CBSE Dual Board Exams for Class 10 in 2026: February & May Phases

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a proposal for a dual board exam system for Class 10 students starting in 2026. This change, intended to make the examination process more student-friendly, introduces two phases of exams — one in February and the other in May. Below are the details of this proposed system and its implications for students.

The draft was released for public feedback on Tuesday, and it is expected to be reviewed and finalized based on the suggestions received.

Dual Exam Phases: February and May

Under the proposed system, the Class 10 board exams will be conducted in two distinct phases:

• Phase 1 (February 17 to March 6): The first phase will begin in mid-February and run until early March.

• Phase 2 (May 5 to May 20): The second phase will occur in early May.

The revised schedule significantly reduces the exam period from the current 32 days to 16-18 days, with each phase lasting approximately two and a half weeks. This condensed exam period aims to alleviate the pressure on students while ensuring a more manageable exam timetable.

Flexible Options for Students

A major feature of the proposed system is flexibility for students. Students will have the option to appear for both phases of the board exams, or they can choose to appear for just one phase.

• Two Exam Phases: Students opting for both phases will be allowed to choose which subjects or papers they wish to retake. For example, if a student does not wish to reappear for a particular subject, they can opt-out for that subject while appearing for the others.

• Best Score Consideration: The best score achieved in either phase will be used for the final result, ensuring that students can benefit from their strongest performance.

This flexibility is designed to accommodate diverse learning styles and provide students with more control over their exam experience.

Benefits of the Dual Exam System

The introduction of dual board exams offers several advantages:

1. Reduced Exam Pressure: The shorter duration of each phase and the ability to reattempt subjects can ease the exam pressure on students.

2. Enhanced Learning Opportunities: Students will have an additional opportunity to improve their performance in the second phase if they are dissatisfied with their results from the first phase.

3. Improved Exam Scheduling: With exams spread over two phases, students can focus on specific subjects during each phase, improving their focus and preparation.

Streamlining the Process

This proposal aims to modernize the board exam system by offering greater flexibility and reducing the stress associated with lengthy exam schedules. By making the process more adaptable, CBSE hopes to create a fairer and more manageable examination environment for students.

Feedback and Finalization

The CBSE has released the draft norms for the dual exam system and is currently seeking feedback from students, teachers, parents, and schools until March 9, 2025. The final version of the proposal, incorporating any suggestions or modifications, will be announced before the new academic session begins.

This move marks a significant shift in how board exams will be conducted in India, and it remains to be seen how students and educational institutions respond to these changes.