Two Chances to Score Better: CBSE to Conduct Class X Board Exams Biannually
New Delhi, 21st February 2025: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to introduce two Class X board exams annually, likely scheduled for February and May, starting in 2026. This move aims to provide students with greater flexibility in choosing their exam schedule. A draft proposal detailing the plan is expected to be released for public feedback on Monday.
The board has decided on this model after extensive discussions, including deliberations led by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan earlier this week. Several approaches were considered, including semester-based and modular exams, as well as demand-based and two-exam formats. Ultimately, the semester and modular models were ruled out in favor of a biannual board exam system.
“CBSE will conduct board exams for all subjects twice a year—once in February and again in May. This will ensure the examination process is completed by June, aligning with undergraduate admission timelines,” a CBSE official stated.
However, the official clarified that exams would not be scheduled before February to allow sufficient time for syllabus completion and to minimize disruptions caused by winter conditions, fog, and the implementation of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) in various regions.
Students will have the flexibility to appear for both exams and select the subjects they wish to take. If a candidate is satisfied with their February exam score for a particular subject, they can choose to skip the second attempt. The final mark sheet will reflect the best score obtained in either of the two exams. Additionally, CBSE plans to make the exam schedule more compact, reducing the gaps between papers.
With approximately 7,800 schools—25% of CBSE-affiliated institutions—participating in board exams for Classes X and XII, conducting biannual exams presents logistical challenges. “Managing secure question paper distribution, exam administration, and teacher availability for evaluation on such a scale is a significant undertaking. To address this, CBSE is planning to expand its zonal offices,” the official added.
As part of the reform, CBSE will also introduce two levels of difficulty—basic and standard—for subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Social Science from Class IX onwards. Additional subjects aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education will also be incorporated. The revised structure will take effect from the 2026-27 academic session.
