CBSE Introduces Double Board Exams for Class X Starting 2026, More Choices, Second Chances for Students

In a significant move to reduce the high-stakes pressure of board examinations, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that, beginning in 2026, Class X students will have the option to appear for board exams twice a year. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommendations, aiming to provide students with greater flexibility and opportunities to improve their performance.

CBSE will conduct two exam sessions annually for Class X students: the first from February 17 to March 6, 2026, and the second from May 5 to May 20, 2026. Students can choose to appear in either session or both, depending on their preparation and confidence levels. If a student is satisfied with their performance in the first session, they can opt out of the second. Conversely, if they wish to improve their scores in specific subjects, they can reappear for those subjects in the May session.

The List of Candidates (LOC) for the February 2026 exam will be finalized by September 2025. Only students registered in this list will be eligible to appear in either or both exam sessions. Once the LOC is finalized, changes in subject choices are not permitted. However, students have the flexibility to skip a subject in the first session and opt for a different one in the second. If all subjects are completed in the first session, the same set must be taken in the second if they choose to reappear.

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Practical and internal assessments will be conducted once per academic year. No separate certificates will be issued after the first exam session; the final certification will reflect the best performance across the sessions.

CBSE has decided to increase examination fees, which will be collected during the application process for both attempts. Notably, there will be no separate supplementary exams; the second session in May will serve this purpose for students aiming to improve their scores.

The draft guidelines for this biannual exam system have been approved by CBSE and are open for public review. Stakeholders are invited to submit suggestions and feedback until March 9, 2025. The final policy will be formulated and implemented after considering the received feedback.