From 2026 CBSE will hold two Class 10 board exams each year (Feb–Mar and May). The best of two marks will be retained, practicals are conducted once, LOC must be submitted by September and schools will upload first-attempt results to DigiLocker for provisional Class XI admission.
Quick summary what changed
- Two board attempts: First (Feb–Mar) and Second (May).
- Full syllabus for both attempts (no reduced syllabus).
- Best-of-two: final marks show the highest of the two attempts.
- Practicals once a year; marksheet shows both attempt scores.
- LOC deadline in September — subjects locked after LOC (except limited changes as per rules).
- Results timeline: first attempt result by April; second attempt result by end-June.
(See the calendar below for dates.)
Why CBSE made this change
CBSE’s dual-exam plan follows NEP 2020’s push to lower pressure and expand learning options. The goals are practical:
- Reduce exam anxiety by giving students an improvement window within the same year.
- Encourage sustained learning, not last-minute cramming.
- Allow provisional Class XI admissions on first-attempt results, while final admission will consider best results.
This is a student-friendly shift but it needs good planning from schools and parents.
Exam calendar at a glance (Class X — 2026 example)
| Event | Timeline (2026 example) |
| First Board Exam starts | February (first Tuesday after 15 Feb) |
| Languages finished by | Early March |
| Class X results (1st attempt) | By 20 April |
| Second Board Exam (2nd attempt) | May |
| Class X results (2nd attempt) | By 30 June |
Note: dates above are the official draft schedule used for planning. Always check the school notice and CBSE circular for exact dates.
What this means for students
Better chances, less waiting
If a student misses expected marks in February, they don’t have to wait a year — they can reappear in May and use the better score.
Transparent marksheet
Marksheets will display both attempt scores, internal/practical marks and the best-of-two final result — clear and fair.
Provisional Class XI admission
Schools may accept students provisionally on first-attempt results (uploaded to DigiLocker). Final confirmation may follow after the second attempt and best-of-two accounting.
What parents should know and do now
- Check LOC dates: Ensure the school has correctly submitted your child’s List of Candidates (LOC) by the September deadline.
- Ask about fees: Exam fees for both attempts are typically collected up front — confirm the school’s policy.
- Confirm practical schedule: Practicals are held once annually — know the date and prepare your child.
- Plan for revision windows: Use the Feb–May gap constructively for targeted improvement (tutoring, revision plan).
- Keep DigiLocker ready: Verify parents/students can access DigiLocker for provisional admission documents.
- Talk to teachers: Request the school’s internal assessment & improvement policy and the rubric used for practical marks.
What schools must do
- Submit LOC on time and maintain accurate candidate data.
- Act as exam centres for both attempts (same centre).
- Conduct practicals once and ensure standardised internal assessment.
- Upload first attempt marks to DigiLocker for provisional admissions.
- Communicate assessment rubrics & improvement options clearly to parents.
FAQ’S
Yes CBSE will run both attempts on the full syllabus.
No need CBSE will keep the best-of-two marks automatically.
No. CBSE’s policy provides these two attempts only; there will be no additional “special” attempt.
Practical/internal assessments are conducted once a year and their marks are included in the final evaluation.
No subjects are locked after LOC submission, except limited exceptions specified by CBSE for the second attempt.
Final note how parents can help their child succeed
This policy gives students flexibility but success still depends on steady study and smart revision. Use the Feb→May window to identify weak topics, arrange focused support, and build confidence rather than last-minute cramming. Talk to your child’s teacher, get the school’s improvement plan and approach the second attempt as a structured second chance not a redo.
