The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made a significant announcement for the Class 10 board examinations. Starting in 2026, CBSE will conduct the Class 10 board exams twice a year. The first exam will be held in February-March as the main examination, and the second exam will take place in May as a corrective or improvement exam. Students will have the option to appear for either one or both exams, but the subjects will remain the same for both attempts.

This change has been implemented as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to reduce the pressure on students and provide a better platform for evaluating their skills and competencies. The decision to introduce the two-exam system is expected to provide students with the opportunity to improve their performance in case they do not perform well in the first attempt, while also reducing the anxiety and stress often associated with board exams.

Why the Change?

The decision to introduce two board exams per year aligns with the broader goals of the National Education Policy, which emphasizes the need to reduce student stress, enhance learning outcomes, and create a more holistic and continuous evaluation system. By giving students the option to appear for two exams, CBSE aims to provide them with more opportunities to showcase their academic abilities and learn from any mistakes they may have made during the first exam.

For many years, students have faced immense pressure during the Class 10 board exams, as these exams are often considered a critical point in a student’s academic career. The new system aims to ease this pressure, allowing students to focus on their overall learning journey rather than obsessing over a single exam. This change is expected to lead to a more comprehensive evaluation of a student’s knowledge and skills.

What the New System Entails

Under the new system, the CBSE Class 10 board exams will be split into two parts:

1. First Exam (Main Exam) – February-March: This will be the regular annual board exam, where students will take the main set of subjects as per their curriculum.

2. Second Exam (Improvement Exam) – May: This exam will be for students who wish to improve their marks or for those who were unable to perform well in the first exam. It will serve as a corrective opportunity to enhance their scores.

Students will have the flexibility to appear for either one of the two exams or both, based on their individual preference and requirements. However, students will not be allowed to change subjects between the two exams, meaning the subjects they choose for the first exam must remain the same for the second.

Impact on Students and Parents

The introduction of two board exams in a year will have a profound impact on students and their parents. For students, the option to take the improvement exam will provide a safety net, especially for those who might face unexpected challenges during their first attempt. This change could help alleviate some of the anxiety and stress that students face before the traditional Class 10 board exams, as they will know they have a second opportunity to improve.

For parents, the change could mean less pressure on their children to perform perfectly in one high-stakes exam. The system will encourage a more balanced approach to learning, where students are evaluated on a continuous basis, helping them build confidence and improve in areas where they may have faced difficulties.

Benefits of the Two-Exam System

The two-exam system offers several benefits to both students and the education system as a whole:

• Reduced Stress: One of the biggest advantages of this change is the reduction in student stress. With two opportunities to appear for the exam, students will feel less anxious and more in control of their academic progress.

• Better Assessment: The system will allow for better evaluation of students’ learning progress over time, rather than relying on a single exam score. This continuous evaluation method will give a more accurate picture of a student’s abilities and understanding of the subjects.

• Improved Performance: Students who may not perform well in the first exam will have another opportunity to improve their grades. This will motivate students to put in more effort, knowing that they have a chance to rectify their mistakes.

• Holistic Learning: By implementing a more flexible examination system, the CBSE aims to promote holistic learning. Students will be encouraged to focus on mastering their subjects and understanding the concepts rather than just preparing for a one-time exam.

Challenges to Consider

While the two-exam system has many advantages, it also comes with its set of challenges. One of the key concerns is the logistical challenge of conducting two rounds of exams in a year, especially in terms of time management, exam preparation, and maintaining the quality of assessments. The increased frequency of exams may also lead to an extended academic year, requiring adjustments in the overall academic calendar.

Another challenge could be the potential increase in the workload for students, as they will need to prepare for two rounds of exams. Although the intention is to reduce stress, it is important to ensure that students are not overwhelmed by the additional pressure of preparing for two exams.

Future Outlook and Timeline

The change will officially begin in 2026, and the first batch of students will be the beneficiaries of this new exam system. The timeline for the exams will be:

• Main Exam (February-March): This will be the traditional exam period, where students will appear for their regular set of subjects.

• Improvement Exam (May): This will be the second opportunity for students to improve their marks.

In the coming years, the CBSE will provide more details about the subjects, the format of the exams, and any other relevant guidelines to ensure that students are well-prepared for the changes.

The decision to conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year is a welcome step by the CBSE and the Indian government to reduce student stress, promote better learning, and provide a more holistic evaluation system. By allowing students the chance to improve their scores through the second exam, the new system will give students more opportunities to succeed while encouraging a deeper understanding of their subjects.

With the implementation of the two-exam system, the education system in India is likely to see a shift towards a more balanced approach to learning, where students are not solely judged on a one-time exam performance but are given the chance to improve and showcase their skills throughout the year. This change aligns with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the importance of reducing stress and enhancing the quality of education.