CBSE Board Exams to be Conducted Twice A Year

CBSE Board Exams to be Conducted Twice A Year
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced in early 2025 that Class 10 and Class 12 board exams will be held twice a year starting from the 2025–26 academic session. This change is based on the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Students will get a chance to appear in board exams in two sessions in a year. The first examination will be the first attempt and the second one will be an opportunity for improvement. The syllabus for both exams will be the same, and students can keep their best score of the two attempts.
Students should regularly check CBSE notifications for updates on exam structure, registration dates, and syllabus division. Class 10 and 12 students can check full details about CBSE Board Exams Twice a Year and more below.
Check Out: PW School Books
CBSE Boards Exam Twice a Year
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce a system of conducting board examinations twice a year, for both Class 10 and Class 12 from starting 2026. This reform is part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to promote holistic learning and reduce the stress associated with single high-stakes exams.
With approximately 26 lakh students appearing for Class 10 Exams and around 20 lakh for Class 12 in 2026, the exams will be held in India as well as 26 more countries. The best score of the two will be considered and shown in the consolidated mark sheet released at the end of the second session.
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The Academic session 2025-26 will be the first to appear in a multi-board format.
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The new system is not mandatory; The first set of school examinations 2026 is likely to be held in November-December 2025, the second will follow in February-March 2026.
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The school examination for classes X and XII, which will be held in two years, is not compulsory.
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According to sources in the Ministry of Education, the second test option is intended only for students who want to improve their performance.
sources said that the better of the two grades will be considered in final results and merit list preparation. The new system aims to reduce stress among students, especially those who are afraid of failing.
Check more: CBSE Class 10 Sample Papers
Features of CBSE Board Exams Twice A Year
CBSE’s new policy from 2026 introduces two board exam cycles each academic year, following NEP 2020’s goals of student choice, reduced exam pressure, and continuous assessment. Both exams carry equal importance, and students who don’t pass in the first attempt can reappear in the second. The exam schedule is fixed, only pausing for National Gazetted Holidays.
CBSE Class 12 Board Exams Twice a Year from 2026
Class 12 board exams will be held twice annually starting in 2026, with the first exam in February and the second in May.
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Students who fail or want to improve their scores can appear in the second exam.
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The best score of the two will be reflected in the final mark sheet.
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The syllabus and exam pattern remain unchanged.
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Practical exams and internal assessments are done once.
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Results for the first and second exams will be declared separately.
CBSE Class 10 Board Exams Twice a Year from 2026
Class 10 board exams will also follow the twice-a-year system beginning 2026.
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Main exam held in February, improvement exam in May.
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Core subjects like Maths, Science, Social Science, Hindi, and English have fixed exam dates.
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Other subjects are grouped and scheduled according to student combinations.
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Students cannot choose exam dates; CBSE assigns them.
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Passing documents are issued only after the second exam.
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Students failing in the first exam can appear for the second for improvement.
Check out: Class 12th Sample Papers
Benefits of CBSE Board Exams Twice a Year
From the year 2025-26, CBSE will conduct Board Examination twice a year for Class 10 and Class 12. This new system offers a great opportunity for students to relieve exam pressure and to achieve better grades. The following are some tips to help students prepare smartly:
1. Plan for Both Exams
Think of the first board exam as practice. Use it to identify your weak points. Then, focus on improving those areas before the second exam to get better marks.
2. Choose Your Attempts Wisely
CBSE allows students to keep the better score of the two exams. Only take the second exam if you feel confident about improving your marks.
3. Sync Studies with Internal Assessments
Match your preparation for board exams with school tests and projects. This helps build steady learning and avoids last-minute stress.
4. Use NCERT Books and Resources
Focus on understanding concepts clearly from NCERT textbooks. Pay special attention to important subjects that carry more marks.
5. Stay Updated with Official Information
Regularly check CBSE’s official website (cbse.gov.in) for syllabus details, sample papers, and updates about the two board exams.
Study Material to Prepare for CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2026
To prepare well for CBSE Class 10 board exams 2026, students should study NCERT textbooks thoroughly and practice previous year question papers. PW offers well-organized study material like chapter-wise notes and practice tests that follow the Class 10 syllabus.
Udaan For Class 10 Combo Set of 5 Books |
CBSE 15 Sample Question Papers Class 10 Combo Set of 4 Books |
CBSE Class 10 Previous Year Papers |
CBSE Class 10 Question Banks |
Study Material to Prepare for CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2026
For CBSE Class 12 board exams 2026, NCERT books are the main study source. Students should also use CBSE sample papers and revision guides to strengthen their preparation. PW provides useful resources such as concept videos, mock tests, and question banks tailored to Class 12 subjects, supporting effective exam preparation.
CBSE Class 12 Sample Papers Combo Set of 4 Books |
CBSE Class 12 Question Bank |
CBSE Class 12 Previous Year Paper |
CBSE Class 12 Topper’s Answer Sheet |
Read More: How to Use CBSE Class 10 and 12 Sample Papers
CBSE Board Exams to be Conducted Twice A Year - FAQs
Will the CBSE board exams 2025 be held twice a year?
No, the CBSE board exams will not be held twice a year in 2025. The new system of conducting exams twice a year will start from 2026 for both Class 10 and Class 12.
Has CBSE announced the 2026 exam date?
Yes, CBSE has announced that the Class 10 and Class 12 board exams for 2026 will begin in February. The exams will be conducted in two cycles during the year.
Will CBSE have two boards in 2026?
Yes, CBSE will conduct two board exams in 2026 for both Class 10 and Class 12. Students can appear in the main exam and a second exam to improve their scores.
What is the new rule for board exam 2026?
The new rule for CBSE board exams from 2026 is that exams will be held twice a year. Students can take the exam two times in one academic year, and the best result will be considered for final certification.


