In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and based on extensive stakeholder consultations, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a significant shift in its examination policy. Starting from 2026, CBSE will implement a two-board examination system for Class X students. This move is aimed at reducing stress, offering flexibility, and enabling students to improve their performance, thus fostering a more student-centric evaluation approach.
GENERAL CONDITIONS AND ELIGIBILITY
Under the new scheme, all students must mandatorily appear for the first board examination, which will continue to be treated as the main examination. Students who pass and are eligible will be allowed to improve their performance in up to three subjects—specifically from Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages—by appearing in the second examination held later.
However, if a student skips three or more subjects in the first examination, they will not be allowed to appear for the second one. These students will be categorized as “Essential Repeat” and can only appear the following year. Similarly, students with a Compartment result in the first exam will be allowed to reappear in the second under the Compartment category.
It’s also important to note that students cannot opt for additional standalone subjects after clearing Class X.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR SELECT CATEGORIES
CBSE has considered the needs of special categories of students:
- Sports students can appear for subjects in the second exam if their competitions clash with the main examination schedule.
- Winter-bound schools have the flexibility to choose either the first or second examination.
- Children with Special Needs (CWSN) will continue to receive support facilities in both sets of exams.
ASSESSMENT AND EXAMINATION SCHEDULE
There will be only one internal assessment conducted before the main examination. The first examination is scheduled for mid-February, in line with current timelines. The second examination will take place in May each year.
ELIGIBILITY AND SYLLABUS
For the first examination, the following categories are eligible:
- Fresh Class X students
- Students in their second attempt at a Compartment
- Essential Repeat students from previous year
- Students attempting Improvement exams
For the second examination, students falling under the following will be allowed:
- Those opting for improvement in up to three subjects
- Compartment (first or third chance)
- Students with Compartment + Improvement
- Students who passed via subject replacement and now want to improve
Both exams will cover the entire syllabus, and the scheme of studies and exam pattern will remain unchanged.
RESULT DECLARATION AND POST-RESULT FACILITIES
The results of the first examination will be declared in April, while those of the second examination will be released in June. Results will be uploaded on DigiLocker, enabling smooth admission to Class XI for those satisfied with their first exam performance. However, merit certificates will only be issued after the second examination.
Facilities like photocopy, verification, and re-evaluation will be available only after the declaration of the second examination results, ensuring all students are treated equally.
This progressive initiative by CBSE underlines its commitment to making education more flexible, inclusive, and stress-free—truly echoing the spirit of NEP-2020, for more details CLICK HERE
