Hey learners,
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a landmark change for Class 10 students beginning in the academic session of 2026. In a move aimed at reducing exam pressure and offering students a second chance to improve their scores, CBSE has approved the biannual board exam system. This transformative decision will allow students to appear for board exams twice a year, with the better score being considered as final.
What Does the Biannual Exam System Mean?
Starting in 2026, CBSE will conduct Class 10 board examinations twice annually, similar to the semester or term-based model seen in other global education systems. Students can choose to sit for both attempts or just one. If a student appears in both, the higher score will be retained, ensuring that their best performance is considered for results.
Objectives Behind the Reform
This student-centric approach aligns with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes flexibility, continuous learning, and stress-free education. The key goals include:
- Reducing pressure on students by providing a second opportunity.
- Encouraging a growth mindset, where students can learn from their mistakes and improve.
- Creating a more inclusive and adaptable assessment system that recognizes multiple attempts.
Benefits of the New CBSE Exam Policy
- Flexibility in performance evaluation.
- Decreased anxiety and mental stress for students.
- Improved learning outcomes as students focus on understanding rather than memorizing.
- Motivation to work harder and perform better with a second chance available.
The approval of the biannual Class 10 board exams by CBSE marks a progressive step in India's education landscape. By putting students first and aligning with global academic practices, CBSE aims to foster a more supportive and performance-enhancing environment.