KKN Gurugram Desk | The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially approved a draft to conduct the 10th-grade board exams twice a year. The new system will be implemented from the academic session 2025-26, offering students a chance to appear for two exams annually. The first 10th exam of the year will take place from February 17 to March 6, 2026, while the second exam will be scheduled between May 5 and May 20, 2026.
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This decision marks a significant shift in how the CBSE conducts its board exams and is expected to ease the pressure on students by giving them multiple opportunities to improve their scores. The move aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to make the education system more flexible and accessible for students.
Why Is CBSE Now Conducting 10th Exams Twice a Year?
The new proposal is part of the larger reform in India’s educational system, especially to enhance the learning experience and reduce the stress associated with board exams. With two attempts available in a year, students will have the flexibility to improve their marks if they don’t perform well in the first exam. This move is also in line with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for a more inclusive and balanced assessment system.
Education Ministry officials stated that this decision is meant to provide an opportunity for students to perform better, especially those who may face challenges in their first attempt. According to experts, this will also help reduce anxiety, as students will no longer be confined to just one exam to determine their future academic progress.
Key Features of the CBSE 10th Exam Twice a Year System
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Exam Schedule:
The first exam for the 10th grade will be held from February 17 to March 6, 2026. The second exam will take place between May 5 and May 20, 2026. These dates are subject to adjustments as needed, but they are expected to follow a similar timeline each year. -
How Many Times Will Students Have to Appear?
Students do not have to appear for both exams. There will be three options available to them:- Students can choose to appear for only one of the two exams.
- They can appear for both exams if they wish.
- If students are not satisfied with their marks in a specific subject, they can opt to take the second exam for that subject only.
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What If Students Appear for Both Exams?
If students decide to appear for both exams, the better score between the two will be considered final. In case a student performs poorly in the second exam, the first exam’s score will be taken into account. This ensures that students are not penalized for any mistakes made in their second attempt. -
Is the Syllabus Different for Each Exam?
No, the syllabus for both exams will be the same. The exam pattern for both will also remain identical, ensuring that there is no disparity in the preparation or the level of difficulty between the two exams. -
Will Supplementary Exams Be Offered?
The introduction of two annual exams eliminates the need for supplementary exams. If a student fails in a subject, they will be able to attempt the subject again in the second exam. This policy effectively removes the supplementary exam system for 10th-grade students. -
Will There Be Separate Exam Centers for Each Exam?
No, the examination center will remain the same for both exams. Students will appear for the exams at their designated centers, which they will be assigned to before the start of the exam season. -
Will Students Have to Register Twice?
No, students will only need to register once for both exams. However, they will have to pay the examination fee twice—once for each attempt. The fee will be collected together at the time of registration. -
Will Practical Exams Be Held Twice?
No, practical exams will not be conducted twice a year. The practical and internal assessments will continue as per the regular schedule, typically in December and January. These will be carried out in the usual manner, just as they were done in the past.
Feedback and Suggestions for the Draft
The CBSE has sought feedback from various stakeholders, including school administrators, parent associations, teachers, policy makers, and selected NGOs, to gather opinions on the draft proposal. The feedback is expected to be submitted by March 9, 2025, and will be reviewed before the final decision is made.
This move is seen as a positive step towards reducing the stress surrounding board exams and offering students more opportunities for academic success. However, some experts have raised concerns about the feasibility of the new system and whether it will adequately address the pressures faced by students.
Impact of the New System on Students and Parents
The introduction of two exams a year will likely have a profound impact on both students and parents. For students, the opportunity to take the exam twice will reduce the immense pressure that often accompanies the traditional single-attempt model. With two attempts, students can approach the exams with more confidence and flexibility, knowing they have a chance to improve if necessary.
For parents, the new system may provide relief from the constant worry and stress associated with the single board exam. Parents are often anxious about the well-being of their children during this critical period. Now, with two opportunities for assessment, the pressure to perform in a single exam will be eased, providing a more balanced approach to learning and testing.
However, there are also concerns regarding the impact of multiple exams on students’ mental health. Some critics believe that while having two opportunities to attempt the exam may ease the pressure, it could also lead to increased workload and anxiety, especially for those who feel compelled to take both exams.
Challenges and Potential Concerns
Despite the many advantages, there are some potential challenges that need to be addressed. One major concern is the increased logistical complexity of conducting two board exams every year. This includes scheduling, exam centers, and the coordination of evaluation processes. The CBSE will need to ensure that these exams are conducted smoothly and without any disruptions.
Another issue could be the pressure on teachers and school administrators to prepare students for two exams each year. Schools may need to adjust their teaching schedules and exam preparation strategies to accommodate the new system. While some students may welcome the flexibility, others may feel overwhelmed by the constant cycle of preparation and testing.
Additionally, the CBSE will need to ensure that both exams maintain the same level of fairness and rigor, so that students are not disadvantaged by one exam over the other. The evaluation process for both exams must be transparent and consistent to ensure that the results reflect students’ true academic abilities.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Education?
The move to conduct 10th-grade exams twice a year is a part of a larger trend toward making education more flexible and student-friendly. It aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to create a more adaptable and holistic education system. The two-attempt exam system could serve as a model for future educational reforms, offering students more opportunities to succeed without the burden of a single high-stakes exam.
This reform is expected to be a stepping stone toward more progressive changes in India’s education system. It could pave the way for similar reforms in other areas of education, including higher secondary exams and entrance tests for universities. The long-term benefits of this system could lead to a more balanced approach to learning, with less emphasis on rote memorization and more focus on practical application and problem-solving.
The introduction of two CBSE 10th exams per year is a significant development that reflects a broader shift in the educational landscape. While this reform is expected to reduce stress and provide more opportunities for students, it will also require careful implementation and feedback from stakeholders. As the CBSE moves forward with this change, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on students, teachers, and schools.
With the new system set to begin in 2026, both students and parents will need to adjust their approach to exam preparation. However, this flexible system promises to offer a more balanced, student-centric approach to education, where success is not solely determined by a single exam, but by the overall growth and learning of the student.
The CBSE’s proposal to conduct exams twice a year represents a pivotal moment in India’s educational evolution, offering hope for a future where learning is more accessible, fair, and less stressful for students.
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