CBSE Announces Major Change in Class 10 Board Exams: Twice-Yearly Assessments Starting 2026
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A significant reform has been introduced in the class 10 board examination system. The The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announces that from 2026 onwards, board exams will be conducted twice a year to give students a chance to improve their scores.
Key Features of the New System:
1. The first exam, scheduled for February-March, will be the main exam, while the second exam in May will be an improvement exam.
2. Students will not be allowed to change subjects in either of the board exams.
3. Merit certificates will only be issued after the second exam.
4. The facility for photocopying of exam papers and re-evaluation will be available only after the second exam.
Exam Schedules:
First Exam:
1. Start Date: 17 February 2026
2. End Date: 7 March 2026
3. Result Expected: 20 April 2026
Second Exam (Improvement Exam):
1. Start Date: 5 May 2026
2. End Date: 20 May 2026
3. Result Expected: 30 June 2026
This change is part of the National Education Policy 2020, aimed at making education less stressful and more inclusive. The new system is designed to be more flexible and student-centric, focusing on assessing basic abilities rather than rote learning. Students will have the option to appear for the second exam to improve their scores, but it is not mandatory.