CBSE to Conduct Class X Board Exams Twice a Year Starting 2026

In a significant move aimed at reducing academic pressure and promoting a more student-centric approach, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced plans to conduct Class X board exams twice a year starting from 2026. This decision aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes flexibility and competency-based evaluations.

Under the new system, students will have the opportunity to take their board exams twice and retain their best score. This initiative seeks to alleviate the stress associated with a single high-stakes exam and encourage a more supportive learning environment. By allowing multiple attempts, CBSE aims to prioritize conceptual understanding over rote memorization.

Additionally, CBSE will introduce its Global Curriculum for 260 foreign schools affiliated with the board from the academic year 2026-2027. This curriculum will integrate core Indian subjects, offering international students a blend of Indian educational values and global best practices.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that this reform is a crucial step towards creating a stress-free learning environment and ensuring a more balanced evaluation system. The draft schemes for these reforms will be open for public consultation starting next Monday, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback before the final implementation.