CBSE Confirms Two Board Exams for Class 10 from 2026: Teachers Back Move, Students Call It Déjà Vu

📚 Education & Policy News | CBSE’s Two-Exam Format for Class 10 Sparks Mixed Reactions: Relief or Repetition?

📍New Delhi | June 27, 2025

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out a landmark reform that will reshape the Class 10 assessment structure from the 2026 academic year, introducing two board exams annually. The decision aims to align the system with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, but it has already stirred a wide spectrum of reactions among students, educators, and parents.

The keyword that sums up the student sentiment? Déjà vu.

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📝 Two Exams, One Goal: Flexibility & Improvement

As per the new model:

• Main Board Exam: Held in February, mandatory for all Class 10 students.
• Second Exam: Optional; held later in the year. Students can choose to appear for any three subjects to improve their scores.

This move is designed to give students a second chance without the stigma of failure or supplementary exams, ushering in a more forgiving and adaptive exam culture.

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🎓 Student Voices: Relief for Some, Exhaustion for Others

For some students, this is a lifeline.

“One bad day or a health issue won’t destroy my future. This is a safety net,” said Jeni Panchal, a Class 9 student from Ajmer.

But not everyone is cheering.

“It’s like finishing a marathon and being told to run it again — only this time, faster,” said a Class 10 student from Guwahati, who balances school, coaching, and extracurriculars.

She adds, “It feels more tiring than empowering. You’re in a high-stakes mode all year long.”

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🧑‍🏫 Teachers’ Take: Opportunities Amid Challenges

👍 Support for Reform:

The principal of Saraswati World School, Mrs. Biswas, believes the move will reduce exam-day anxiety and encourage learning over memorisation.

“It gives students a meaningful second chance,” she said.

⚠️ Caution Flags:

But Many also flagged logistical and equity challenges:

• Increased workload for teachers and administrators
• Possible disruption of academic calendars
• Financial burden on economically weaker students

Senior Educator said the move makes assessment more holistic, but will also demand greater coordination and classroom planning.

“It’s a relief for students, but a juggle for schools,” she added.

Many emphasised the need for teacher training and new monitoring systems to make the reform work in practice.

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🎯 Bottom Line

The CBSE’s decision to implement two board exams per year for Class 10 is revolutionary in intent, aiming to foster resilience, flexibility, and continuous learning. But its success will depend heavily on:

• Proper teacher training
• Streamlined school calendars
• Support for underprivileged students

For now, the move is being viewed as both a second chance and a second challenge—a step forward that needs careful execution.

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✅ Key Takeaways

• CBSE will implement two board exams for Class 10 from 2026.
• The first exam is mandatory; the second is optional for improvement.
• Student reactions are mixed — some call it a safety net, others say it’s added pressure.
• Teachers back the reform, but warn of increased workload and the need for system-wide readiness.

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