The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to introduce a fresh set of rules for the academic year 2025–2026, with the first set of board exams under this new system happening in 2026. These changes, inspired by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aim to reduce exam stress, promote continuous learning, and ensure that students aren’t judged by just one exam day.
Here’s a breakdown of the major updates every student, parent, and teacher should know.
1. Two Board Exams Instead of One
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of two board exam windows for Class 10:
- Main Exam: Mid-February
- Second Exam: May (for improvement and compartment)
Students who are not happy with their February scores can choose to retake up to three subjects in May. Those who fail in one or two subjects also get a second chance during the May exam.
However, students who miss three or more subjects in the first exam will be marked as “Essential Repeat” and must wait until the next academic year.
2. Full Syllabus for Both Exams
Both February and May exams will cover the entire syllabus. There will be no changes in exam pattern or marking scheme for either attempt. This ensures fairness and equal weightage for both exam windows.
3. Internal Assessments & Results Timeline
Internal assessments such as projects, assignments, and practicals will be conducted only once—before the February exam.
- February exam results: Expected by April
- May exam results: Expected by June
A digital performance report will be shared on DigiLocker after the February exam, which can be used for Class 11 admissions if students choose not to appear in the second window.
4. New Attendance & Study Rules
- Students must now maintain at least 75% attendance to be eligible for board exams.
- A minimum two-year study period at the secondary/senior secondary level (Classes 9–10 and 11–12) is mandatory.
- Internal assessments are now compulsory for all subjects.
5. Strict Registration & School Guidelines
- Student details in the List of Candidates (LOC) must be entered carefully for the February exam, as new entries won’t be allowed for the May exam.
- CBSE now requires CCTV cameras with audio-visual recording on school campuses as part of new affiliation rules to ensure transparency.
6. What It Means for Students, Teachers & Parents
This new system is designed to:
- Reduce pressure by offering a second chance.
- Encourage consistent learning rather than last-minute cramming.
- Allow students to improve their marks without repeating an entire year.
Teachers will now need to plan lessons with long-term retention in mind, while parents should shift their focus from exam-day performance to continuous support.
CBSE’s 2026 exam reforms mark a major shift in how students are evaluated. By offering two exam opportunities and emphasizing internal assessments and attendance, the board aims to create a fairer, more student-friendly system.
While the changes come with their own challenges—like administrative readiness and proper guidance—the overall direction is positive. With smart planning and informed choices, students can make the most of this new system and focus on true learning, not just scoring.