Twice-a-Year CBSE Board Exams from 2026: A Step Towards Flexible Learning

New Delhi, 19th February 2025: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a major shift in its examination system, introducing twice-a-year board exams for Class X starting in 2026. Additionally, CBSE will roll out a Global Curriculum tailored for 260 affiliated foreign schools beginning in the 2026-27 academic session.

The decision was discussed in a high-level meeting chaired by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, which included senior officials from CBSE, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). The proposed changes, set to be opened for public consultation next Monday, aim to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision of flexibility and student-centric learning.

Under the new system, students will have the option to appear for board exams twice a year and retain their best score. A senior education ministry official explained, “This initiative is designed to ease the pressure of a single high-stakes exam and give students an opportunity to improve their performance. The focus is on reducing exam-related stress while ensuring a more holistic evaluation system.”

The move will shift the emphasis from rote memorization to conceptual understanding and skill-based assessments. “The new evaluation pattern encourages formative learning, much like global models such as the SAT in the United States, which allow students multiple attempts to achieve their best possible score,” the official added.

CBSE is also working on upskilling teachers to facilitate this transition smoothly. The reforms will particularly benefit students who face challenges such as exam anxiety or unforeseen disruptions like illness, ensuring that all learners have a fair chance to showcase their abilities.
CBSE’s Global Curriculum for International Schools
In addition to the new exam format, CBSE is preparing to introduce a Global Curriculum for its affiliated international schools. This curriculum, set to be implemented in 2026-27, will incorporate core Indian subjects alongside globally relevant content.

Highlighting the significance of these changes, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, “Exam reforms are a crucial step towards creating a stress-free and student-friendly education system. The introduction of a flexible board exam structure and a global curriculum will enhance the learning experience for students in India and abroad.”

CBSE officials emphasized that both initiatives are part of a broader strategy to modernize the education system in line with evolving global standards.