Written By : Abhishek Kumar Ranjan (An alumnus of IIM)

By announcing that the 10th Board Exam will now be administered twice a year starting in 2026, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is transforming secondary education in India.  Millions of students are impacted by this historic reform, which brings Indian educational standards closer to those of other countries.  What does this entail for educators, parents, and students?  Examine each detail in detail below.

What is Changing in the CBSE 10th Board Exam System?

Students in CBSE Class 10 will have two chances to take the board exams in a single academic year beginning in 2026:

•  The main exam, which is the first attempt, is required in February.
•  Those who want to raise their scores or retake up to three subjects can choose to participate in the second attempt at improvement, which takes place in May.
•  The mark sheet will display the final result, which will be the best score for each subject.

Why Has CBSE Introduced 10th Exam Twice a Year?

The National Education Policy’s (NEP 2020) goal of more adaptable, stress-free, and comprehensive assessment systems is directly addressed by this reform.

 Important objectives include:

•  Lowering test anxiety and stress related to single-attempt, high-stakes board exams
•  Discouragement of rote learning and over-reliance on coaching
•  Encouraging year-round learning and deeper comprehension
•  Increasing the fairness and support of assessments for people from all backgrounds, particularly for CWSN and athletes

 The best-of-two model, in which students are not penalized for a poor performance on one attempt, was specifically recommended by NEP.

How Will the New Exam Structure Work?

The following structure is outlined in the most recent CBSE updates:

•  All enrolled subjects must be attempted on the February Main Exam, which is mandatory.
•  May Improvement Exam (Optional):  If they want to get better, students can retake up to three subjects; those who fail up to three subjects can also try this phase.
•  The Best of Two  System:  The marks from both tests will be shown on the mark sheet; the higher score in each subject is kept for certification.
•  One Internal/Practical Assessment: Both attempts are subject to the same assessment, which is administered prior to the main exam.
•  Logistics and Centers:  For both phases, the same testing locations will be used; self-centers are not permitted.
•  Results: April saw the first phase’s results, and June saw the second.

What Subjects Can Be Attempted and Retaken?

All subjects are included in the exam schedule, which has been grouped for administrative convenience. While major subjects such as English, Hindi, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science have set dates, CBSE may also group and assign dates for electives, regional and foreign languages, and skill subjects.

Only those who fail more than three subjects are required to repeat the following year; students may retake up to three subjects in May in order to improve.

When Will Each Phase of the Board Exam Take Place?

The tentative calendar for 2026:

• Main Exam: February 17 to March 6, 2026
• Improvement Exam: May 5 to May 20, 2026
• Results: Phase 1 by April 20; Phase 2 by June 30, 2026

All dates are strictly scheduled—with only national holidays considered for breaks.

Who Can Benefit from the New Exam Format?

Particular advantages of this dual-attempt model include:

•  Students who want to get better without losing a year or getting called “compartmental”
•  Students with special needs, athletes, and those attending winter-bound schools can all select the attempt that works best for them.
•  Students who plan their retake strategy in order to balance academics and competitive exams

How Are Practical and Internal Assessments Managed?

Prior to the main phase, internal and practical evaluations are carried out once; the outcomes are the same for both attempts.  This simplifies logistics and prevents duplication or misunderstandings regarding mark computation.

What Are the Rules for Registration, Fees, and Certificates?

• Registration: The List of Candidates (LOC) for Phase 1 must include all subjects; after submission, no modifications are permitted, with the exception of improvements made in Phase 2 in accordance with specified guidelines.
•  Exam fees are non-refundable and must be paid at registration for both attempts.
•  Certificates: Following the second phase (or when the student passes all subjects), official mark sheets and certificates are given out.  Each subject’s higher scores are shown.  For admission to Class XI, preliminary results from Phase 1 are accessible through DigiLocker; however, final status is contingent upon the second attempt, if applicable.

How Does This Help Reduce Exam Stress and ‘Coaching Culture’?

Fundamentally permitting two attempts at the board exam:

• lessens anxiety and fear because students are aware that there is a safety net in place to help them recover or improve on a subpar initial performance.
• discourages the use of costly after-school tutoring and cramming programs because tests emphasize core competencies more.
• allows students to learn and revise at their own pace, supporting holistic, conceptual learning.
• simplifies the switch to Class XI by eliminating the need to wait a full year for compartment results.

How Should Students Prepare for 10th Board Exam Twice a Year?

It is crucial to prepare strategically:

• Consider the first test as the most important one; aim for high scores by studying regularly, but make sure you have a plan in place to review and solidify your knowledge in between attempts.
• For the May attempt:  Concentrate on no more than three areas that require improvement.  Utilize the first exam’s feedback to identify your areas of weakness.
• When studying for competitive exams, such as the NTSE, Olympiads, or even entrance exams, use the flexible schedule to spread out your work.

What Is the Broader Impact on Indian Education?

It is anticipated that the twice-yearly shift for the 10th Board Exam will establish a national standard and inspire other state boards to think about implementing comparable reforms for assessment flexibility.  The Indian secondary system makes significant progress toward equity, inclusivity, and international best practices by emphasizing student-centric, low-pressure, competency-based learning that is in line with NEP 2020.

Conclusion: Is This a Positive Development?

The two-phase board exam system that CBSE will implement for Class 10 starting in 2026 is a progressive, student-centered decision.  It is intended to lessen trauma, recognize real progress, and free up Indian students to concentrate on comprehension rather than rote learning.  All parties involved—parents, schools, and students—must adjust by embracing more holistic development and healthier preparation techniques.