, Hindi, and English will have fixed exam dates.
Other subjects, like regional and foreign languages, will be held on a single day.
Some optional subjects (like data science) may have exams on multiple days, but students won’t be able to choose their exam date—CBSE will assign it based on a formula.
Mark Sheet and Results
No passing certificate will be issued after the first exam—only digital results will be available in DigiLocker.
The final mark sheet and passing certificate will be given only after the second exam (if attempted).
The mark sheet will display marks from both attempts, practical/internal assessments, and the better score between the two exams.
Exam Centers and Fees
Exam centers will be the same for both the first and second exams.
Schools will be evaluated before being assigned as exam centers.
There will be no “self-centers”—students cannot take exams in their school.
Exam fees will be collected upfront for both exams and will not be refunded.
Practical Exams Will Be Held Only Once
Practical/internal assessments will not be repeated for the second exam.
The practical marks from the first exam will be carried forward.
No Special Exams Will Be Conducted
There will be no special/supplementary exams beyond the two board exams.
If a student misses both exams, they must take the exam the next year with the new syllabus.
How does the change benefit students and parents?
Less stress and exam pressure: Students no longer need to stress over a single exam. If they are unhappy with their first performance, they will get a second chance within the same academic year.
Less dependence on coaching centers: With a stronger focus on conceptual learning over rote memorization, students can prepare more independently, minimizing the need for costly coaching classes.
Smart exam planning: The first exam becomes a serious opportunity to perform well, while the second offers a safety net, encouraging better planning and preparation throughout the year.
Fixed Subject Choices: Students must finalize their subjects by September, and no changes will be permitted later, except when appearing for the second exam in specific cases.
Practical Marks Are Important: Internal assessments and practical exam marks won’t be carried over. Students must ensure strong performance in these areas during their first board exam attempt.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the two-exam policy?
Advantages
Reduced exam pressure & second chance
Supports competency-based learning
Helps students facing illness or anxiety
Encourages continuous learning
Disadvantages
Increased stress from constant exam mode
Higher workload
Pressure on high achievers & delayed admissions
Potential growth of coaching centre culture
Risk of superficial learning
Little change, big chances
The new CBSE exam system is a major step towards reducing stress and making exams more student-friendly. Instead of putting all the pressure on one big board exam, students will now have two chances in the same year to do their best. This means less stress, fewer sleepless nights, and more room to learn and grow at their own pace.
The students can learn more than just rote learning or memorization through the implementation of this two-exam policy. With better learning, this little change by the board can help in reducing the pressure on students during exams.
