CBSE to Hold Class 10 Exams Twice a Year from 2026: A Balancing Act Between Flexibility and Rigor

Starting 2026, CBSE will introduce biannual Class 10 board exams—mandating a February attempt, followed by an optional second session in May. Designed to align with NEP 2020 and relieve academic stress, the policy offers students a chance to improve results within the same academic year.

Marking a pivotal shift in India’s school education landscape, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that Class 10 board exams will be conducted twice a year starting in 2026. The new system, introduced in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, will make the first attempt in February mandatory for all students, while the second attempt in May will be optional and available for up to three subjects.

This reform is being described as a student-friendly move designed to reduce exam-related stress, promote continuous learning, and provide greater academic flexibility. While educationists have largely welcomed the policy, they also caution that its success will depend on how effectively it is implemented at the school level.

What the New Exam System Looks Like

Under the proposed model, every student will have to appear for the first set of exams in February. If unsatisfied with their performance, they can opt to appear again in up to three subjects during the second session in May. The best score out of the two attempts will be retained for the final mark sheet.

This shift marks a break from the traditional one-shot annual exam model, which has often placed tremendous psychological pressure on students. According to CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj, the aim is to make assessment more flexible, outcome-driven, and student-centric.

“We believe this change will help students approach exams with a healthier mindset. There’s no need to fear the board exams now. They will get a second chance in the same year,” Bhardwaj was quoted as saying during the announcement.

An NEP-Aligned Vision

The move is closely aligned with the NEP 2020, which recommends reducing the "high-stakes" nature of board examinations. It emphasizes formative assessments, better learning outcomes, and a shift away from rote memorization.

The twice-a-year exam model echoes similar global practices, such as the SATs in the United States or GCSE retakes in the UK, where students are provided with multiple chances to perform to their best potential.

Sasmita Mohanty, Director-Principal of Sanjay Ghodawat International School, sees this change as long overdue. “Aligning with the broader objectives of NEP 2020, the CBSE Class X biannual exam reform marks a transformative shift in reshaping India’s educational framework. Ultimately, it has the potential to empower students to perform their best, fostering an environment that promotes flexibility and meaningful learning.”

Relieving Pressure or Doubling It?

The decision has generated significant debate among school leaders, educators, and parents. While many have welcomed it for the flexibility it offers, others worry about potential overburdening of both students and schools.

Preeti Bhandary, Co-founder and Director of Glentree Academy, believes the key lies in how the policy is used. “I believe the CBSE's decision to offer a second optional board exam is a progressive step toward student well-being, giving children a fair chance to perform to their potential without added pressure. However, it is crucial that children are not forced to give both exams by default—this option must be used thoughtfully, only when truly needed, to uphold its purpose of reducing pressure, not increasing it.”

This concern is echoed by several teachers who fear that in the competitive Indian academic ecosystem, some students may feel compelled to take both exams to "play it safe," thus nullifying the stress-relief advantage the policy hopes to bring.

School Systems Under Pressure

Beyond the students, the reform poses operational and logistical challenges for schools. From timetabling and invigilation to evaluation and parent coordination, conducting two sets of exams per year will mean a significant increase in academic load.

“Preparing students for two board exams poses logistical challenges for schools,” says Anju Soni, Principal, Shiv Nadar School, Noida. “Despite this, the policy can offer significant benefits to the students—it may reduce exam stress, promote deeper learning, and offer them a second chance without losing a year. Its success will depend on effective implementation and continuous feedback from stakeholders. While issues like higher exam fees and increased workload remain, the policy aligns with NEP 2020 and is expected to benefit students in the long run."

Schools are also concerned about the additional administrative costs. The second exam will likely involve a separate fee structure, and institutions are waiting for clarity from the CBSE on whether fee waivers or subsidies will be offered for students from economically weaker sections.

Toward a More Holistic System

Despite the teething challenges, many believe this change will serve as a stepping stone toward a more inclusive and student-friendly system of assessment. According to Naman Jain, Vice-Chairman of Silverline Prestige School, Ghaziabad, “The CBSE is setting a significant national precedent by implementing a biannual Class X exam reform in 2026. Eliminating the ‘high stakes’ aspect of board exams, this reform will dismantle the pressure of academic performance, encouraging year-round learning.”

He adds that this reform will “further boost educational pedagogy by identifying learning gaps and taking curative action for improvement. Enhancing school academic standards and the number of students graduating with commendable scores marks the beginning of a transformative era in India's educational landscape.”

Looking Ahead

The first cohort to experience this change will be the students currently entering Class 8. CBSE is expected to release detailed implementation guidelines, including timelines, exam structures, and evaluation formats, in the coming months. Schools have already been advised to start adjusting their academic calendars to accommodate the February and May sessions from the 2026 academic cycle.

This reform may also serve as a testing ground for similar changes in Class 12 examinations in the future, something that education policy experts have long debated.

As India continues to modernize its education system, CBSE’s decision to hold two board exams a year is a bold stride toward flexibility, fairness, and continuous learning. But like all major policy shifts, it will require collaboration, communication, and course correction—fueled by the voices of students, parents, and educators alike.