CBSE’s Big Shift in Board Exams from 2026: Two-Exam Policy Explained
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CBSE’s Big Shift in Board Exams from 2026: Two-Exam Policy Explained
Education CBSE’s Big Shift in Board Exams from 2026: Two-Exam Policy Explained. First board exam will be conducted in February and second phase will be held in May. Results for the two phases will be announced in April and June, respectively. Students who do not pass in the first board exam may still be allowed to take provisional admission in Class 11. However, their admission will only be confirmed after their second exam results are declared. The aim is to reduce the stress of a single, high-stakes final exam by giving students another chance to improve their performance. Instead of exam-focused studying, the board wants to encourage continuous learning throughout the year. For students in winter-bound schools, the new norms allow them to choose between either of the two exam phases. The board has made special rules for students who fall under certain categories: Sports students, Special Needs students, and those with special needs. The internal assessment component of the exam is conducted only once during the academic year.
CBSE’s Big Shift in Board Exams from 2026: Two-Exam Policy Explained
The Central Board of Secondary Education, CBSE has announced that from academic year 2026, Class 10 students will be given the option to appear for board exams twice in a single academic year. In line with recommendations under National Education Policy, this new change allows students to improve marks in any three subjects, including Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages.
“The first phase will be conducted in February and second in May. The results for the two phases will be announced in April and June, respectively,” CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj announced. This announcement has left some of the students and parents confused as in how will this work and will it actually be beneficial. Here’s the breakdown of the two board exam mandate.
FAQs on Two Board Exams a Year
Why has this been announced?
The latest announcement of holding board exams twice a year marks an important step toward the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The aim is to reduce the stress of a single, high-stakes final exam by giving students another chance to improve their performance. Instead of exam-focused studying, the board wants to encourage continuous learning throughout the year.
When will this be implemented?
It will be implemented from academic year 2026
When will exams be conducted?
The first board exam will be conducted in February and second phase will be held in May
When will CBSE release results?
First Phase- April
Second Phase- June
Who can appear in second phase exam?
The second phase will be optional and open to students who wish to improve their scores.
Is it mandatory to appear in first phase?
Yes
How will this be implemented in winter-bound schools?
For students in winter-bound schools, the new norms allow them to choose between either of the two exam phases.
How many internal exams will be conducted?
The internal assessment component will be conducted only once during the academic year. These will take place before the first exam. This decision has been taken to make things easier for both students and teachers, and to avoid too much stress and duplication of work.
What if someone fails in class 10?
Students who do not pass in the first board exam may still be allowed to take provisional admission in Class 11. However, their admission will only be confirmed after their second exam results are declared. This aims to provide students a fair chance to move ahead without losing an academic year.
CBSE Two Board Exam Rules and Schedule All students must take part in the first board exam, which is considered the main examination.
To be allowed to appear for the second exam, a student must have taken at least three subjects in the first phase.
If a student misses exams in three or more subjects during the first phase, they will be marked as “Essential Repeat.” This means they cannot take the second phase exam and will have to wait and reappear next year.
Students are allowed to choose up to three subjects—such as Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and various languages—for improvement in the second phase.
Those who fall into the “compartment” category (i.e., failed in one subject in the first phase) will be allowed to take the second exam in the same category. Special Rules for Certain Groups of Students The board has made special rules for students who fall under certain categories: The board has made special rules for students who fall under certain categories:
Sports students: If a student has to participate in a national or international-level sports event at the same time as the first exam, they will be allowed to take the second exam instead.
If a student has to participate in a national or international-level sports event at the same time as the first exam, they will be allowed to take the second exam instead. Students in winter-bound areas: Students studying in schools that follow a winter schedule (like in hilly regions) can choose whether they want to appear for the first phase or the second phase of the exam.
Students studying in schools that follow a winter schedule (like in hilly regions) can choose whether they want to appear for the first phase or the second phase of the exam. CWSN (Children With Special Needs): These students will continue to get all the support and exam accommodations they were previously entitled to. This includes extra time, scribes, and other necessary help in both the first and second phases of the exam.
Support Services After Second Exam Results
Students will continue to have the right of requesting services like photocopies of their answer sheets, re-evaluation, and marks verification only after the results of the second exam are announced. This rule applies to students of both exam phases.