CBSE Class X Boards twice a year from 2026-27

In a landmark move aimed at easing exam stress and offering more flexibility to students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced that Class X Boards will be conducted twice a year, starting with the 2026 academic session. The new structure mandates that all students must appear for the first exam, scheduled for mid-February. This will be the mandatory attempt for every student. The second exam, scheduled for May, will be optional and available for students who either wish to improve their scores or have not cleared up to three subjects in the first attempt.

The dual-exam model is part of the broader vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for reducing academic pressure and allowing students greater opportunities to succeed. The idea is to reduce the ‘high-stakes’ nature of a single board exam and promote a more student-friendly evaluation system.

With this change, students will no longer have to wait an entire year to improve their performance. Instead, they will get a chance to reappear in the same academic year, thereby maintaining academic continuity and motivation.

Officials clarified that the best score out of the two exams will be considered for final certification, ensuring no disadvantage to students who choose to take the improvement exam.

This new system is expected to positively impact lakhs of students, promoting a healthier approach to assessments and academic performance. Detailed guidelines and subject-wise exam schedules will be issued in due course by the board.