Students Applaud CBSE’s Proposal For Twice-Yearly Class 10 Board Exams – News18

Last Updated:February 28, 2025, 07:38 IST

CBSE plans to conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year from 2026 to reduce exam pressure on students.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) approved the draft norms on Tuesday for conducting Class 10 board exams twice a year, starting in 2026. These are now available for public review, and stakeholders can submit their feedback by March 9, after which the policy will be finalised.

With the approval of the draft norms, students and school principals have expressed their support for the move, saying it provides multiple opportunities for improvement, as reported by PTI.

Sudha Acharya, principal of ITL International School in Dwarka, said, “This dual exam format is student-friendly as it provides multiple options, reducing exam pressure. For instance, if a student takes standard math in the first exam and finds it difficult, they can opt for basic math in the second attempt and pass more easily,” reported PTI.

She added that, in the past, students had only one chance to perform well, but now the pressure of a single high-stakes exam will be alleviated.

A Class 8 student from ITL School shared with PTI Video, “Since the best marks from both exams will be considered, we can plan our strategy. I can focus on Math, English, and Science in the first exam and other subjects in the next one.”

A Class 9 student said, “This system gives us more opportunities. If I don’t perform well in the first attempt, I can try again in the next one.”

However, SV Sharma, principal of Vidya Bal Bhawan School in Mayur Vihar, highlighted that while the new system reduces student stress, it may increase the workload for teachers.

“Teachers will have to evaluate board papers in February, conduct and check annual exams for lower classes in March, and then oversee the second board exam in May,” Sharma explained.

He also mentioned that this could heighten teachers’ work pressure and shorten their summer break.

CBSE Tentative Class 10 Board Exam Schedule 2025-26

According to the draft norms released by the board, the first phase of the class 10 exams 2026 will be held from February 17 to March 6, and the second phase from May 5 to 20. A total of 26,60,000 students have registered for the board exams next year.