The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), India’s premier national-level education board responsible for overseeing and regulating school education across the country and abroad, has decided to allow Class 10 students to take board exams twice a year.
This new system, launching in 2026, aims to reduce the pressure on students to score high marks in the board exam. Under the revised policy, students will have the opportunity to improve their marks if their first attempt does not meet their expectations.
The first attempt will be held in February and is mandatory for all students, while the second attempt, scheduled for May, is optional. Students who are satisfied with their marks in the first exam do not need to appear again. However, any student may choose to take the second exam to try and improve their scores. Importantly, if a student scores lower in the second attempt, only the higher marks from either exam will be considered for the final result, ensuring that students’ best efforts are protected.
- Mandatory First Exam: All Class 10 students must take the first board exam, scheduled for February.
- Optional Second Exam: The second exam, in May, is for students wishing to improve their scores in up to three subjects (science, mathematics, social science, and languages).
- Best Score Counts: The higher score from either attempt will be recorded on the final marksheet.
- No Supplementary Exams: The second phase replaces the traditional supplementary exams, offering a more integrated improvement opportunity.
- Internal Assessment: Conducted only once per academic year, applicable to both exam phases.
- Special Provisions: Students in winter-bound schools can choose which phase to appear in; no subject changes or new candidate additions are allowed for the second exam.
Reduced Pressure and Anxiety:
The most immediate and widely cited benefit is the reduction of exam-related stress. By offering a second chance within the same academic year, the reform moves away from the “one-shot” high-stakes model, which has long been criticized for causing undue anxiety among students.
Greater Flexibility and Opportunity:
Students can now strategically plan their preparation, using the first exam as a benchmark and the second as an opportunity for improvement. This flexibility is especially valuable for those who may face illness, unforeseen circumstances, or simply need more time to master certain subjects.
De-stigmatization of Failure:
Replacing supplementary exams with a mainstream second attempt helps reduce the stigma attached to failing or underperforming in board exams. This can foster a healthier academic culture focused on continuous learning rather than fear of failure.
Alignment with Global Best Practices:
Many international education systems allow multiple attempts at key assessments or use modular exams. CBSE’s move brings Indian assessment practices closer to these global standards, potentially increasing the system’s credibility and adaptability.
Logistical Strain:
Conducting two large-scale national exams each year will place a significant burden on schools, teachers, and administrators. This includes managing logistics, exam centers, evaluation timelines, and ensuring the integrity of both exam phases. The need for two sets of question papers and the risk of leaks or malpractice may also increase.
Impact on Teaching and Learning:
There is concern that a focus on two board exams could encourage teaching to the test, with teachers and students prioritizing exam preparation over deeper learning and holistic development. The pressure to improve scores may inadvertently reinforce rote learning instead of the NEP’s intended shift toward competency-based education.
Psychological Effects:
While the reform seeks to reduce anxiety, it could also prolong exam-related stress for some students, who may feel compelled to prepare for both phases to maximize their scores. The anticipation of a second chance might also lead some students to underperform intentionally in the first attempt, hoping to do better later, thereby affecting their overall academic discipline.
Administrative and Financial Costs:
The costs associated with conducting two exams—including printing, logistics, evaluation, and security—will be substantial. Schools and the CBSE will need additional resources and robust planning to ensure smooth execution without compromising quality or fairness.
CBSE has incorporated several safeguards, such as:
- No subject change between the two exams.
- No addition of new candidates for the second exam.
- Single internal/practical assessment per year.
- Feedback-driven review: The policy will be reviewed and refined based on stakeholder feedback after initial implementation.
There is no doubt that the new system is a bold step toward modernizing India’s assessment system and making learning less stressful for students. Its success, however, will depend on careful implementation, sustained investment in infrastructure, and ongoing attention to the quality of teaching and assessment. The reform has the potential to benefit millions of students if systemic challenges are effectively addressed.