In a significant reform, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that starting from the academic year 2025-26, Class 10 board exams will be conducted twice a year. This change is in line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes a more flexible and student-friendly examination system. The move aims to reduce stress among students by giving them two opportunities to appear for the exams and improve their scores if needed.
Under the new system, students can choose to appear in either or both of the exams. The best score from the two attempts will be considered as the final result. This model not only aligns with competitive exam structures like JEE and NEET but also encourages continuous learning rather than last-minute preparation. The CBSE plans to implement similar reforms gradually across other classes as well.
Experts believe this reform will bring a positive shift in the assessment system by reducing the pressure of one final high-stakes exam. Schools will be given detailed guidelines to restructure their academic calendar, teaching methods, and internal assessments accordingly. While the decision has received mixed reactions from parents and educators, many welcome it as a much-needed step toward a more holistic and less stressful education system.