June 25, 2025: In a significant shift aimed at reducing exam pressure, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced that Class 10 students will be allowed to appear for board examinations twice in one academic year starting 2026. However, appearing for the first phase in February will be mandatory, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The new examination policy follows the recommendations laid out in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for more flexible and less stressful assessment systems.
“The first phase will be conducted in February and the second in May. Results will be declared in April and June respectively,” said Sanyam Bhardwaj, CBSE’s Controller of Examinations.
Key Features of the New Biannual Exam Policy
First Attempt (Mandatory): Held in February
Second Attempt (Optional): Held in May, for students seeking to improve scores
Result Declaration: April (Phase 1), June (Phase 2)
Internal Assessment: Conducted once per academic year
Subject Limit for Improvement: Students can reappear in up to three subjects among science, mathematics, social science, and languages
Policy Background and Structure
CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh stated that the biannual exam system is consistent with NEP 2020’s goal of reducing the “high-stakes” nature of board exams.
“Students can choose to reappear in the second phase for any number of subjects they wish to improve in. The existing curriculum structure remains unchanged,” Singh said.
Currently, CBSE offers:
- 16 academic subjects
- 23 skill subjects
- 45 languages
For Class 10, students may select:
- 2 languages
- 3 academic electives
- 1 skill subject
- 1 additional language, for a maximum of 7 subjects
This academic framework will continue unchanged in 2026, despite the new exam format.
Special Provision for Winter-Bound Schools
Students in winter-bound regions will have the flexibility to choose either exam phase to accommodate seasonal constraints.
This dual-exam format is expected to benefit millions of students by offering a second chance to improve performance within the same year—without increasing curriculum load or stress.