CBSE bars students missing three subjects from second board exam attempt

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced strict eligibility norms for the second Class 10 board examination under the revised two-exam system that will begin in 2026. The board has clarified that only students who are genuinely unable to appear or pass in the first attempt will be permitted to take the second exam, tightening rules to prevent misuse of the improvement opportunity.

CBSE Chairperson, during a webinar on the new structure, outlined that students who remain absent in three or more subjects during the first board examination will not be allowed to sit for the second attempt. The board emphasised that the February exam will continue to be the primary assessment for the academic year, and students are expected to take it seriously.

Under the new guidelines, candidates cannot split subjects between the two exams, nor can they skip the first exam and appear only for the second. The improvement option will be restricted to a maximum of three subjects, and only in those papers where over 50 per cent of the total marks are externally assessed.

The revamped two-exam system aims to reduce academic stress, offer flexibility, and ensure that students do not lose an academic year due to unavoidable circumstances. The first examination is scheduled for February 17, 2026, while the second will be held in May. Results of the first exam will be announced in April 2026, enabling students to use these scores for provisional admission to Class 11 through DigiLocker. Final pass certificates and merit documents, however, will only be issued after the second exam. 

Approximately 2.6 million students are expected to appear for the first Class 10 board exam. Students enrolled in sports training programmes who miss the first attempt will be permitted to appear directly for the second exam under the revised rules.