New Delhi, August 2025:
In a major shift in school education, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that students of Class 10 will now get the opportunity to appear for board examinations twice a year. This new system will be implemented from the 2025–26 academic session, in line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Under the revised structure, students can choose to sit for the exam in two separate terms during the academic year. The best score out of the two attempts will be considered for the final result. This aims to reduce exam stress, provide students with a second chance for improvement, and make assessments more flexible and student-friendly.
Education experts have welcomed the move, calling it a progressive step towards competency-based learning. Schools are expected to receive detailed guidelines on syllabus division, exam schedules, and evaluation methods in the coming months.
Parents and students, however, are awaiting clarity on whether both exams will be compulsory or optional, and how internal assessments will be adjusted.
With this decision, CBSE joins global education boards that emphasize continuous assessment and multiple chances for success, marking a historic change in India’s examination system.
📌 CBSE Class 10 Board Exams Twice a Year – FAQ
1. From when will this new system be implemented?
👉 This system will be effective from the academic session 2025–26.
2. Will students have to appear for both exams?
👉 CBSE has not made it fully clear yet. Most likely, students can appear in both exams, but only the best score will be considered for the final result.
3. When will the two exams be conducted?
👉 Exams will be conducted twice a year –
- First Exam: Mid-session (after the first term)
- Second Exam: End of the session
4. Will the syllabus be different for both exams?
👉 CBSE may divide the syllabus into two parts.
- The first exam may cover the first portion.
- The second exam may include the complete syllabus or the remaining portion.
(Final guidelines will be released by CBSE later.)
5. Will internal assessment change?
👉 Yes. Schools are likely to receive new guidelines to align projects, assignments, and class tests with the revised exam system.
6. Is this change only for Class 10?
👉 Yes, for now this system will be applied only to Class 10. Later, CBSE may consider it for Class 12 as well.
7. How will students benefit from this system?
👉 Students will gain multiple advantages:
- No more one-time exam pressure.
- They get a second chance to improve.
- The final result will reflect their best performance.
8. Will this affect competitive exam preparation?
👉 Yes, positively. It will help students build the habit of regular study and revision, which will also benefit them in competitive exams like JEE and NEET.
9. Do other countries follow this system?
👉 Yes. Many countries already follow multiple attempts or semester-wise exams. India is now moving in the same direction.
10. Will this reduce exam stress?
👉 Absolutely. Students can treat the first exam as a trial and use the second exam to improve their performance, which will significantly reduce stress.
