In a significant shift aimed at easing academic pressure on students and improving assessment quality, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced Wednesday the introduction of a two-term examination system for Class 10 starting from the 2026 academic year.
In an official announcement, the CBSE clarified that the first ‘main’ board examination will be conducted in mid-February 2026, followed by a second exam in May 2026. Notably, while CBSE Class 10 and 12 board exams are typically held during the same period, the Board indicated that from the next academic session, Class 10 exams may conclude earlier than Class 12, allowing the results to be declared ahead of Class 12. This shift is intended to provide room for a second round of board exams to be conducted in the month of May.
CBSE shared that the decision has been finalised for Class 10 students after seeking public feedback earlier in March this year; further adding that a similar scheme might be rolled out for Class 12 students in the due course of time.
How will the exams be held, who is it for?
As per CBSE’s new two-exam scheme for Class 10 starting 2025–26, all students must appear for the first board exam, which will serve as the main examination. Those who pass will be allowed to take the second exam to improve marks in up to three subjects such as Science, Maths, Social Science, or languages, within the same academic year.
Students who fail in one or two subjects in the first exam can appear for the second exam under the compartment category. However, students who miss three or more subjects in the first exam will be marked as Essential Repeat and will not be allowed to take the second exam. They will have to appear again in the following year’s main exams.
CBSE has also clarified that students cannot opt for new or additional subjects after passing Class 10, and no stand-alone subject exams will be allowed post results.
Who can take the CBSE second board exam: Detailed eligibility criteria
The CBSE has outlined specific eligibility criteria for both the first and second board examinations under the new system starting from the 2025–26 academic session. While the first exam will be considered the main board exam, the second will offer another opportunity for select categories of students.
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To appear in the first board examination, the following categories of students are eligible:
–Fresh Candidates of Class 10: These are students appearing for their first attempt in the current academic year.
–Second Chance Compartment Candidates: Students who had previously failed and are appearing for their second compartment attempt.
–Essential Repeat Students: Those who were declared “Essential Repeat” in the previous year’s result.
–Improvement Category: Students appearing to improve their performance in subjects they had already passed.
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For the second board examination (likely to be held in May 2026), CBSE has allowed the following categories of students:
–Improvement in up to 3 Subjects: Students can choose to improve their marks in a maximum of three main subjects.
–First or Third Chance Compartment: Students appearing either for their first or third chance compartment attempt.
–Compartment Plus Improvement: Candidates who want to take both a compartment and improvement exam.
–Improvement for Students Passed with Replacement Subject: Students who passed using a replacement subject and now wish to improve marks in their original subject.
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The Board clarified that the mode of exam, syllabus and question pattern of exams will be the same as it is currently.
When will CBSE Board Exam results be declared, and will it affect Class 11 admissions?
According to CBSE’s announcement, the results of the first board examination will be declared in April, while the results of the second examination will be announced in June. This timeline allows students who are satisfied with their performance in the first exam to move ahead with Class 11 admissions without waiting for the second exam.
Importantly, students can use their performance in the first examination to apply for admission to Class 11 if they do not wish to appear in the second examination for improvement. These results will be made available digitally through DigiLocker.
However, final passing documents, including the official marksheet and merit certificate, where applicable, will only be issued after the conclusion of the second board examination and the declaration of its results in June. Therefore, while students can seek provisional admission to Class 11 using their first exam results, the final certification will be provided after both exams are complete.
