CBSE Announces Two Term Board Exams for Class 10 From Academic Year 2026

Board Exams for Class 10: In a significant change aimed at reducing academic pressure on students and improving the quality of assessment, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Wednesday announced the introduction of a two-term examination system for Class 10 from the academic year 2026.

In an official announcement, the CBSE clarified that the first ‘main’ board exam will be held in mid-February 2026, followed by a second exam in May 2026. Notably, while CBSE Class 10 and 12 board exams are usually held during the same term, the board indicated that from the next academic session, Class 10 exams may end before Class 12, allowing results to be declared before Class 12.

The change is aimed at making room for the second round of board exams to be held in the month of May. The CBSE shared that the decision for Class 10 students has been finalised after seeking public feedback in early March this year; Further said that a similar scheme may be launched for Class 12 students in due course.

How Will the Board Exams be Conducted, Who are They for?

As per CBSE’s new two-exam plan for Class 10 starting 2025-26, all students will have to take the first board exam, which will serve as the main exam. Those who pass will be allowed to take a second exam to improve marks in three subjects such as science, maths, social sciences or languages ​​in the same academic year.

Students who fail in one or two subjects in the first exam can take the second exam under the compartment category. However, students who skip three or more subjects in the first exam will be marked as necessary repeaters and will not be allowed to take the second exam. They will have to appear again in the main exams next year.

CBSE has also clarified that students cannot opt ​​for new or additional subjects after passing Class 10, and will not be allowed to take exams in any subject after the result.

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