Starting 2026, CBSE will conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year—first in February (mandatory) and a second optional attempt in May. The best score will be retained, aiming to reduce stress and align with National Education Policy goals.

Key Points:

CBSE has approved two Class 10 board exam sessions per academic year beginning 2026, as per NEP 2020.

The February session is mandatory for all eligible students.

The May session is optional, allowing students to improve scores in up to three subjects—Science, Mathematics, Social Science, or Languages.

Final results will use the better score from either attempt; internal assessments remain a single evaluation per year.

Exam dates and result timelines: February tests with April results, May tests with June results; schools in extreme climates or athletes with schedule conflicts may choose phases flexibly.

The reform aims to reduce exam stress, promote competency-based assessment, and make learning more student-centric