CBSE Class 10 two-board exam system explained: Who can reappear, rules, more

Students can improve scores in up to three subjects in second exam likely to be held in May 2026, after declaration of results.

For the first time, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct two board examinations for Class 10 students in a single academic year, marking a major shift in its exam process, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

According to the official circular, the second board examination will be held in May 2026, offering students a chance to improve their performance.

What is the two-board exam system?

With the first session of the Class 10 board examinations already concluded, students will now have a second opportunity under the new exam structure to improve their performance.

The second board exam, scheduled for May 2026, allows students to reappear in up to three subjects, including Science, Mathematics, Social Science and languages, offering a chance to enhance their scores within the same academic year.

Who can appear for the second exam?

All passed and eligible students are allowed to improve their performance. However, the board has set up some clear guidelines:

• It is mandatory to appear in the first board exam

• Only students who have passed and are eligible can opt for improvement

• Students who missed three or more subjects in the first exam are not eligible

• Compartment students can appear under the compartment category

• No subject change is allowed between the first and second exams. An exception might be provided only in specific permitted cases (like Mathematics policy conditions)

• Students must have appeared in at least three subjects in the first exam

• Students who passed using a 6th subject replacement are eligible

Students from the Middle East countries where examinations have been cancelled, they can also submit their LOC after declaration of result in second phase, CBSE added.

The CBSE has clarified that there is no improvement allowed in internal assessment. This is because internal assessment is conducted throughout the year by the respective schools.

How it works

CBSE has introduced a structured system for schools. Schools must submit a List of Candidates (LOC) for students opting for the second exam.

Students are encouraged to submit LOC early (Phase 1). While students can wait for their results and then decide, early registration helps planning.

Final decision can be taken after results are declared, with fee payment in later phases.

The CBSE has advised the schools to submit the first LOC before March 31. Subsequent phases will open after the declaration of results, allowing students to make decisions based on their performance. Additionally, a third phase will be available with a late fee window for those who miss the earlier deadlines.

Fees structure and more

The examination fee has been set at Rs 320 per subject for candidates in India, amounting to Rs 960 for three subjects. 

Students opting to apply during the late window will have to pay an additional Rs 2,000 as a late fee. All payments must be made online, as no offline payment modes will be accepted, CBSE has clarified.

The board has also clarified that the second board examination will not be conducted on a large scale. Due to the limited number of exam centres, candidates might be allotted exam centres close to their location. No change in exam centres would be allowed once allotted.

For more details, the students are advised to refer to CBSE’s official website, cbse.gov.in.