CBSE’s Dual Examination Policy Aims to Reduce Stress and Offer Flexibility in Class X Board Examinations
DELHI CBSE: A Milestone Reform in Indian Education
In a major educational reform aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a two-board examination system for Class X students, beginning with the academic year 2025–26. This system aims to reduce exam-related stress, decrease dependence on the coaching culture, and provide students an opportunity to improve their performance through a second attempt.
What NEP 2020 Envisions
The NEP 2020 recommends making board exams more flexible, student-friendly, and less stressful by:
- Allowing students to appear twice for board exams: one main and one improvement.
- Introducing modular or semester-based assessments.
- Offering subjects at two difficulty levels (standard and higher).
- Designing exams with both objective and descriptive components.
- Reducing dependency on rote learning and high-pressure coaching.
The CBSE’s two-board exam model embodies these cores NEP values, aiming for student empowerment over competition.
CBSE New Features of the Two-Board Exam Scheme
| Category | Details |
| Who must appear in Main Exam | All students enrolled in Class X |
| Improvement Eligibility | Students may reappear for up to 3 subjects (Math, Science, SST, Languages) |
| Ineligibility for Second Exam | Students absent in 3 or more subjects in the main exam will be marked as Essential Repeat |
| Compartment Policy | Students placed in the Compartment category can take the second exam |
| Additional Subjects | Cannot be taken after passing Class X; no stand-alone subjects allowed |
The CBSE Special Category Provisions
CBSE has also introduced flexibility for certain student groups:
| Category | Concessions in Second Examination |
| Sports Students | Can reappear in exams clashing with official sports events |
| Winter Bound Schools | May choose to appear in either the first or second examination |
| CWSN Candidates | Receive same facilities and accommodations in both exams |
Internal Assessments: Only Once Per Year
CBSE has clarified that internal assessments will be conducted only once, prior to the main examination. This ensures uniform evaluation and reduces additional assessment burden on students.
Examination Timeline
| Stage | Schedule |
| Main Examination | Mid-February 2026 |
| Second Examination | May 2026 |
| First Result Declaration | April 2026 |
| Second Result Declaration | June 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria Explained
| Eligible for Main Exam | Eligible for Second Exam |
| – Fresh Class X students | – Students aiming for improvement in up to 3 subjects |
| – Previous year’s Essential Repeat or Compartment candidates | – First/Second/Third chance Compartment candidates |
| – Students opting for subject-based improvement | – Students passed via subject replacement (Improvement category) |
Syllabus and Scheme of Studies
- No change in syllabus or examination pattern
- In addition, both the main and second examination will cover the entire syllabus of the academic year
- The authorities must submit the list of candidates separately for both exams.
- Thus, Subject changes between exams are not allowed, unless officially approved
Result Documentation & Academic Transition
| Result Component | Details |
| Digital Result (Main Exam) | Available on DigiLocker for provisional use (e.g., Class XI admission) |
| Final Passing Document | Issued after second exam results regardless of participation |
| Merit Certificates | Only issued after second examination |
| Rechecking Facilities | Available only after second exam results, covering both attempts |
Admission in Class XI: Provisional & Confirmed
Students failing the main examination will be granted provisional admission into Class XI. Their admission will be confirmed only after passing the second examination.
CBSE Instructions to Schools
CBSE has instructed all affiliated schools to:
- Inform parents and students about the two-board exam policy.
- First, Ensure accurate data collection during the LOC submission process.
- Guide students on choosing subjects wisely to avoid future restrictions.
Benefits of the Two-Board Exam Policy
- Reduces exam-related stress and anxiety
- Offers a second chance to students without wasting a full academic year
- Encourages continuous preparation and improvement
- Promotes fair evaluation and reduces reliance on private coaching
- Therefore, Supports inclusive education, especially for sports persons and CWSN students
FAQ’s
Q1. Is it compulsory to appear for both board exams?
Ans: No. All students must appear in the main examination, but the second exam is optional, primarily for improvement or compartment cases.
Q2. Can students take improvement exams in all subjects?
Ans: No. Only up to 3 subjects among Math, Science, Social Science, and languages can be chosen.
Q3. Will internal assessment be repeated for second exams?
Ans: No. Internal assessment will be done only once, before the main examination.
Q4. Can students change subjects between exams?
Ans: The board’s policy does not permit any unusual changes.
Q5. What happens if a student fails in more than three subjects?
Ans: They will be placed in the Essential Repeat category and must repeat Class X in the following academic year.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Flexible and Fair Evaluation
CBSE’s new Two-Board Exam System for Class X is a progressive step that aligns with India’s vision of holistic and inclusive education. It balances academic rigor with student well-being, creating room for performance improvement without penalizing failure.
As schools, students, and parents prepare for this change, it’s vital to embrace the policy not just as an exam reform—but as a pathway to learning without fear.
Tags: CBSE 2026, Class X Dual Exam Policy, NEP 2020 Education Reform, CBSE Improvement Exam, Two Board Exams System, CBSE Class 10 Rules 2026
