The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released fresh guidelines regarding the List of Candidates (LOC) submission and the second board examination for Class 10 in 2026. As part of reforms aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, CBSE has introduced a system allowing students to appear for a second board exam in up to three subjects to improve their scores. The second examination is scheduled to be conducted in May 2026, giving students an additional opportunity to perform better without waiting for the next academic year.
The board has instructed all affiliated schools to follow the LOC submission schedule carefully to ensure smooth conduct of examinations and avoid last-minute issues.
CBSE LOC Submission Schedule 2026
CBSE has divided the LOC submission process into three phases:
| Phase | Dates |
| Phase 1 | March 18 – March 31, 2026 |
| Phase 2 | 5 days after result declaration |
| Phase 3 | 2 days after Phase 2 (with late fee) |
All submissions and fee payments must be completed before midnight on the last date of each phase.
CBSE Class 10 Second Board Exam 2026
Under the new system, students who wish to improve their performance can appear for the second board exam in up to three subjects.
- Exam Month: May 2026
- Subjects Allowed: Maximum 3
- Purpose: Score improvement / flexibility
- Applicable For: Class 10 students appearing in 2026
This reform aims to reduce academic pressure and provide flexibility in accordance with NEP 2020 recommendations.
CBSE Exam Fee for Second Board Exam 2026
| Category | Fee per Subject |
| Indian Students | ₹320 |
| Nepal Candidates | ₹1,100 |
| Other Countries | ₹2,200 |
| Late Fee (if missed deadline) | ₹2,000 |
All fees must be paid online only within the prescribed deadline.
Important Guidelines for Schools
CBSE has given special instructions to school principals and authorities:
- Ensure accurate LOC submission within deadlines.
- Guide students about the second exam option and eligibility.
- Inform parents about fees, schedule, and exam centres.
- Verify that students choose subjects carefully.
- Complete all payments before the last date.
Important Instructions for Students
- The second exam is optional and meant for score improvement.
- Students should consult their school and parents before opting.
- Exam centres may be limited, and students may need to travel.
- All decisions must be made within the LOC window.
Quick Reference Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Board | CBSE |
| Class | Class 10 |
| Second Exam Month | May 2026 |
| Max Subjects Allowed | 3 |
| LOC Phase 1 | March 18 – March 31, 2026 |
| Late Fee | ₹2,000 |
| Official Website | cbse.gov.in |
Why CBSE Introduced the Second Board Exam
The second board exam system is part of the NEP 2020 reforms, which aim to:
- Reduce exam pressure
- Provide multiple opportunities
- Encourage conceptual learning
- Allow flexible academic progression
This change ensures students are not judged by a single exam performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| When will the CBSE Class 10 second exam be held in 2026? |
| The second board exam will be conducted in May 2026. |
| How many subjects can a student reappear for? |
| Students can appear in up to three subjects. |
| What is the LOC submission date for 2026? |
| Phase 1 will be from March 18 to March 31, 2026. |
| What is the fee for the improvement exam? |
| ₹320 per subject for Indian students. |
| Is the second exam compulsory? |
| No, it is optional for score improvement. |
| What happens if the deadline is missed? |
| A late fee of ₹2,000 will be charged. |
| Who submits the LOC? |
| Schools must submit the LOC on behalf of students. |
| Why was the second exam introduced? |
| It is part of NEP 2020 reforms to give students more flexibility. |
The CBSE Class 10 Second Board Exam 2026 marks a major step toward flexible education under NEP 2020. Students now have an additional opportunity to improve their results without losing a year. Schools must strictly follow the LOC submission schedule starting March 18, 2026, and guide students carefully about this option. For official updates, visit cbse.gov.in and bookmark this page for the latest CBSE notifications, for more details CLICK HERE
