The CBSE stated Wednesday that a two-term examination system for Class 10 will be implemented beginning with the 2026 academic year, marking a substantial change intended to reduce academic strain on students and enhance the quality of examinations.
The CBSE clarified in an official announcement that the first "main" board test will take place in mid-February 2026, with a second exam scheduled for May 2026. Interestingly, although the CBSE Class 10 and 12 board examinations are normally conducted at the same time, the Board stated that starting in the upcoming academic year, the Class 10 examinations might end earlier than the Class 12 exams, enabling the results to be announced before the Class 12 exams.
The purpose of this change is to provide space for a second round of board exams, which will take place in May.After requesting feedback from the public in March of this year, CBSE announced that the choice for Class 10 students had been finalized. They also mentioned that a similar program might be introduced for Class 12 students in due time.
According to CBSE's new two-exam plan for Class 10 beginning in 2025–2026, the first board exam will be the main examination that all students must take. In order to enhance their grades in up to three subjects—such as science, math, social science, or languages—those who pass will be permitted to retake the exam during the same academic year.
Students can take the second exam under the compartment category if they failed one or two subjects on the previous one. Students who fail three or more courses on the first exam, however, will receive an Essential Repeat grade and will not be permitted to retake it. They will have to retake the main tests the following year. Additionally, CBSE has made it clear that after graduating Class 10, students cannot choose to take any new or additional courses, and post-results stand-alone topic tests will not be permitted.
CBSE Second Board Exam: Eligibility Criteria
For both the first and second board exams under the new system, which will begin with the 2025–2026 academic year, the CBSE has specified precise qualifying requirements. For certain student groups, the second exam will provide an additional opportunity, while the first exam will be regarded as the primary board exam.
The results of the first board examination will be released in April, while the results of the second exam will be released in June, per the notification made by the CBSE. Students can proceed with Class 11 admissions without waiting for the second exam thanks to this timeline if they are happy with their performance on the first exam.
