From 2026, CBSE will bring a major change for Class 10 students. Instead of one board exam at the end of the year, there will now be two. The first exam in February will be compulsory for every student, while the second exam in May will be optional. The idea behind this change is to reduce pressure and give students another chance if they want to improve their marks. Every year, nearly 22 lakh students appear for the CBSE Class 10 Board Exam, and this new system makes sure no one loses out because of a single bad day. If a student chooses to take the May exam, the higher score out of the two attempts will be taken for the final result.
Highlights of CBSE Two Board Exams a Year Rule
Students appearing for CBSE Class 10 Board 2026 Exam can find the highlights of the new two board exams a year rule’s highlight explained in detail below:
- Two Board Exams Every Year: Starting in 2026, CBSE will hold two Class 10 board exams in a year. The first one will be in February, and it is compulsory for all students. The second one will be in May, and it is optional. This means every student must sit for the February exam, but only those who wish to improve their marks can appear again in May.
- Second Chance to Improve: The May exam is introduced mainly to reduce stress among students. Instead of depending on just one final exam, students get another chance. If they are not happy with their February marks, they can try again in May. This way, the pressure of performing well in a single attempt is reduced.
- Choice of Subjects: Students don’t need to repeat all subjects in the May exam. They can choose to reappear in a maximum of three subjects (from Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages). Whichever exam, February or May, gives the higher score in those subjects will be taken as the final result.
- Special Provisions: CBSE has also made exceptions for some students. For example, if a student misses a subject because of a sports event, they can appear for it in the May exam without being penalised. Similarly, students from winter-bound schools (where the academic calendar is different) will have the flexibility to decide which exam they want to take first.
- Failure Rules: There is a strict condition for students who fail. If someone fails in three or more subjects in the February exam, they will not be allowed to sit for the May exam. Instead, they will fall under the “Essential Repeat” category, meaning they must repeat the academic year and retake the exam the following February.
- Extra Subjects: Students will also have the option to take extra subjects in Class 10, like skill-based courses or a third language. These subjects can help in two ways: they can replace a failed subject or simply improve the overall percentage. However, once Class 10 is passed, no new subjects can be added later.
- Class 12 Exams Unchanged: This two-exam system is only for Class 10 students. For Class 12, there will be no change. The board exam will continue to be held once a year, as before.
How CBSE Two Board Exams a Year Will Help Students?
Students appearing CBSE Boards 2026 can go through the given information on how the new CBSE TWO Boards Exams a year will help them:
- Dual Exam Opportunities: From 2026, Class 10 students will have two board exams: February (mandatory) and May (optional). This second chance will reduce the exam pressure and gives students the flexibility to improve their performance without relying solely on one attempt.
- Focus on Best Score: The board will consider the higher score from the two exams for the final CBSE Class 10 Result 2026. This ensures fairness and motivates students to perform better in the May exam while retaining their February marks if higher.
- Aligned with NEP 2020 Goals: The dual-exam system supports overall learning by reducing stress from high-stakes, single-exam evaluations. Students can learn from their mistakes in the February exam and demonstrate improved understanding in the May exam.
- Flexibility for Special Circumstances: Sports students and students from winter-bound schools get special provisions. They can appear in missed subjects or choose the exam schedule that suits their academic calendar, ensuring equitable access for all students.
- Maintains Academic Standards: Students failing in three or more subjects in February cannot take the May exam. This prevents misuse of the second attempt and encourages consistent performance throughout the year.
- Opportunity to Improve Overall Performance: Students can take additional skill-based or third language subjects during Class 10. These can help replace failed core subjects or boost overall percentage. However, once Class 10 is cleared, no new subjects can be added for subsequent exams.
- Class 12 Exam Pattern Unchange : The dual-exam system is only for CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern. Class 12 board exams will continue to be held once a year, maintaining stability and consistency for higher secondary evaluation and college admissions.
- Reduces Academic Stress and Builds Students’ Confidence : Overall, having two board exams gives students a safer option and reduces exam anxiety. They can focus on learning rather than just memorizing for a single exam, promoting better understanding and performance.
CBSE Class 10: Old vs New Exam Pattern (2026 Onwards)
Students can go through the table below to understand how CBSE Class 10 exams are changing from 2026. It compares the old one-exam system with the new two-exam system, making it easier to understand the differences in schedule, flexibility, and how scores are considered.
Conclusion
The new CBSE Class 10 Exam format will reduce exam pressure and gives a real chance to improve. The February exam stays mandatory, ensuring all students are assessed equally, while the optional May exam lets students retake up to three subjects to raise their scores. Only the higher marks between the two exams will count, so there is no risk in attempting the second exam. Special rules for sports students and winter-bound schools, along with the option to take extra skill-based or language subjects, make the system more flexible and student-friendly. The CBSE Class 10 Exam format gives students more freedom and a second chance to improve without stress. It motivates steady learning while helping students remain calm and confident during exams. Rather than focusing only on memorizing, students can demonstrate real understanding. At the same time, Class 12 exams stay the same, ensuring stability for higher secondary evaluation while Class 10 benefits from a more supportive and practical approach.
