CBSE Board Exams Twice a Year from 2026

June 26, 2025: In a landmark move aimed at easing academic pressure, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a major reform for Class 10 board examinations, starting from the 2026 academic session. Under the new system, students will now be allowed to take the board exams twice a year—a shift that promises greater flexibility, reduced stress, and more chances for success.

Two Chances, One Goal: Better Outcomes

According to CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj, this new structure will include two examination windows:

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• First Phase (February) – Mandatory for all students
• Second Phase (May) – Optional for those who want to improve their scores or retake subjects

This change transforms the traditional high-stakes board exam into a more supportive and student-friendly model, giving learners the opportunity to perform at their best without the fear of a one-shot test.

One-Time Internal Assessment

In addition, internal assessments—which previously occurred multiple times—will now be conducted only once per academic year, streamlining the process for schools and giving students more time to prepare for final exams.

Why This Matters for Students

• Reduced exam stress with two chances
• More time to prepare and improve
• Better alignment with NEP 2020 goals for holistic education
• Support during illness or emergencies with a backup opportunity
• Less pressure, more focus on learning

This progressive move is expected to impact millions of students and reflects CBSE’s commitment to evolving the Indian education system in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.