In a significant shift aimed at reducing exam-related stress and aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that starting from the 2026 academic session, Class 10 students will have the opportunity to appear for board examinations twice a year. This reform allows students to retain their best score from the two attempts, offering a chance to improve performance without the pressure of a single high-stakes exam.
1- Dual Exam Sessions: The first examination will be conducted in mid-February, followed by a second session in May.
2- Subject Flexibility: Students can choose to retake up to three subjects in the second session if they wish to improve their scores.
3- Final Evaluation: The best scores from either of the two attempts will be considered for the final mark sheet, which will be issued after the second session in June.
4- No Supplementary Exams: The second session effectively replaces the need for separate supplementary examinations.
5- Practical Assessments: Internal assessments and practical exams will be conducted only once per academic year.
This initiative has received mixed reactions. Educators appreciate the flexibility it offers students but express concerns over increased administrative workload and potential scheduling challenges. Some students welcome the opportunity to improve their scores, while others worry about the added pressure of preparing for two exam sessions.
The CBSE emphasizes that this policy aims to create a more balanced and student-centric assessment system, reducing reliance on coaching institutes and fostering a deeper understanding of subjects. Special provisions will be made for students involved in national-level sports, those in winter-bound schools, and Children with Special Needs (CWSN).
As the education landscape evolves, this move by the CBSE marks a significant step towards more flexible and inclusive academic assessments in India.
While many students and educators welcome the flexibility, some teachers and administrators are concerned about the logistical and resource challenges of conducting two sets of exams.