The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has come up with a new examination pattern for Class 10 students where they can appear for board exams twice a year from 2026. The step is in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, seeking to overhaul exams and minimize stress among students.
Proposed Exam Schedule for Class 10 (2026)
| Phase | Exam Start Date | Exam End Date |
|---|---|---|
| First Phase | February 17, 2026 | March 6, 2026 |
| Second Phase | May 5, 2026 | May 20, 2026 |
Key Subject Timetables
- Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Hindi, and English will have a set examination date.
- Regional and foreign languages will be held in one day.
- Elective subjects will have more than one examination session.
Grouping of Subjects
CBSE Class 10 has grouped subjects into three broad categories:
- Language Group: English, Hindi, and regional/foreign languages.
- Core Electives: Science, Mathematics, Social Science.
- Additional Electives: Vocational and specialized subjects such as Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Business Studies, and Performing Arts.
Exam Centers and Assessment
- Identified test centers will be the same for both attempts.
- No self-centers will be allocated to any student.
- Simplified assessment will allow the result announcement in time.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| First Exam Result Declaration | April 20, 2026 |
| Second Exam Result Declaration | June 30, 2026 |
| Supplementary Exam (Class 12) | July 15, 2026 |
| Final Result for Supplementary Exam | August 15, 2026 |
Assessment and Certification
- Students will be issued a Mark Sheet cum Passing Certificate, showing scores of both attempts.
- The highest score of both attempts will be marked.
- Merit certificates will be awarded on the basis of final marks.
- Electronic scorecards will be provided on DigiLocker for students who do not appear for the second attempt.
Subject Change and Improvement Rules
- No subject changes are permitted after the submission of the List of Candidates (LOC).
- The students who fail 1-5 subjects on the first try may reappear for exams during the second phase under Improvement Category.
- Provisional Class 11 admission will be given on the basis of the first try's results, pending final approval upon the second attempt.
Examination Fee and Logistics
- Students will have to deposit the examination fee for both attempts at the time of first registration.
- Examination charges are not refundable even if a student does not appear for the second attempt.
- Practical/Internal exams will be taken only once a year.
Public Feedback and Next Steps
CBSE has called for public comments on this draft policy prior to finalizing the scheme. Students, parents, and schools may go through the official document for more information.
Draft Scheme for Two Examinations (Class X, 2026) – [Click Here]
CBSE wants this transition to be easy and useful for students, keeping them prepared for the new board examination pattern.
