*CBSE seeks response on draft policy*
New Delhi: In a major shift in the examination system, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved draft guidelines for conducting Class 10 board exams twice a year, starting from 2026. This decision is in line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP), which advocates for multiple opportunities to reduce the high-pressure nature of board exams.
Under the proposed schedule, the first phase of the exams will be held from February 17 to March 6, while the second phase will take place from May 5 to 20. Both phases will cover the complete syllabus, providing students with two opportunities to improve their performance. However, practical and internal assessments will only be conducted once to maintain consistency across both phases.
The draft guidelines will be open for public feedback until March 9 before receiving final approval. A senior CBSE official confirmed that students will be assigned the same examination centers for both attempts, and the exam fees for both phases will be collected at the time of application.
“The two editions will also serve as supplementary exams—no separate exams will be conducted under any circumstances,” the official added.
