CBSE Proposes Two Board Exams for Class 10 Starting 2026 to Ease Academic Pressure; Seeks Feedback
In an attempt to reduce academic stress and foster a more flexible assessment system, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has proposed conducting Class 10 board exams twice a year starting from the academic session 2025-2026. The draft policy, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, is now open for feedback from stakeholders, including schools, teachers, parents, and students, until March 9, 2025.
According to the draft guidelines, the first exam session will be held from February 17 to March 6, while the second session is scheduled between May 5 and 20. Both exams will cover the full syllabus, and students will be allotted the same examination centers for both attempts. The board has clarified that the two exams will also serve as supplementary exams, eliminating the need for any special exams.
A senior CBSE official stated, “Exam fees will be enhanced and collected for both exams at the time of application filing. The new system is designed to allow students to improve their scores without the pressure of a single high-stakes exam.”
The initiative is part of the NEP 2020’s broader vision to reform board exams, reduce reliance on coaching, and shift the focus from rote learning to assessing students’ fundamental skills and abilities. The policy emphasizes that regular class attendance and consistent effort should be sufficient for students to pass the exams without undue stress.
The CBSE has invited stakeholders to share their feedback on the draft policy, which is available on its official website. The final policy will be formulated after considering all responses.
This change is expected to provide students with greater flexibility, allowing them to perform at their best while alleviating the pressure associated with a single annual exam.
