From the 2026 session, CBSE is changing how Class 10 board exams work: they will now be held twice a year. It is one of the most significant exam reforms in over a decade, and it directly affects how students in Class 9 and 10 should plan their year. Here is a clear, jargon-free breakdown.
What exactly is changing?
Instead of a single Class 10 board exam, CBSE will conduct two examinations in the same academic year. As per CBSE's official notification, the first exam is held around mid-February and is mandatory for every student. A second, optional exam in May lets students who want to improve try again.
How does score improvement work?
If you are not happy with your result in the first exam, you can reappear in the second attempt in up to three subjects. Crucially, you keep the better of the two scores for each subject – so a second attempt can only help you, never hurt you. Internal assessments, however, are conducted only once, before the first exam.
Why is CBSE doing this?
The reform is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages reducing the high-stakes, one-shot pressure of board exams. Two attempts mean a bad day, a minor illness, or one weak paper no longer defines a student's entire year. Special provisions have also been made for sportspersons, students in winter-bound schools, and children with special needs.
What should students do differently?
Do not treat the first exam casually and bank on the second one. The smart approach is to prepare fully for the February exam as if it were your only shot, then use the May window strategically for one or two subjects where you genuinely have room to improve. Trying to "save" preparation for later usually backfires.
How Toppers Hub Academy is adapting
Our Class 9 and 10 batches are structured to finish the syllabus well before February, leaving dedicated revision and mock-test time – and targeted improvement coaching for anyone opting for the May exam. Call or WhatsApp 9891612831 to plan your child's board year the right way.