CBSE Board Exam 2026: Exam Should Be Happy Time, Hassle-Free, Says CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh
CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh said board exams should be a “happy time” for students. While outlining reforms like two board exams and digital evaluation, he urged schools to follow SOPs strictly and ensure smooth, transparent and student-friendly conduct in 2026.
Central Board of Secondary Education Chairman Rahul Singh on Thursday emphasised that board examinations must be conducted in a manner that reduces stress among students. Addressing principals and teachers during a live webinar on the conduct of examinations and digital evaluation for 2026, he said exams represent the culmination of years of schooling and should be a “happy time,” not a tense experience.
While calling for a positive atmosphere, the Chairman also detailed significant reforms being introduced this year. Among them is the implementation of two board examinations, which he described as a major structural shift requiring strict scheduling and disciplined execution.
Digital Evaluation and Error Reduction
Another key reform is the rollout of on-screen marking, under which answer books will be scanned centrally and uploaded to a secure server. Evaluators will access answer scripts digitally rather than receiving physical bundles from particular schools.
Chairman Singh explained that this system aims to eliminate common errors such as incorrect totalling and questions being left unevaluated. However, he acknowledged that the transition requires careful preparation. Teachers have been instructed to familiarise themselves with the portal in advance, verify login credentials and practise evaluation using sample answer scripts to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Subject-Wise Evaluation Reform
The board is also introducing a split evaluation system for Science and Social Science in Class 10. Only subject-specific teachers will assess relevant sections of the answer sheets, a move aimed at improving accuracy and academic rigour.
Security Protocols Strictly Enforced
The Chairman reiterated that examination security remains non-negotiable. Schools have been directed to follow all standard operating procedures, including CCTV surveillance with footage retention for three months, frisking arrangements and secure handling of question papers and answer books.
Referring to past instances where strict action had to be taken against certain institutions, he cautioned schools against malpractice, stating that such actions ultimately harm students themselves.
Call for Collective Responsibility
He also urged government and private schools alike to ensure that teachers assigned examination duties are made available without reluctance. Cooperation from all stakeholders, he said, is essential to ensure smooth conduct.
Concluding his address, Chairman Singh reminded educators that board exams mark a milestone in a student’s life. “It should be a happy time,” he said, encouraging schools to work together to make the 2026 board examinations secure, transparent and hassle-free for students across the country.