CBSE to Conduct Class 10 Board Exams Twice a Year from 2026
New Delhi, June 26, 2025: In a significant development, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that starting from the academic year 2026, Class 10 board exams will be held twice a year. This change aims to reduce exam-related stress, encourage continuous learning, and provide students with a second opportunity to improve their performance within the same academic session.
Under the new system, the first term of the board examination will take place in February and will be mandatory for all students. The second examination, scheduled for May, will be optional and specifically designed for students who wish to enhance their scores in up to three subjects, including Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages.
Results for the February term will be declared in April, while the May term results will be released in June, allowing students sufficient time to plan for their academic journeys.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised the decision, calling it a student-friendly and timely reform. He stated that this system would provide greater flexibility, reduce exam pressure, and promote a more enjoyable learning experience. The minister also emphasized that this step aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which focuses on holistic and student-centric reforms in the education sector.
“The twice-a-year exam format aligns with global education practices and gives students the freedom to perform better without the burden of a single exam window,” Mr. Pradhan said.
This reform is part of a larger educational transformation aimed at making learning more inclusive, flexible, and growth-oriented. It reflects India’s vision of preparing future-ready students while alleviating the pressures of high-stakes exams.
With this major shift in examination policy, CBSE hopes to redefine how academic assessments are conducted and perceived in the country, setting a new benchmark for school education in India.
