Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan has come to the defence of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)'s decision to hold Class 10 board exams twice every year from 2026, asserting that it would neither dilute the process nor cut down stress. He asserted that the school education system is capable enough nationwide to manage the two exams.
India has more than 60 school boards, and there has never been any question about their capabilities. The structure of the examinations is not loading the education system. The plan to hold board exams twice a year is not to weaken the process, but to minimize stress among students," Pradhan stated at ABP News education conclave on Monday.
Pradhan explained that the National Testing Agency administers the Joint Entrance Examination twice a year and enables students to select their highest score. "Based on this concept, we are implementing a similar scheme for Class 10 board examinations. .students will be able to appear for the board exam twice a year and keep their best score.". This step is suggested by experts.it is directed at offering flexibility and less exam-induced stress. Our education system in schools is capable enough to implement this change throughout the nation."
A CBSE draft policy in February suggested Class 10 board exams twice in an academic year from 2026, aligning with National Education Policy 2020 suggestions. It was released on February 25, and the last date for submission of feedback was March 9.
The policy announced CBSE Class 10 board exam 2026 for 26,60,000 students in 84 subjects will be conducted in two phases within 34 days. The 18-day first phase will be from February 17 to March 6 and the 16-day second phase from May 5 to May 20.
Two Class 10 exams not to dilute process but cut down stress: Dharmendra Pradhan
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