CBSE Board Exams 2026: 83 Subjects in Class 10, 120 in 12

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Board Exams 2026 are underway, with Class 10 examinations scheduled to conclude on March 11 and Class 12 exams ending on April 10. This year, students are appearing for a wide academic spread — 83 subjects in Class 10 and 120 subjects in Class 12, highlighting the scale and diversity of the examination process.

Student Participation and Gender Break-Up

For Class 10, nearly 25 lakh students are appearing:

• Approximately 14 lakh boys
• Around 10.9 lakh girls

For Class 12, about 18.5 lakh students are taking the examination:

• Around 10.2 lakh boys
• Approximately 8.3 lakh girls

The data reflects the massive logistical exercise undertaken by CBSE across thousands of examination centres nationwide.

CBSE Clarifies Second Board Examination Rules (From 2026)

In a key policy clarification, CBSE has issued detailed guidelines regarding students seeking to appear directly in the second board examination due to unavoidable circumstances.

Mandatory First Examination

All students must compulsorily appear in the first board examination. Direct entry into the second examination without appearing in the first attempt will not be permitted.

Improvement Opportunity

Students who pass the first examination and meet eligibility criteria can improve their scores in up to three subjects, including:

• Science
• Mathematics
• Social Science
• Languages

“Essential Repeat” Category

Students who fail to appear in three or more subjects in the first examination will not be eligible for the second board exam. Such candidates will be placed in the Essential Repeat category and can only reappear in the main board examination scheduled for February next year.

Compartment Category

Students whose results are declared as “Compartment” in the first examination will be allowed to sit for the second board exam under the Compartment category.

No Additional Stand-Alone Subjects

After passing Class 10, students will not be permitted to appear in separate stand-alone additional subjects. CBSE has advised schools and students to carefully review the updated norms to ensure compliance during the 2026 examination cycle.