CBSE to Hold Class X Board Exams Twice a Year from 2026 to Reduce Student Stress and Improve Scores
CBSE to Hold Class X Board Exams Twice a Year from 2026 to Reduce Student Stress and Improve Scores
New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a major reform in its examination system, allowing Class X students to take board exams twice a year starting in 2026. The move aims to provide students with multiple opportunities to improve their scores and reduce the pressure of a single high-stakes examination.
The decision was taken in response to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates a flexible, student-centric approach to education. The CBSE will also introduce its Global Curriculum for 260 affiliated foreign schools in the 2026-2027 academic session.
Policy Shift for Stress-Free Learning
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently held a meeting with CBSE officials and representatives from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). During the discussion, draft schemes for the new examination format were reviewed and will be available for public consultation next Monday.
A senior ministry official highlighted that this reform aims to reduce examination stress by allowing students to appear for the exams twice and retain their highest score. “This initiative is intended to move away from the high-pressure, one-time examination model, giving students a fair chance to enhance their performance without undue stress,” the official said.
Competency-Based Evaluation
The new examination structure will emphasize competency-based evaluation over rote learning. Instead of the traditional summative assessments, CBSE will focus on formative learning, helping students master concepts and develop skills effectively.
“This shift towards formative learning aligns with global best practices, such as the SAT system in the US, which allows students to take tests multiple times and submit their best scores,” an official explained. “By adopting this model, CBSE aims to foster a more supportive learning environment.”
Inclusivity and Teacher Training
The initiative is also expected to benefit students who face challenges such as exam anxiety or illness by offering multiple opportunities to succeed. In addition, CBSE is working on enhancing teacher training programs to ensure a smooth transition to this new system.
Education Minister Pradhan emphasized that improving the examination process is a crucial step towards a stress-free education system. “This reform will help in creating a more balanced and inclusive evaluation framework, reducing the burden of board exams on students,” he stated.
Proposed Exam Schedule
Currently, CBSE board exams for Classes 10 and 12 are held in February-March. The board is considering multiple scheduling options for the new system:
- Conducting exams in a semester format, with the first board exam in January-February and the second in March-April.
- Holding the second set of board exams in June, along with supplementary or improvement exams.
Final details regarding the implementation will be determined after public consultation and further discussions with stakeholders.
