CBSE Class 10 to Have Two Board Exams in 2026? Pros and Cons Explained

The CBSE’s proposal to introduce two Class 10 board exams in 2026 has sparked a debate among educators, students, and parents. While some see it as an opportunity for flexibility and reduced pressure, others are concerned about the added workload for teachers and students. Will this change streamline academics or create new challenges for the education system? Let’s explore the pros and cons of this proposed reform.

Download the the official document :https://www.cbse.gov.in/cbsenew/documents/SCHEME_BOARD_EXAMS_POLICY_25022025.pdf

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has proposed a new pattern for Class 10 board exams. Under CBSE’s draft proposal, students will be given the choice of appearing for two exams in a year from the 2026 academic year. The draft proposal may be sent for feedback by March 9.

The proposal is to provide flexibility to the students and reduce examination stress. Here are the key highlights about the CBSE draft proposal on bi-annual board exams:

• Exam schedule: Board exams of Classes 10 and 12 will commence on the first Tuesday after February 15 annually.
• Choice of exams and syllabus: The students can take either or both exams, and the highest mark will be considered. The two proposed exams will be conducted on the full current syllabus.
• Subjects: Except for Science, Maths, Social Science, Hindi, and English, all other subjects are divided into two groups. One group includes regional and foreign languages, while the other consists of the remaining subjects. Core subjects like Science, Maths, and English will be conducted on specific days. Regional languages and foreign languages will be conducted together in a single sitting.
• Examination centres: The same examination centres will be used for both attempts. No self-centres will be allowed.
• Teacher and school responsibilities: Schools will be screened before they are assigned as exam centres, and teacher workload will be managed accordingly.
• Results and marking: The initial exam marks will be available on DigiLocker, but these will not be the passing documents. A combined mark sheet with the second exam marks, internal assessments, and the best of the two will be given after the second exam. Practical assessment will be done only once.
• Retake and improvement opportunities: Candidates who fail between one and five subjects in the initial exam can take them again in the second sitting. Examination 1 and 2 will be considered as supplementary examinations.