Big change in CBSE board exam rules – Big update for 10th, 12th students CBSE Board Exam 2026
CBSE Board Exam 2026 – If you are a student of CBSE board or any child in your house is studying in 10th or 12th, then this news is very important for you. There is going to be a big change in the CBSE board exam in 2026. This change can prove to be a game-changer especially for class 10th students. This new system is being brought under the implementation of National Education Policy 2020.
1. CBSE 10th exam now twice a year
From 2026, class 10th board exam will be conducted twice a year. The first exam will be held in February-March and the second exam will be held in May. The first exam will be the main exam and the second exam will be called improvement exam.
But this does not mean that every student has to give both the exams. Improvement exam is only for those students who are not satisfied with their score in the first exam or who are unable to pass in the first attempt.
First exam schedule:
- Start: 17 February 2026
- End: 7 March 2026
- Result expected: 20 April 2026
- Second exam schedule:
- Start: 5 May 2026
- End: 20 May 2026
- Result expected: 30 June 2026
This time the entire duration of the exam has also been reduced. Earlier where the board exam used to last for about 32 days, now it has been reduced to 16 to 18 days. That is, now there will not be much gap between the examination of one subject after the other.
2. CBSE 12th exam will be held only once
- No change has been made for the students of 12th. The 12th exam will be conducted only once a year in 2026 as before. The exam will start from February 17 and will continue till April. The result is expected by the end of May.
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- Exams for core subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Social Sciences will be held on the scheduled dates while exams for other minor subjects will be taken in different phases.
3. Big things you should know
- Pre-exam process: “List of Candidates (LOC)” has to be filled by September 2025 in which students have to tell whether they want to appear in one, both or which exam.
- Practical exam: There will be only one time. If a student takes improvement exam then the same practical marks will be valid.
- Exam Center: There will be only one center for both the exams. Self-Center (Apna School) will not be allowed.
- DigiLocker: The result of the first exam will be available on DigiLocker but the final passing certificate will be issued only after the second exam.
4. Why were the changes necessary?
This step of CBSE has been taken under the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Its purpose is to reduce the pressure of exams on the students. Now students can show their preparation in a better way by giving the exam twice. This will also reduce the fear of failure and students will also have a chance to improve.
5. What should students do?
- From now on, plan your studies in two phases.
- Take the first exam seriously so that there is no need to give the second one.
- Practice time management as there will be less gap between the papers now.
- Keep checking the notices and updates given by the school regularly.
- If you are not satisfied with the results in the first time, then the option of second exam will be in hand.
- The changes coming in CBSE Board Exam 2026 are in the interest of the students. Especially the facility of two exams for class 10 is a big opportunity. Now students will get another chance to improve and there will be no need to place a final bet on the result at once. This will reduce the stress of the students and increase both transparency and flexibility in the education system.
- Students who are going to take the board exam in 2026 should plan their preparation strategy according to the new system from now onwards. Because only those who are ready for it on time can take full advantage of the change.