In a major step towards reducing exam stress and promoting a student-first approach, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that Class 10 board exams will be conducted twice a year starting from the academic session 2026.
The new format aims to give students two chances to perform their best—without any pressure to get everything right in one go.
What’s Changing?
CBSE’s revised model, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introduces:
Two exam phases each year
Phase 1: February 17 to March 6 (results in April)
Phase 2: May 5 to May 20 (results in June)
First phase mandatory, second optional — ideal for students who want to improve their scores.
Students can reappear in up to 3 subjects to enhance their marks.
Best score will be retained and reflected on the final marksheet.
Winter-bound schools will have the option to choose either phase, providing greater flexibility for students in regions with weather-related constraints.
Why This Matters?
According to CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj, this change is intended to reduce academic pressure and allow students to learn at their own pace.
While board exams will now have two opportunities, internal assessments and practical exams will continue to be held only once a year.
This move is being celebrated by educators and parents alike for its student-centric approach and alignment with global best practices in education.