Starting in 2026, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will implement a significant change in the Class 10 examination system, offering students the opportunity to take board exams twice in a single academic year. This move is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to reduce exam-related stress while promoting a more student-centric and flexible learning environment.
Under the new system, the first phase of the exam will be held in February and will be mandatory for all students. The second phase, scheduled for May, will be optional for students who wish to improve their scores. Results for the two phases will be announced in April and June, respectively. Students will be allowed to improve their performance in any three subjects out of science, mathematics, social science, and languages.
The decision to conduct board exams twice a year is rooted in the NEP 2020's recommendation to reduce the "high-stakes" nature of board examinations and introduce greater flexibility and student choice. The policy aims to eliminate the pressure associated with a single, high-stakes exam and provide students with multiple opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
According to approved norms, Class 10 students from winter-bound schools will have the option to appear for the board exams in either of the two phases. Internal assessments, which will be conducted only once during the academic session, will contribute 20%-30% to the final grade and will focus on competency-based tasks such as projects, lab work, and application-based activities.
The new examination policy also includes a shift towards competency-based assessments, which prioritize conceptual understanding and critical thinking over rote memorization. The CBSE will implement AI-supported on-screen marking for faster and fairer results. Up to 50% of questions in most subjects will be multiple-choice questions (MCQs) or competency-based, while the weightage of long-answer questions will drop to 30%, encouraging deeper understanding over memorization.
The CBSE has also unveiled plans to launch a Global Curriculum for 260 affiliated international schools starting in the academic year 2026-2027, integrating Indian educational values with a global perspective. This curriculum will integrate core Indian subjects with global educational standards, ensuring that students can excel in national and international arenas while maintaining the rich cultural and academic heritage of India.
This initiative by CBSE is a significant shift towards modern, student-friendly education that fosters growth, learning, and success. With biannual exams, competency-based education, and a global curriculum, students will have more opportunities to achieve their full potential. The new flexible approach will promote self-paced learning, skill mastery, and lifelong learning habits, ensuring that students are better prepared for higher education and career opportunities.
Under the new structure, all students must appear in the first (main) examination. Only students who have appeared in at least three subjects in the first phase are eligible to sit for the second exam. Students who miss three or more subjects in the first exam will be marked as "Essential Repeat" and can only reappear in the subsequent year.
