The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a two-board-exam system for Class 10 students starting from the academic session 2026. This significant academic shift aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and is designed to reduce exam stress while offering students more opportunities for improvement.
General Conditions and Scheme
The new framework makes the first board exam compulsory for all Class 10 students. Those who qualify will have the option to appear in the second exam to improve their performance in up to three subjects — Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages.
Students missing three or more subjects in the first exam will be placed in the “Essential Repeat” category, meaning they can only reappear in the main exams scheduled the following February. Other important rules include:
- Compartment cases: Students who receive a compartment result in the first exam can reappear in the second exam under the same category.
- No new subjects: Students will not be allowed to add additional subjects after clearing Class 10. Standalone subject options will also not be available.
Special Provisions
CBSE has included flexibility measures to ensure fair opportunities:
- Sportspersons can take the second exam if sports events clash with the first exam.
- Winter-bound schools may choose either the first or the second exam.
- Children With Special Needs (CWSN) will receive the same facilities in both exams.
Internal Assessment
Internal assessment will continue as a one-time process conducted before the first exam. Marks from this evaluation will be carried forward for both board exams.
Examination Schedule
The schedule will closely follow the current CBSE timeline with an additional session:
Eligibility Criteria
CBSE has clearly outlined who can appear in both exams:
- First Exam: Fresh Class 10 students, second-chance compartment candidates, essential repeat students, and improvement exam candidates.
- Second Exam: Students opting for improvement in up to three subjects, compartment candidates (first or third attempt), candidates opting for both compartment plus improvement, and students who passed by subject replacement but want further improvement.
Syllabus and Exam Scheme
Both exams will cover the complete annual syllabus. The scheme of studies, evaluation, and subject weightage will remain unchanged.
LOC (List of Candidates) Rules
The List of Candidates (LOC) process will also follow stricter rules:
- Filling the LOC for the first exam is mandatory.
- A separate LOC will be required for the second exam.
- No new candidates can be added at the second stage.
- Subject changes between the first and second exams will not be allowed unless explicitly approved.
