New Delhi, June 25: Beginning in 2026, Class 10 students under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will have the opportunity to appear for board examinations twice in a single academic year, in a move aimed at reducing academic pressure in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
As per the new guidelines approved by the CBSE, the first phase of the exams will be conducted in February and will be mandatory for all students. A second optional phase will be held in May, allowing students to improve their scores in up to three subjects — including Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages.
CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj confirmed that results for the February session will be declared in April, while those appearing for the improvement exams in May can expect their results in June.
The board has also clarified that internal assessments will be conducted only once during the academic year, regardless of whether a student appears for one or both exam phases.
Special provisions will apply to students in winter-bound schools, who will be given the flexibility to choose which exam phase they want to take.
The draft of these changes was initially shared in February 2025 for public consultation before being finalized.
