Major Reform: CBSE to Positively Reshape Future with Twice-a-Year Class 10 Board Exams from 2026

In a landmark shift set to impact millions of students across India, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that Class 10 Board Exams will now be conducted twice a year starting from the academic session 2026. This pivotal change is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and is seen as a progressive move to make the assessment process more student-friendly, flexible, and less stressful.

The decision, announced on June 25, 2025, is expected to significantly redefine how Class 10 Board Exams are perceived and prepared for by students, teachers, and parents alike.

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Why This Move Is Being Applauded

The shift to twice-a-year Class 10 Board Exams is rooted in educational research that emphasizes continuous learning and growth. By allowing two opportunities in a year, students can aim to improve their scores without the burden of a “one-shot” assessment system.

According to CBSE officials, the first examination will be conducted towards the end of the first term (likely around November-December), and the second will be held at the end of the academic year (around March-April). The better of the two scores will be considered as the final result, encouraging students to perform without fear and focus on actual learning rather than rote preparation.

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Class 10 Board Exams to Get a Much-Needed Makeover

This Class 10 Board Exams reform will introduce:

• Reduced Pressure: Students get a second chance to do better, eliminating the “do or die” scenario.
• Flexible Learning: Encourages students to learn at their own pace across both terms.
• Aligned with NEP: Supports the core idea of “flexible and holistic learning.”
• Increased Confidence: Students gain more control over their academic performance.

CBSE Chairperson Nidhi Chhibber emphasized that this reform is not merely a logistical change but a psychological one. “We want to create an environment where students focus on understanding, not just scoring. Two chances at Class 10 Board Exams give students an emotional cushion and academic flexibility,” she said.

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Schools to Prepare for Structural Overhaul

To implement the twice-a-year Class 10 Board Exams smoothly, CBSE-affiliated schools will undergo a curriculum restructuring. Syllabi may be divided into two logical halves to facilitate better learning flow and evaluation. Teachers will also undergo training sessions to adapt their teaching methodologies in line with the two-exam format.

Digital infrastructure is also expected to receive a boost. CBSE plans to utilize digital tools for internal assessments, mock tests, and even possible online preparation resources to help students and educators make the most of the revised system.

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Positive Reaction from Students, Parents, and Educators

The announcement has sparked largely positive sentiment from educational circles and among parents. Many believe that this reform could bring about a healthy academic environment where students can focus on improvement rather than being penalized for a single poor performance.

Prerna Singh, a Class 9 student from Delhi, expressed relief, saying, “This will reduce a lot of pressure. Knowing I’ll have another chance means I can focus on actually learning instead of just memorizing.”

Similarly, parents have welcomed the decision, noting that it would help in building their children’s confidence and reduce exam anxiety.

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Potential Challenges and Solutions

While the reform is well-received, some educators have pointed out the challenges of execution:

• Logistical strain on schools managing two board exams annually.
• Syllabus completion and time management may require precise planning.
• Evaluation workload could increase for teachers and CBSE authorities.

CBSE is expected to issue detailed guidelines on implementation, syllabi bifurcation, exam schedules, and evaluation procedures in the coming months. The Board has also reassured schools that they will be given sufficient time and resources to prepare for the transition.

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A Step Toward Holistic Education

The change in Class 10 Board Exams format is a continuation of CBSE’s earlier decision to make Class 12 board exams more flexible, aligning the secondary and senior secondary examination structures. With this move, CBSE reaffirms its commitment to student-centric and learning-oriented policies.

Experts see this as a bold and constructive step forward. Education consultant Dr. Anita Rao noted, “Multiple exam opportunities promote mastery learning. This approach is scientifically backed and mirrors global education trends.”

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What It Means for the Future of Indian Education

With this initiative, India moves closer to a holistic and flexible education system, empowering students to explore, learn, and excel on their terms. The decision also opens doors for integrated learning models and adaptive teaching strategies, preparing students better for the challenges of higher education and life beyond school.

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Final Thoughts

The twice-a-year Class 10 Board Exams reform is not just a change in schedule—it’s a paradigm shift in the Indian education system. With mental health, stress management, and quality learning at its core, this move is a much-needed and welcome change that aligns with both national and global educational goals.

As the 2026 academic session approaches, all eyes will be on CBSE to see how this progressive reform unfolds and how it shapes the future of millions of students across the country.