The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a major policy revision for CBSE Class 10 board exams starting from 2026, offering flexibility to students involved in national or international-level sports events or Olympiads.
Key Update: Flexibility for Sports & Olympiad Aspirants
Students whose competitions overlap with the February 2026 exam schedule will not be forced to miss their events or choose between academics and achievements. Instead:
- Such students will be allowed to appear for the affected subjects during the May 2026 exam session.
- Unlike previous years, there will be no separate “special exam” — the May phase itself will act as the second opportunity.
- However, students must obtain official approval from CBSE to skip the February attempt.
Two-Session Format for CBSE 10th Board Exams 2026
For the first time, CBSE will conduct Class 10 board exams in two phases:
| Session | Primary Purpose | Who can appear? |
| February 2026 | Main exam session | All registered students |
| May 2026 | Improvement & alternate exam window | 1. Students unhappy with Feb results 2. Sports/Olympiad participants with event clashes 3. Students permitted by CBSE due to valid absence |
How to Apply for the Second Session
- Schools must submit a list of students participating in recognized sports/Olympiads by September 30, 2025.
- These names must be included at the time of main exam registration — not afterward.
- Only students pre-approved by CBSE will be eligible to write in May.
What About Compartment Exams?
If a student appears in the May session and is placed in the compartment category, their compartment exam will be held in February/March of the following year — not immediately afterward.
CBSE’s Vision
This move signals a growing effort by CBSE to recognize sports and Olympiads as integral components of formal learning, rather than co-curricular add-ons. It aligns with the National Education Policy’s emphasis on flexibility and talent promotion.
With this update, CBSE becomes one of the first national boards in India to institutionalize exam flexibility without penalizing high-achieving students for extracurricular excellence.
Students and schools are advised to coordinate early with event organizers and complete formalities before the September 30, 2025 deadline.
