CBSE Board Exam 2026: Under the New Education Policy (NEP 2020), the CBSE is preparing to conduct the 10th board exam twice a year. This year, the first session of the CBSE 10th board exam will be held in February-March, while the second session will be held in May-June. There is a significant difference between the two sessions. Students need to understand the difference between the two sessions; they could lose a year.
According to the board exam datesheet released by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the CBSE 10th board exam will be held twice a year. The first term exams will be held from February 17th to March 9th, and the second term board exams will be held from May 15th to June 1st, 2026. The syllabus for both exams will be the same.
Differences between the two CBSE 10th Board Exam Sessions:
Two exams are a good initiative for students preparing for the CBSE 10th Board Exam. This will give them a second chance to improve their scores. However, students need to be especially mindful of one thing. If a student thinks they will take the May-June exam instead of the February-March exam, this could prove to be a major mistake. The Board has clearly stated that appearing for the first term of the 10th Board Exam, i.e., the February-March exam, is mandatory. There will be no opportunity to appear for the second term directly.
The CBSE Board Exam Second Session is Optional, Not a Backup:
The Board has advised students to prepare seriously for the first exam and not assume that the second attempt will be a backup. The second exam will only be an opportunity to improve the score from the first attempt. The second exam is optional. Students can skip the second attempt if they wish, but they cannot skip the first session.
Which Marks Will Be Final?
Students who wish to appear for both CBSE 10th board exams may have a question: if they score well in the first session and low in the second, which marks will be considered final? The answer is: the attempt in which students score well will be considered final, whether it is the first or second attempt. The board has advised parents not to pressure their children to take a second attempt if they score well in the first attempt.
What will happen if they fail in more than two subjects?
Keep in mind that the board will only offer a second attempt to improve in three subjects. Students who fail in more than two subjects will be considered failed. They will not be eligible to appear for the board exam again. They will have to study again for the entire year and appear for the main board exam in 2027. However, students who fail one or two subjects can still pass the exam by appearing in the compartment category, as before.