In a major reform, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce the option of conducting board exams twice a year for Classes 10 and 12, starting from the 2026-27 academic session. This decision, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to reduce student stress and provide more flexibility in achieving better scores.
Under the new system, students can choose to appear for one or both exams. Those unsatisfied with their performance in the first attempt will have another opportunity to improve their scores within the same academic year. The initiative was announced following a high-level meeting chaired by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, with officials from CBSE and the Ministry of Education in attendance.
The ministry stated that this reform is designed to create a stress-free learning environment for students. By allowing a second attempt, students can focus on learning without the intense pressure of a single high-stakes exam. A draft plan detailing the new system will be released for public review soon.
Additionally, CBSE has announced plans to introduce a global curriculum for 260 foreign-affiliated schools from the 2026-27 academic year. This curriculum will align with international educational standards, ensuring that students in CBSE-affiliated schools abroad receive a globally competitive education.
These changes reflect the government’s commitment to student well-being and academic excellence. The introduction of a flexible exam schedule and a globally relevant curriculum marks a significant step toward modernising India’s education system.