🎓 CBSE Class 10 Board Exams to be Held Twice Annually from 2026: What You Need to Know
âś… Major Update at a Glance
- Twice-a-year exams for both Class 10 and Class 12 are being introduced starting 2026, aligning with NEP‑2020 recommendations, cbse.gov.in
- The first exam (February–March) is mandatory; the second (May) is optional and meant for score improvement
⏱️ Proposed Exam Calendar
| Phase | Exam Period | Result Declaration |
|---|
| Phase 1 | Feb 17 – Mar 6, 2026 | ~Apr 20, 2026 |
| Phase 2 | May 5 – May 20, 2026 | ~Jun 30, 2026 |
- Both exams will cover the entire syllabus, and internal assessments are conducted once per academic year
🎯 How Final Scores Will Work
- Students can appear in one or both exams.
- Their final board score will be the best performance out of the two phases
🎓 Why This Change?
- De-stressing students: With two opportunities, students feel less pressure and anxiety
- Time for improvement: A second chance within the same year removes the need to wait an entire academic year for supplementary exams
- Alignment with NEP‑2020: Promoting flexibility and moving away from “high‑stakes” evaluation
🔍 Key Implications for Students and Schools
- One exam fee, collected during Phase 1 registration, but covers both phases
- Same exam center for both sessions.
- No separate supplementary exams—Phase 2 serves as the improvement opportunity
- Draft guidelines published, and feedback is being sought before finalization
🧠What Students Should Do Now
- Plan smartly: Don’t overcommit to both phases unless needed—your best score counts.
- Stay informed: Monitor official CBSE announcements for final dates, LOC deadlines, and guidelines.
- Prepare gradually: Focus on consistent preparation early in the year to perform well in Phase 1.
- Texas skill gap: If Phase 1 didn’t go well, utilize the May exams for improvement.
đź“… Timeline Summary
- February–March 2026: Phase 1 exams (Compulsory) → Results by April 20
- May 2026: Phase 2 exams (Optional/Improvement) → Results by June 30
- Internal assessments: Done once during the year
- Final result: Best of the two scores uploaded to the marksheet
