Post by : Anis Farhan

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In a major education reform aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the CBSE has approved a twice-a-year exam schedule for Class 10 board students, effective from the 2025–26 academic year. The first exam in February will be compulsory for all enrolled students, with results due in April. Students eager to improve their performance may then opt for a second exam in May, with final results released in June using their best scores from both attempts .

Under this framework, students can retake up to three subjects—science, mathematics, social science, or languages—during the optional May session. The move ends the traditional single annual high-stakes exam model and replaces it with a more flexible, student-friendly system aimed at reducing anxiety and encouraging consistent year-round effort.

Internal assessments, the board clarified, will continue once per year and contribute to final grades, maintaining continuity in evaluation processes. Students from winter-bound schools and those competing in national-level sports will be permitted to choose whichever exam session aligns with their circumstances.

Eligibility rules stipulate that only students who appeared in the February exam will qualify for the May session. Those missing more than two subjects initially will be required to repeat the full term in the following year instead of taking the second window. Additionally, compulsory subjects must remain the same between sessions, ensuring consistency in preparation .

Educators have broadly welcomed the change as a significant step toward humane policy in academics. The NEP’s vision of enabling multiple exam attempts to foster holistic learning is now being translated into tangible practice. Some experts, however, point to the potential downside: preparing for two major exams in a single year could increase cumulative workload and logistical complexity .

CBSE officials emphasize that the new policy maintains academic rigour, as seniors will still need to complete the full syllabus and assessments through both phases . Result norms will remain unchanged: only the higher of the two scores will be reflected on certificates, and improvement options will be recorded transparently.

As India rolls out this progressive model, stakeholders—including parents, students, and teachers—are awaiting further guidance on exam schedules, subject combinations, and administrative protocols set to be announced soon by the CBSE. The success of this two-exam system could redefine board exams across the country and pave the way for similar reforms in Class 12.