CBSE Class 10th 2-board Exams: Improvement subjects, compartment eligibility and more clarified

Students who fail in one or two subjects in the first exam can appear for the second exam under the compartment category. However, students who miss three or more subjects in the first exam will be marked as Essential Repeat and will not be allowed to take the second exam

The webinar also emphasised the importance of feedback and provided an email address for addressing queries, which will also be responded through updates to the FAQ section (Express photo by Bhupendra Rana/ representative image)

For Class 10 students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified that beginning in 2026, students will have the option to reattempt up to three subjects from science, mathematics, social science, and languages in the second exam session for improved scores. The announcement was reiterated during a national webinar held on November 20, where the board addressed key details regarding the new dual-exam system that will roll out for the 2025–26 academic session.

Also Read | CBSE 2-board exams: ‘Expecting around 40% of students to appear in Class 10th second board exam,’ says Chairman

The live webinar, streamed to audiences across India and internationally, was inaugurated by CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh, and targeted stakeholders, including school heads, teachers, students, and parents. The session aimed to clarify the specifics of the upcoming changes, answer questions, and ensure that everyone involved is well-prepared for the transition.

Also Read | CBSE Class 10th, 12th board practical exams from January 1; Board releases marking scheme, other guidelines

For more information on CBSE Class 10 board two-exam policy 2026, students can check the IE Education online portal.

Dual exam sessions

Starting in 2026, Class 10 students will sit for two board exams each year. The first, held in February-March, is mandatory for all students, while the second exam, scheduled for May, will be optional for those wishing to improve their scores.

Best score counts

Students can choose their best score from either of the two attempts, with the higher mark recorded on their final transcript, giving them a clear opportunity to enhance their performance.

Improvement option

Students can reattempt up to three subjects — science, mathematics, social science, and languages — in the second exam session to improve their scores. CBSE will not offer the second board exam in all subjects, but only in those subjects where the external assessment component is more than 50.

Story continues below this ad

Compartment exam

Students who fail in one or two subjects in the first exam can appear for the second exam under the compartment category. However, students who miss three or more subjects in the first exam will be marked as Essential Repeat and will not be allowed to take the second exam. They will have to appear again in the following year’s main exams.

Assessment and result cycle

Results for the first session will be released in April, and for the second session in June, ensuring timely admissions and reducing academic downtime. After the results of the first exam are declared, students will be able to register for the second exam, and the Board will then finalise the list of candidates.

The webinar also emphasised the importance of feedback and provided an email address for addressing queries, which will also be responded through updates to the FAQ section.

This CBSE Class 10 dual-exam structure aims to reduce student pressure by offering multiple opportunities for success rather than relying on a single, high-stakes exam. It provides students the flexibility to retake exams and improve their performance within the same academic year, in line with best practices seen internationally. The system is also designed to ensure more equitable and transparent assessments, with the added benefit of timely results for smooth admissions.

Story continues below this ad

By rolling out this new format, CBSE aims to create a more supportive and student-centric examination system, ensuring clarity and reducing confusion in the years to come.