New Delhi: Class-X exams under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will be held twice a year from 2026.
This new structure will provide students more flexibility and opportunities to improve their performance, while reducing the pressure of a single high-stakes exam. While the first exam of the year will be mandatory for all students, the second one will be optional.
This marks a pivotal shift in the Indian education system and aligns with the broader objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises student-centric learning and reduced exam-related stress. This move is expected to help students learn at their own pace and offer multiple chances to achieve their desired results.
The first exam will ensure a baseline assessment for every student. Students who are not satisfied with their performances, may appear for the second one to better their scores.
The best score from either of the two exams will be considered for the final results, giving students a fair chance to excel without the anxiety of a single examination determining their academic future.
Results of the first exam will be declared in April, while students who appear for the second one will get to know their marks in June. This staggered timeline provides students with adequate time to prepare for a second attempt if they choose to appear. The flexibility of this system accommodates varying learning speeds and reduces the exam-related burden significantly.
CBSE has also decided that internal assessments will be conducted only once during the academic year. This change aims to simplify the evaluation process for both students and educators.
This will make education more student-friendly by reducing stress and enhancing learning outcomes. By introducing these changes, CBSE is setting a precedent for other boards.
