CBSE to Conduct Class 10 Board Exams Twice a Year from 2026

New Delhi 25 Feb 2025( Jobsoftofay) In a major reform under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year starting from 2026. The decision aims to provide students with an opportunity to improve their performance.

Key Highlights of the Decision:

• Two Exams Per Year: Class 10 students will have the option to appear for the board exams twice in an academic year.
• Draft Policy Open for Feedback: The draft policy has been uploaded on the CBSE website (www.cbse.gov.in), and stakeholders—including students, parents, and teachers—can submit their feedback until March 9, 2025.
• Implementation Plan: After reviewing the feedback, the final policy will be formulated.

Exam Schedule and Fee Structure

As per the draft regulations, the first phase of the board exams will take place from February 17 to March 6, while the second phase will be held from May 5 to May 20. However, students will need to pay the exam fee for both attempts together at the time of application.

Government’s Role in the Decision

The Ministry of Education conducted discussions on February 19, 2025, involving CBSE officials, NCERT, KVS, NVS, and school administrators before finalizing the decision. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan led the discussions.

Optional System Like JEE

Similar to engineering entrance exams like JEE, the twice-a-year board exam system will be optional. Students who are satisfied with their first attempt won’t be required to take the second exam.

This new system aims to reduce academic pressure and give students a fair chance to improve their scores without waiting for a full year. The policy is expected to bring significant changes in the way board exams are conducted in India.