CBSE to introduce second Board exams for class 12 from 2026

The Government is considering a second CBSE exam for class 12 students in June from 2026, aligning with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education’s (NCFSE) plan for biannual Board exams. At present, class 12 students take their CBSE exams in February-March, with results declared in May. They can improve their performance in one subject or clear failed papers through supplementary exams held in July. For instance, the 2023 supplementary exams were on July 15.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 suggests reducing high-stakes exams by providing more opportunities through biannual board exams. The Education Ministry has tasked CBSE with preparing a proposal for this two-exam system. One proposed option allows students to retake any or all subjects in June. CBSE would need around 15 days to conduct these exams and a month to declare results, which would be announced in August.

Timing and logistics, such as other entrance exams and the evaluation load on teachers, are key considerations. For schools in snowbound areas, the first set of Board exams cannot start earlier than February. Initially, it is expected that not all students will opt for the second exam in all subjects, likely choosing only two to three. Consequently, the evaluation load for the second exam might be around 4-5% of the first exam’s load. In the first year, CBSE may offer the second exam option for “difficult” papers in June.

The NCFSC 2023, reflecting the NEP 2020, mandates that students can take board exams twice a year, with the best score retained. Although semester-wise or on-demand Board exams are not yet feasible for CBSE, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that from the 2025-26 academic session, students could opt to take classes 10 and 12 Board exams twice a year, aiming to reduce exam stress.