CBSE Class 10 Students to Get Second Attempt Option from 2026: Major Education Reform Announced

In a historic step, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that from 2026 onwards, Class 10 students will be allowed a second chance to take their board exams within the same academic year to improve their scores. This new rule marks a first in India's school education system.

The CBSE issued an official notice on Wednesday confirming that this dual-attempt policy will be implemented starting with the 2026 board exams. However, education experts have raised concerns, warning that the move could potentially cause stress and lead to laxity in students.

Two Exam Rounds in One Year

As per the notification, the first round of exams (Round I) will continue to be conducted in mid-February, while the second round (Round II) will be scheduled in May. Students will be allowed to retake exams in up to three subjects, which may include Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages. Those who are placed in the compartment category after the first round will also be eligible for the second attempt.

Full Syllabus and Internal Assessments

Both exam rounds will cover the complete annual syllabus, and internal assessments will run up to the final exams. Photocopy requests, result verification, and re-evaluation services will be available only after the second round results are released.

The CBSE had earlier circulated a draft of this policy in February for feedback. Although many school principals expressed reservations, the board decided to move forward.

Concerns from Educators

Sudha Acharya, Principal of ITL Public School, expressed that the new policy could disrupt academic schedules. “Between February and June, teachers will be constantly involved in exam duties, affecting the regular teaching calendar. This may reduce meaningful classroom learning and increase pressure on both students and educators,” she said.

Acharya also highlighted the challenge for schools with limited staff, as many of the teachers responsible for evaluation also teach lower grades (VI to VIII). She added that starting the new session on April 1 may become difficult, and summer vacations could be affected.

According to her, while the new policy allows students to retake exams, it might unintentionally lead to overdependence on second attempts. “Instead of relieving stress, this continuous exam period might actually heighten anxiety,” she noted.

Additionally, she raised the issue that students who fail the first attempt will have to wait for second attempt results before moving to Class 11. Failing both could mean repeating Class 10, causing emotional stress for both students and parents.

Acharya also warned that the policy might encourage coaching culture and misuse of the split-exam model, which wasn't the original intent of the reform.

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