You just heard the news. CBSE Class 10 board exam will now happen twice a year. Your child is in Class 9 or 10 right now. You feel confused. Does this mean more pressure? Or is it actually a good thing?
Here is the truth. CBSE announced this change on June 25, 2025. From the 2025-26 session, every Class 10 student gets two chances to take the board exam. The first exam is mandatory. The second one is optional. If your child scores better in the second attempt, that score counts. Over 2 crore students study in CBSE schools across India. This rule affects all of them.
What Exactly Changed in CBSE Class 10 Board Exam?
Before 2026, your child had one shot. One exam. One result. If your child fell sick on exam day or had a bad day, there was no second chance. That one exam decided everything.
Now, CBSE has changed that. Based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, students can take the board exam on up to two occasions in the same school year. The goal is simple: reduce the stress of "one exam decides your future."
| Feature | Old System | New System (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of exams | 1 exam per year | 2 exams per year |
| First exam | February-March | February-March (mandatory) |
| Second exam | Not available | May-June (optional) |
| Who can take second exam | N/A | Compartment + improvement students |
| Best score counts | Only one attempt | Best of two attempts |
First Exam vs Second Exam: What Is the Difference?
First Board Exam (February-March)
- This is mandatory for every Class 10 student
- All your child must appear, regardless of their preparation level
- Schools must submit the List of Candidates (LOC) on the Pariksha Sangam portal
- The syllabus covers the full year's curriculum
Second Board Exam (May-June)
- This is optional - not everyone needs to take it
- Students who want to improve their score can reappear
- Students who got a compartment (failed in 1-2 subjects) can retake those subjects
- Schools must submit LOC for the second exam by July 8, 2026
- The better of the two scores will be considered as the final result
Who Should Take the Second Exam?
Not every student needs to sit for the second exam. Here is a simple way to decide:
| Situation | Should Take Second Exam? |
|---|---|
| Scored well in first attempt | No need. Focus on Class 11. |
| Got compartment in 1-2 subjects | Yes. Must retake to pass. |
| Score is okay but could be better | Your choice. If 2-3 months of extra study can improve by 10-15%, go for it. |
| Fell sick during first exam | Yes. Second exam is your second chance. |
| Want to improve for stream selection | Yes. Higher marks = better stream options in Class 11. |
How Does "Best of Two" Work?
This is the best part. CBSE will consider the higher score between your two attempts. Here is an example:
Your child scores 72% in the first exam (February-March). Not bad, but they know they can do better. They take the second exam in May-June and score 81%. CBSE will use 81% as the final score. The first attempt's lower score does not matter.
But if your child scores 78% in the first attempt and 74% in the second, CBSE will still use 78%. The system always picks the better score.
5 Things Parents Must Know
1. The first exam is still mandatory.
Your child cannot skip the first exam and only take the second one. Every student must appear in February-March.
2. Second exam is not a "re-exam."
It is an improvement opportunity. Students who passed the first exam can try to improve. Students who got compartment can clear their subjects.
3. There is no extra fee for the second exam.
CBSE has not announced any additional fee for the second attempt. The regular exam fee covers both attempts.
4. Class 12 does not have this rule yet.
As of now, only Class 10 has the two-exam option. Class 12 still has one board exam per year. This may change in the future.
5. This does not mean the exam is "easier."
The syllabus, difficulty level, and marking scheme remain the same for both attempts. Having two chances does not lower the bar.
Why CBSE Did This: The NEP 2020 Connection
The National Education Policy 2020, Para 4.37, clearly states: "To further eliminate the high stakes aspect of Board Exams, all students will be allowed to take Board Exams on up to two occasions during any given school year."
The idea is simple. One exam should not decide a child's entire future. If a student has a bad day, they should get another chance. CBSE is the first major board in India to use this.
Need Guidance?
JGPS School helps students prepare for CBSE board exams with structured coaching. Call +91 9412137554 for free counseling.
