CBSE Board Exams 2026 Begin on February 17 for Class 10 with Two-Board Format to Ease Pressure; Details Here

The CBSE Twice a Year Board Exam policy for Class 10 has been introduced to reduce exam pressure and provide students with an additional opportunity to improve their performance. Under this new system, the main (first) board examination will be conducted from 17 February to 11 March 2026. The second examination will be held later in the year, giving students a chance to enhance their scores in selected subjects. The February exam remains mandatory for all students, while the second attempt is optional and mainly meant for improvement or compartment cases.

Parents must note that the February–March examination is compulsory for every student and should be treated as the primary board assessment. This flexible approach aims to promote better learning outcomes and reduce stress among students.

Check: CBSE Board Syllabus 2025-26

What is the CBSE Class 10 Two Board Policy?

As per CBSE’s official notification, students will be allowed to appear in two board examinations in the same academic year, one main exam and one improvement attempt.

Check:  CBSE Twice a Year Board Exam

CBSE Class 10 Datesheet 2026

CBSE Class 10 Board Date Sheet 2026 has been officially released. The main Phase-1 examinations will be conducted from 17 February to 11 March 2026, with most papers scheduled in the morning shift from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Students should download the official timetable PDF to check subject-wise dates and plan their preparation accordingly.

Check: CBSE Class 10 Exam Dates 2026

General Rules Under the Two-Exam Scheme

Students must follow certain important rules under the CBSE two-exam scheme for Class 10 in 2026, as outlined below.

• Appearing in the first (main) examination is mandatory.

• Passed students may improve performance in up to three main subjects (Science, Mathematics, Social Science, Languages).

• Students absent in three or more subjects in first exam cannot appear in second exam and will fall under “Essential Repeat”.

• Compartment students can appear in second exam under compartment category.

• No additional subjects allowed after passing Class X.

• Stand-alone subjects are not permitted.

Special Category Provisions

CBSE has provided flexibility for certain categories:

• Sports students can appear in second exam if exams clash with sports events.

• Winter-bound school students may choose either first or second exam.

• CWSN (Children with Special Needs) facilities will be extended in the second exam as well.

CBSE Examination Schedule and Assessment

CBSE has clearly explained the exam pattern and assessment system for Class 10 under the new two-board policy for 2026. Students should understand the exam schedule, syllabus, and evaluation process properly to prepare well and avoid confusion.

• Main (First) Examination: Begins from mid-February.

• Second Examination: Conducted in May.

• Internal assessment: Conducted only once before main exam.

• Full syllabus applicable in both exams.

• Scheme of studies remains unchanged.

Eligibility Criteria for Appearing in Exams

Check the table below for the eligibility criteria to appear in the First and Second Board Examinations under the CBSE Class 10 two-board policy. The eligibility varies depending on the category of the candidate.

CBSE’s Measures to Ensure Accurate and Transparent Evaluation

CBSE has introduced the following measures to ensure fair, accurate, and transparent evaluation under the two-board examination system:

• Results will be declared as per Examination Bye-Laws.

• First exam results: April.

• Second exam results: June.

• Performance of main exam available in DigiLocker.

• Passing document issued after second exam results.

• Merit certificate issued only after second exam.

• Photocopy, verification, and re-evaluation allowed only after second exam results (for both exams).

What Parents Should Know About the Two-Board Policy?

Under the CBSE Two-Board Policy for Class 10, parents must clearly understand that the February examination (Main Exam) is mandatory for all students. It is the primary board examination and not optional. The second examination is only an opportunity for improvement and cannot replace the importance of the first attempt.

If a student does not pass the main February exam, admission to Class XI may be granted on a provisional basis. However, final confirmation of admission will depend on the results of the second examination. Schools have been directed to properly inform parents and ensure accurate data submission in the List of Candidates (LOC).

Parents must ensure that all formalities are completed on time and encourage students to take the February board examination seriously, as it remains the main and most important assessment.

Objective Behind the Two-Board Format

The reform follows NEP 2020 recommendations to:

• Reduce high-stakes exam pressure.

• Provide best-of-two opportunities.

• Improve flexibility and student choice.

• Minimise coaching dependency.

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