Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will implement a two-phase board examination system for Class 10 students starting from the 2026 academic session, following the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Under this system, students will get two opportunities to appear for board exams in the same year—one main attempt and one improvement attempt.
The first board exam will be mandatory for all students, while the second exam will be optional, based on performance and need.
Key Highlights of CBSE Class 10 Two-Phase Exams 2026
Exam Schedule
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First (Main) Exam: Begins February 17, 2026; ends in early March
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Second (Improvement) Exam: Conducted in May 2026
Why Two Board Exams?
As per NEP 2020 (Paras 4.37 & 4.38), CBSE aims to:
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Reduce exam pressure
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Offer two attempts in one academic year
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Allow one main exam + one improvement exam
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Focus on core understanding and reduce coaching dependency
How Two-Phase System Works
First Board Examination (Main Exam)
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Mandatory for all students
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Held in mid-February
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Full syllabus covered
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Results declared in April
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Marks available on DigiLocker
Second Board Examination (Improvement Exam)
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Optional
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Held in May 2026
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For improvement or compartment cases
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Results declared in June
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Final pass certificate and merit certificate issued after this exam
Eligibility for Second Exam
Students can appear to:
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Improve marks in up to 3 subjects (Science, Maths, Social Science, Languages)
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Clear compartment subjects
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Opt for compartment + improvement
Important:
Students who miss 3 or more subjects in the first exam will be marked Essential Repeat and can appear only next year.
Special Provisions Applicable to:
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Sports students (exam clashes)
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Winter-bound schools
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CWSN students
Same facilities will be available in both exams.
Internal Assessment
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Conducted only once
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Before the first exam
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Marks applicable to both exams
Syllabus & Pattern
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Full syllabus in both exams
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Same exam pattern
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No change in scheme of studies
LOC Rules
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LOC mandatory for first exam
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Separate LOC for second exam
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No new names allowed
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Subject change not permitted (with limited exceptions)
Admission to Class 11
- Students failing the first exam can get provisional admission
- Admission confirmed after second exam results