In a massive game-changer for millions of students across India, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially approved a new system that allows Class 10 students to appear for board exams twice a year starting from 2026.
Add rightsofemployees.com as a Preferred Source
This revolutionary shift, inspired by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to kill the “one-shot” exam pressure and give students a real chance to improve their scores without the fear of wasting an entire year.
Also Read | New Rules Jan 1, 2026: 8th Pay Commission, Weekly Credit Scores, and Farmer IDs
The Two-Phase Breakdown: February vs. May
The new system introduces a flexible, student-friendly schedule that divides the academic pressure into two distinct windows:
-
Phase 1 (Mandatory): The first round will be held in February. All students must appear for this session. The results for this phase will be out by April.
-
Phase 2 (Optional): If you aren’t happy with your marks, there’s a second chance in May. This is optional and designed for those looking to level up their performance in specific subjects. Results for the second phase will be declared in June.
What You Need to Know: Rules & Subjects
CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj has shared some crucial details on how this will work on the ground:
-
Subject Limit: Students can reappear in up to three subjects in the May session. This includes core subjects like Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and various languages.
-
Internal Assessments: While you get two shots at the theory papers, school-based internal assessments will still happen only once a year.
-
Winter-Bound Schools: Students in winter-bound regions get even more flexibility, with the option to choose which phase suits their local conditions best.
Why the Change? (The NEP 2020 Vision)
The goal is simple: move away from rote learning and the high-stakes “one chance” culture. By offering a second window, the CBSE hopes to reduce student anxiety, decrease the dependency on expensive coaching centers, and encourage a deeper understanding of the subjects…
Also Read | New Rules Jan 1, 2026: 8th Pay Commission, Weekly Credit Scores, and Farmer IDs
Tip: Think of the May exam as a “Performance Patch.” If you have an off-day in February, you don’t have to carry that regret all year—you can just fix it in May!
Add rightsofemployees.com as a Preferred Source
