CBSE Class 10 Board Exams Twice a Year from 2026 – Complete Guide, Rules, and Preparation Tips

Ritik Kumar

August 20, 2025

Introduction

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a major change in the Class 10 board exam pattern starting 2026.

For the first time, students will have the option to take two board exams in a single academic year — one in February (mandatory) and another in May (optional for improvement).

This move is part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 reforms, aimed at reducing exam stress and giving students greater flexibility to perform their best.

Table of Contents

How the New CBSE Class 10 Exam System Will Work

  • First Exam (February) – Mandatory for all students.

  • Second Exam (May) – Optional improvement attempt for up to three subjects.

  • Eligible Subjects for Improvement – Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages.

  • Results Timeline –

  • February results in April (useful for provisional Class XI admissions).

  • May results in June (final marksheet and certificates).

  • Best-of-Two Scores – CBSE will record your highest marks in each subject.

  • Internal Assessments – Conducted once before the February exam.

Syllabus and Pattern – No changes; both exams have the full syllabus.

Benefits of the Two-Exam System

  • Less Pressure, More Opportunities – Students can recover from a poor February performance without losing a full year.

  • Faster Score Improvement – Avoids the need to wait 12 months for a retest.

  • Flexibility for Special Cases – Sportspersons, students in winter-bound areas, or those with unavoidable absences benefit from flexible exam scheduling.

Smoother Admissions Process – February results allow timely Class XI admissions, reducing uncertainty for students and parents.

Key Rules You Must Know

  • Appear in at least three subjects in February to qualify for May exams.

  • Missing more than two subjects in February leads to an “Essential Repeat” status.

Rechecking, verification, and re-evaluation are available only after the June results.

Preparation Strategy for Students

  • Give Your Best in February – Treat the first attempt as your main exam.

  • Targeted Improvement in May – Retake only subjects where higher marks will benefit your percentage or stream choice.

  • Finish Internal Work Early – Projects, practicals, and assignments should be ready before February.

Plan Admissions in Advance – Apply for provisional admissions using April results and finalise choices in June.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Will both exams have the same syllabus?
    Yes, both exams will cover the complete syllabus with no changes in the paper pattern.
  2. Is the May exam compulsory?
    No. It is optional and designed for improvement purposes.
  3. How many subjects can I retake in May?
    A maximum of three subjects, chosen from Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages.
  4. Can I use February marks for admission?
    Yes. Schools can offer provisional Class XI admission based on February results.
  5. What if I skip February?
    You cannot appear in May unless you take at least three subjects in February.
  6. Will internal assessments be repeated in May?
    No. Internal assessments will be conducted only once, before February.

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Conculsion

The CBSE Class 10 two-exam system from 2026 is a game-changer for students.

It offers less stress, more chances to succeed, and greater flexibility for future planning.

With the best-of-two scores policy, careful preparation, and the right guidance, students can enter Class XI confidently without the fear of one bad exam day ruining their year.

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