CBSE Two Board Exams Aim to Reduce Class 10 Stress, Second Test Only for Improvement: DPS Mathura Road Principal

Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) decision to introduce two board exams for Class 10 will reduce exam related stress and provide students with a fair opportunity to improve their performance, Principal of DPS Mathura Road said in an exclusive interaction with Shiksha.

Dr Ram Singh said that second board exam will give flexibility, but first board exam should be primary attempt for all students.

Second Board Exam Only for Improvement, Not a Replacement

Explaining objective behind this reform by CBSE, DPS Mathura Road Principal said that Class 10 is an important academic stage with fair amount of pressure, anxiety and societal expectations.

“The second examination allows students to improve their scores if they fall sick, face personal difficulties or are unable to perform well on a particular day. However, it should not be treated as main board examination,” Dr Singh said.

He added that students should approach first board exam seriously as second attempt is meant only to improve marks, not to replace initial performance.

Helping Students Secure Class 11 Admissions

He also pointed out that admissions to Class 11 Science and Commerce streams now begin soon after Class 10 results are declared, making board marks important for students.

“If a student misses a cut-off due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, second board exam gives them a chance to improve their marks and secure admission according to their choice,” he said.

However, he cautioned that relying on second exam as main attempt could dilute purpose of reform. DPS Principal also said that India must design an education system suited to its own population, diversity and social conditions rather than copying models from other countries.

“Students are now expected to apply concepts through problem solving and case study based questions rather than memorising definitions. This approach helps build analytical thinking and reduces unnecessary exam pressure,” he said.