CBSE’s Two-Phase Board Exam: A Game-Changer or Double-Edged Sword?

By Lalit Kumar, IIT Bombay Alumnus
Pune, 27th February 2025: CBSE’s proposal for a biannual Class 10 board exam system is nothing short of a revolution in Indian education. But is it an opportunity for students, or just an extended academic burden? Can schools and teachers handle the added workload? And most importantly, how can students extract the maximum benefit from this change?

Under this proposed system, students will have the flexibility to appear for either one or both exams, with the best score being considered for their final result. They can also split subjects across the two phases, taking some in the first round and the rest in the second. Another major shift is that students who clear all subjects in the first phase can move on to Class 11 early, with performance reports available on DigiLocker. However, final results will only be declared after the second phase, ensuring that all students—regardless of when they take their exams—are evaluated equally.

Who Benefits, Who Doesn’t?

High-achievers, most of whom opt for the science stream in Class 11, will likely take all their board exams in the first phase, allowing them to shift their focus entirely to JEE, NEET, or other competitive exams well ahead of their peers who continue preparing for the second phase. In the long run, even a single extra mark in JEE or NEET carries far greater significance than any improvement in Class 10 board scores, no matter how high.

For students who struggle with unforeseen circumstances—such as illness, exam-day anxiety, or logistical issues—this system serves as a lifeline. Even if they feel anxious while preparing, they won’t spiral into stress or depression, knowing they have a safety net in the form of the second-phase exam. It also provides a credible alternative to compartment exams, which carried a strong social stigma in the past.

But there’s a downside. What about students who perform decently in the first attempt? Previously, they would have accepted their results and moved forward. Now, with the option of a second attempt, they may feel pressured to keep studying, sacrificing their well-deserved summer break, which was once aligned with school holidays and their parents’ work schedules.
Realistically, as long as a student qualifies for the science stream in Class 11, their Class 10 board results serve no real purpose beyond proof of date of birth. Yet, due to peer pressure and, more significantly, parental expectations, many students may be forced to unnecessarily extend their academic calendar, delaying the far more crucial transition to Class 11. Parents need to weigh their child’s needs carefully rather than blindly pushing for a second attempt.

The Real Challenge: Implementation

This system mirrors global models like SAT, IB, and IGCSE, where students get multiple attempts. However, these systems are designed for much smaller student populations, whereas CBSE caters to millions. Even now, CBSE relies heavily on schools and teachers, disrupting weeks of regular teaching. Doubling exams means doubling the burden. Can CBSE handle twice the evaluations, millions of answer sheets, and ensure smooth execution?

Moreover, most Class 10 students in India belong to state boards, not CBSE. This creates a clear divide—some students might feel fortunate to be in a more flexible system, while others might feel disadvantaged, knowing they don’t have the same opportunity. Will state boards follow CBSE’s model, or will this create unnecessary stress and competition between students of different boards? This uncertainty must be addressed before it adds to the already rising academic pressure on students.

Teachers are another major concern. Passionate educators who entered the profession to teach may start reconsidering their roles when they realize their time is being increasingly spent on administrative and exam-related duties instead of actual teaching. If CBSE doubles the exam cycle, it must also provide adequate support for teachers, so that their primary role—educating students—does not take a backseat.

While technology and digitalization could help streamline the process, without meticulous planning, proper infrastructure, and adequate teacher support, this reform risks creating more confusion and chaos than convenience.

Unlike past top-down education policy changes, CBSE has opened public consultation on this proposal. Parents, students, and teachers can now voice their concerns before implementation. This is a positive step—after all, classroom realities are best understood by those directly affected.

About The Author: Lalit Kumar, the visionary founder of Prime Academy Pune, has an illustrious teaching career spanning 21 years, during which he has mentored over 3,000 IITians. A B.Tech graduate in Electrical Engineering from IIT Bombay, Lalit achieved a remarkable milestone early in his career by becoming one of the youngest authors of an IEEE publication, presenting his groundbreaking technical paper on “Power Distribution and Automation” in 2001. Beyond academics, he has profoundly impacted the lives of hundreds of socioeconomically disadvantaged students, helping shape their careers. His unwavering dedication and contributions to education have been recognized by the Ministry.