In a landmark shift designed to benefit students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced that Class 10 board exams will be conducted twice a year starting from 2026. This reform aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and marks a significant change in the structure of school assessments across India.
CBSE Board Exam 2026: Two Phases for Class 10 Students
The CBSE Class 10 board exam 2026 will be split into two phases:
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Phase 1 (Mandatory): To be held in February
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Phase 2 (Optional): To be conducted in May for students who wish to improve their board exam scores
CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj confirmed the changes, stating, “The first phase will be conducted in February and the second in May. The results for both phases will be declared in April and June, respectively.”
This move aims to reduce the high-stakes pressure often associated with the CBSE board exams and offers a second opportunity to improve academic performance.
CBSE Class 10 Board Exam Twice a Year: Key Highlights
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Two board exam opportunities in a single academic year
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February board exam is mandatory, May exam is optional for improvement
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Winter-bound schools can choose either phase
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Internal assessment will be conducted only once per academic session
This flexibility is especially beneficial for students who may not perform their best in a single attempt. They now have the option to reappear in the May CBSE exam 2026 without waiting an entire year.
How NEP 2020 Influenced CBSE Board Exam Reforms
The changes to the CBSE 2026 board exam pattern are part of the larger education transformation outlined in NEP 2020. The policy stresses the need for:
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Holistic assessment and flexibility in subject choices
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Reducing dependency on coaching classes
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Eliminating the “one-chance” high-stakes format of board exams
NEP 2020 proposes that students should be able to take board exams twice a year, just like this new CBSE model, to reduce exam-related stress and promote well-rounded learning.
The Adhyyan School Welcomes CBSE Exam Flexibility
At The Adhyyan School, we believe this reform is a student-centric step forward. Our faculty is already preparing strategies and guidance to help students excel in both sessions of the CBSE Class 10 board exams 2026.
This change not only supports improved academic outcomes but also encourages students to learn without fear. With well-structured CBSE board exam preparation, mock tests, and focused revision plans, we aim to guide students through this new system confidently.
A Positive Shift for Future Learners
The introduction of the CBSE board exam twice a year from 2026 is a progressive step toward academic flexibility. It gives students the freedom to learn, revise, and reappear for better results—ensuring that no single exam decides their future.
