CBSE approves biannual Class 10 board exams starting 2026, best score to be retained

NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved a significant change in its examination policy by deciding to conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year from 2026. This new structure is aimed at providing students with more flexibility and opportunities to improve their performance, while also reducing the pressure of a single high-stakes exam. PTI reports that the first phase of the exam will be mandatory for all students, while the second phase will be optional.The decision marks a pivotal shift in the Indian education system and aligns with the broader objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises student-centric learning and reduced exam-related stress. This move is expected to help students learn at their own pace and offer multiple chances to achieve their desired results.Mandatory first phase and optional second phase to ease pressureUnder the new policy, all Class 10 students will be required to appear for the first phase of the board exams. This ensures a baseline assessment for every student. The second phase, however, will be optional, allowing students to reappear if they wish to improve their scores. Importantly, the best score from either of the two phases will be considered for the final results, giving students a fair chance to excel without the anxiety of a single examination determining their academic future.According to PTI reports, the first phase results will be declared in April, followed by the second phase results in June. This staggered timeline provides students with adequate time to prepare for a second attempt if they choose to appear. The flexibility of this system accommodates varying learning speeds and reduces the exam-related burden significantly.ALSO READ: The new CBSE Class 10 board exam system and how it will work from 2026 - ExplainedInternal assessments to be streamlinedIn addition to the biannual board exams, the CBSE has decided that internal assessments will be conducted only once during the academic year. This change aims to simplify the evaluation process for both students and educators. Internal assessments play a crucial role in the overall grading system, and by conducting them just once, the board hopes to ease workload while maintaining consistency and fairness in internal evaluation.A student-centric approach to educationThis policy shift reflects CBSE’s commitment to making education more student-friendly by reducing stress and enhancing learning outcomes. The biannual exam system is expected to encourage continuous learning rather than one-time exam preparation, thereby improving academic performance and overall student well-being.By introducing these changes, the CBSE is setting a precedent that could influence other education boards across India. Starting in 2026, the new exam format promises to create a more flexible, less stressful environment for millions of students appearing for the crucial Class 10 board examinations.CBSE draft scheme for two examinations, class X from 2026