In a significant shift in the school education system, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is planning to implement a biannual Class 10 board examination system starting in 2026. As per the latest updates, students will be given the option to appear for either one or both exam sessions in a year, depending on their performance and preference.
📅 Two Exam Sessions Annually from 2026
Beginning in 2026, CBSE will conduct Class 10 board exams in two phases:
- First Session: February 17 to March 6, 2026
- Second Session: May 5 to May 20, 2026
Students can choose to:
- Appear in only one of the two sessions
- Take both exams to improve their performance
- Skip the second exam if they are satisfied with their first attempt results
📘 Syllabus and Exam Centers
- Both exam sessions will follow the same comprehensive curriculum.
- Examination centers will remain unchanged for both attempts.
- The exams will maintain the existing structure and question paper format.
📋 Finalization of Candidates & Subject Choices
CBSE has introduced new norms for the List of Candidates (LOC):
- The LOC for the February 2026 exam will be finalized by September 2025.
- Students not included in the LOC by September 2025 will not be eligible for the May 2026 session.
Additionally:
- Subject changes will not be allowed once the LOC is locked.
- However, some flexibility in subject choices is permitted:
- Students can choose different subjects for the second exam.
- If a subject is attempted in February, it can be skipped in May.
- If a student retakes the exam for all subjects, they must repeat the same subjects.
💰 CBSE Examination Fees Increased
CBSE has also announced a hike in exam fees:
- The revised fees will be applicable during the application process for each attempt.
- Exact fee details are expected to be published officially soon.
📣 Public Feedback Invited Until March 9
The draft guidelines for this new two-exam system were approved by CBSE and made available for public review.
- Stakeholders including parents, teachers, and institutions have until March 9, 2025, to submit their suggestions.
- The final policy will be implemented after reviewing the received feedback.
✅ Key Highlights at a Glance:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Implementation Year | 2026 |
| First Exam Window | Feb 17 – Mar 6, 2026 |
| Second Exam Window | May 5 – May 20, 2026 |
| Number of Attempts | One or both (student’s choice) |
| Subject Change After LOC | Not allowed |
| Exam Fee | Revised (per attempt) |
| LOC Finalization Deadline | September 2025 |
| Last Date for Public Feedback | March 9, 2025 |
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