One-subject improvement for Class 12; two-exam system for Class 10

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued key clarifications regarding improvement exams and Board policies for 2026, addressing concerns of students and parents. Sanyam Bharadwaj, Controller of Examinations, responded to frequently asked questions related to Class 10 and Class 12 board exam attempts, improvement options, and eligibility criteria.

For Class 12 students seeking to enhance their overall performance after passing the Board exams, CBSE has permitted improvement in only one subject through the supplementary exam scheduled for July 15, 2026. This supplementary exam will be conducted after the declaration of the main exam results. However, students wishing to improve scores in more than one subject can do so only by reappearing in the main Boards to be held in February the following year.

Clarifying speculation around the two-Board-exam policy, CBSE confirmed that the provision of appearing twice in a year applies exclusively to Class 10 and will not be extended to Class 12. For Class 10, the second Board exam effectively functions as an improvement opportunity. After the main exams conclude, students can apply for the second exam within a 10-day window based on their performance expectations. A second application window will open once results are declared, and only those who complete the fee payment will be eligible to appear.

A detailed circular outlining procedures will be released in May 2026 alongside the result declaration.