The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced stricter rules for Class 10 students under its new two-exam system, set to start in 2026. Only eligible students will now be allowed to appear for the second board exam, with those absent in three or more subjects during the first attempt barred from taking the supplementary assessment.
Key Updates on Eligibility
CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh, speaking during a webinar on the revised board exam structure, emphasized that the system is meant to assist students who miss or fail the first exam—not those trying to bypass the main assessment. He noted that only about 40% of students taking the February exams are expected to appear for the optional improvement exam in May.
Students must take the first exam seriously, as it remains the primary assessment of the academic year. Those skipping three or more subjects in February will not be eligible for the second attempt. Additionally, students cannot split subjects between the two exams or appear only for the second exam without attending the first. Under the new scheme, students can improve marks in a maximum of three subjects, and only in papers where more than 50% of marks are externally assessed.
Two-Exam System Aims to Reduce Stress
CBSE has introduced the second exam to give students a chance to save their academic year in case of failure or absence in the first attempt. It also provides an opportunity to improve marks under the Essential Repeat or Compartment categories.
The first exam is scheduled for February 17, 2025, with results expected in April 2026. Students can use these scores for provisional admission to Class 11 through DigiLocker. Merit certificates and final passing documents, however, will only be issued after the second exam in May. Around 2.6 million students are expected to take the February board exam.
Special provisions allow students enrolled in sports training programs who miss the first exam to appear for the second attempt.
