New Delhi, June 25, 2025 — The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved new norms to conduct Class 10 board examinations twice a year starting from the academic session 2026-27, CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj announced on Wednesday.
This major reform follows the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) aimed at reducing the “high-stakes” pressure of board exams. As per the approved guidelines, the first (main) exam will be held in mid-February, with results announced in April. Students will have the option to appear for a second (improvement) exam in May, with results released in June.
The second exam is optional and can be taken in up to three subjects from Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and two languages. Internal assessments, however, will continue to be conducted only once per academic year.
Students from winter-bound schools will be allowed to take the exam in either of the two phases, ensuring flexibility for all regions.
CBSE had first shared the draft norms in February 2025, inviting public feedback before finalizing the changes.
Draft : 10th Board 2 Exam Policy Brief
(With inputs from PTI)
