Starting in 2026, students of CBSE Class 10 and CBSE 12th will be able to appear for board exams twice in a year, with their best score being considered for final results. The move, recommended by the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, aims to make board assessments less stressful and more flexible. However, the announcement has prompted a mix of cautious optimism and growing concerns among students, parents, and educators.
CBSE’s New Exam Policy: What’s Changing?
Under the restructured system, the CBSE board exams will be conducted twice per academic year. Students can attempt both, and the higher score out of the two will be counted. This format is designed to alleviate the pressure of performing well in a single high-stakes exam, offering students more chances to succeed.
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
Despite the policy’s student-centric aim, many stakeholders have flagged practical challenges. School administrators have voiced concerns about its impact on teaching schedules, internal assessments, and the already packed academic calendar.
“Managing two board cycles along with practicals and pre-boards will be a huge stretch on resources,” said the principal of a leading CBSE-affiliated school in Hyderabad.
Teachers are also pointing to the need for a comprehensive realignment of the academic year, including syllabus pacing, vacation plans, and internal evaluations. Without such adjustments, they fear the reform may create more disruption than relief.
Coaching vs. Curriculum: A Growing Conflict
The overlap between board exams and competitive entrance exams like JEE and NEET has emerged as a key area of concern. With students typically spending large portions of their time in coaching centres, particularly in Classes 11 and 12, parents worry that two board attempts might derail preparation timelines.
“The intention is good, but for JEE/NEET aspirants, this could mess with their entire study plan,” said Manohar Singh, a parent from Kota.
Student Anxiety: One Pressure Replaced with Another?
While the reform aims to reduce stress by offering an additional chance, students feel that having two attempts could mean year-round pressure instead of relief.
“Instead of less pressure, now we’ll have to stay exam-ready all year,” said Ankit, a Class 11 NEET aspirant from Delhi.
“The second attempt might be helpful, but knowing it's there could keep us in a constant state of prep mode,” added Sujoy, a Class 10 student from Bengaluru.
On the other hand, a section of students see the change as a potential advantage—especially for those who may fall ill or underperform in their first attempt. However, they believe its success will depend on clarity around timelines and how well schools adapt.
Summary of Key Changes
| Feature | Details |
| Number of Attempts | Two per academic year |
| Applicable Classes | Class 10 and 12 from 2026 session onwards |
| Best Score Counted | Yes |
| Reform Objective | Reduce one-exam stress, improve flexibility |
| Major Concerns | Coaching conflict, evaluation overload, academic calendar disruption |
Can the System Keep Up?
Experts believe the reform’s impact will depend on how effectively CBSE, schools, and state authorities coordinate. Logistics, evaluation capacity, and syllabus management will all need significant revamping to ensure the new system benefits students rather than burdens them.
While the vision of a stress-free, flexible exam system is welcome, its implementation remains a major test in itself.
