In June 2025, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced a major shift in its examination system, set to begin from the 2025-26 academic year (with exams in 2026). Inspired by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, these changes aim to reduce exam stress and offer students more flexibility. Let's break down what this new "Two-Board-Examination" system is all about.
Why Two Exams?
The old system of a single, high-pressure board exam is being replaced. The new model allows students to take their Class 10 board exams twice a year. The goal is to distribute the pressure and give students a chance to improve their scores without waiting a whole year.
Think of it this way: the first exam in February is your primary attempt. The second exam in May is a bonus chance to improve your performance in subjects where you think you can do better.
Key Changes
Two Chances: There will be two board exam windows: the first (main) in mid-February and the second (for improvement/compartment) in May.
Result Dates: Results for the first exam will be declared in April. Results for the second exam will be out in June.
One Internal Assessment: Internal assessments (projects, practicals, etc.) will be conducted only once, before the main February exams.
Full Syllabus: Both exams will cover the entire syllabus for the year. The pattern and marking scheme will remain the same.
Who Can Take the Second Exam?
This is the most important part. Not everyone has to take the second exam. Here's who is eligible:
- Improvement Category: If you passed the first exam but want a better score, you can reappear in up to three subjects of your choice (from Science, Maths, Social Science, and Languages).
- Compartment Category: If you failed in one or two subjects in the first exam, you can reappear for those subjects in the second exam.
- Special Cases: Students who missed exams due to sports events or those from winter-bound schools have specific options.
If a student skips three or more subjects in the first exam, they will be declared "Essential Repeat" and cannot take the second exam. They will have to wait for the next year.
For Teachers & Parents:
Your role shifts from creating pressure to providing strategic guidance. Help students decide whether to reappear and in which subjects. Schools must ensure all student data and subject choices are accurately filled in the List of Candidates (LOC) for the first exam, as no new names can be added for the second one.
The focus should remain on consistent learning throughout the year, not just cramming for one final test. The final mark sheet and passing certificate will be issued only after the results of the second exam in June. Merit certificates will also be based on the best performance. After the first exam, a performance document will be available on DigiLocker. This can be used for securing admission to Class XI if you are satisfied with your scores and don't wish to reappear.
The new CBSE system is a welcome step towards a more flexible and student-friendly education model. It acknowledges that one bad day shouldn't define a student's entire year. By offering a second chance, it empowers students to aim higher and reduces the intense anxiety associated with board exams.
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