CBSE to conduct Board Exam twice a year

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the draft scheme for conducting board exams for Class 10 students twice a year from 2026 at its website, cbse.gov.in, and invited stakeholder feedback. If implemented, this will bring important changes to the current system.

Here's everything students and parents should know about the proposed scheme-

Since there will be two board exams, the fee will be higher. Both examinations will have fees collected by CBSE when schools provide Lists of Candidates (LOCs) for final exams.

No passing document will be issued by CBSE after the first exam result. The individuals who do not want to take the second exam can utilize the performance details being made available via DigiLocker for admission to Class 11. Pass certificates will be provided only after the second exam result.

The Marks sheet-cum-pass certificate will display marks obtained in the first and second exams, marks obtained in practical exam/internal assessment, and grades. The higher of the two marks will also be included. Even though there will be two theory exams, the board will hold the practical exam/internal assessment only once. Those students who fail in the first examination can be given provisional admission to Class 12. Their admissions will be confirmed on the basis of their second examination result.

Students will have to pass all five subjects in order to be declared as pass. Those who fail in the first examination will be put on the improvement list for the second examination.

Subject change for the first exam after submitting the LOC will not be allowed by CBSE. The candidates who want to change the subject after submitting LOC can do it for the second exam only. The students like this can decide not to take the first exam in that subject. If they take the first exam, then they will not be allowed to change the subject for the second exam.

CBSE won't hold any further tests for the students appearing only for the second test. They can give the first test in the following year. In case the board alters the syllabus next year, they have to give the test on the basis of the new syllabus only. CBSE will consider the policy after receiving feedback. If necessary, the policy will be updated and finalized thereafter. The board will modify examination-bye-laws