JEE Main 2025: How would CBSE exam happening twice a year affect JEE Preparation

The decision to conduct CBSE exams twice a year is a significant change that will have far-reaching implications for students preparing for JEE Mains. While it aims to reduce stress and provide more opportunities for students, it also presents challenges in terms of increased pressure and the need for continuous preparation.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) recently announced a significant change in the CBSE examination for class 10 and 12. As per the reports, CBSE class 10 board exams will be conducted twice a year beginning in 2026. The board examination for class 12 will also likely be conducted twice a year, but no official announcement has been made for class 12 exams happening twice as of now. This decision aims to reduce student stress and provide more opportunities for students to perform well. The board will introduce the CBSE Global Curriculum for 260 foreign schools affiliated with it. This will come into effect from the 2026-207 academic session.

However, this change is expected to notably impact the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), a crucial exam for engineering aspirants in India. One of the primary effects of the CBSE exams being held twice a year is the potential shift in preparation strategies for students. Traditionally, students have focused on their board exams in March and then shifted their attention to JEE preparation. With the new schedule, students will need to balance their preparation for both CBSE exams and JEE throughout the year. This could lead to a more continuous and integrated approach to studying, where students consistently prepare for both sets of exams rather than focusing on one at a time.

Increased Pressure and Stress

While the intention behind conducting CBSE exams twice a year is to reduce stress, it might inadvertently increase pressure on students aiming for top engineering colleges. The need to perform well in both sets of CBSE exams and JEE could lead to a more hectic schedule. Students might find themselves constantly preparing for exams, leaving little time for relaxation and extracurricular activities. This continuous cycle of exams could potentially lead to burnout if not managed properly.

Better Alignment with JEE Syllabus

On the positive side, the overlap between the CBSE syllabus and the JEE syllabus could be better managed with the new schedule. Since both exams cover similar topics in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, students can benefit from a more synchronized preparation plan. The frequent assessments through CBSE exams can help reinforce concepts and improve problem-solving skills, which are crucial for JEE.

Potential for Improved Performance

With the CBSE exams being held twice a year, students have the opportunity to improve their scores if they do not perform well in the first attempt. This can be particularly beneficial for JEE aspirants, as a strong performance in board exams is often a prerequisite for eligibility in JEE. The ability to retake the exams can alleviate some of the pressure and provide a safety net for students, potentially leading to better overall performance in both CBSE and JEE.

Read More: KEAM 2025 Complete Schedule Released Registrations Open till March 10 at cee.kerala.gov.in