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Starting in 2026, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will let Class 10 students sit their board exams twice a year. This move is intended to ease exam pressure and give students a chance to improve their marks. Additionally, from the 2026-2027 academic year, CBSE plans to introduce an international curriculum for its affiliated schools abroad. These changes support the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on offering students more flexibility in their studies.
The datesheet for the 2026 exams as provided by the board
Competency-Based Evaluation Model
The new policy encourages competency-based assessments instead of traditional exam-focused evaluations. This approach prioritises skill mastery and continuous learning rather than just final exam scores. A CBSE official explained that the shift aligns with global education standards, similar to the SAT system in the US, where students can take tests multiple times and submit their best scores.
Ensuring Inclusivity and Teacher Training
The reform aims to be more inclusive, supporting students who face challenges such as exam anxiety or illness. It ensures that students from different backgrounds get a fair chance to showcase their abilities. To help with this transition, CBSE is also enhancing teacher training programs.
Minister Highlights Benefits of the Reform
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised the importance of these changes in reducing exam stress. He stated that improving the examination system is a crucial step in making assessments more balanced and student-friendly.
CBSE Global Curriculum for Foreign Schools
From the 2026-2027 academic year, CBSE will introduce a Global Curriculum for its affiliated schools abroad. This curriculum will include core Indian subjects to maintain academic consistency for students studying in CBSE-affiliated institutions worldwide.
This reform is expected to reduce stress and encourage a more in-depth understanding of subjects. With the option to retake exams within the same academic year, students can improve their performance without waiting another year. Additionally, those who do not pass the first attempt can still move on to Class 11 and finalise their admission based on their second exam results.
CBSE will ensure that schools meet quality standards before being assigned as examination centres. There will be no provision for self-centres, meaning students must appear at designated locations. Schools will also be responsible for preparing students for the new exam structure and helping them navigate the changes smoothly.
CBSE will assess the effectiveness of this policy based on feedback and may introduce further modifications in the future. This step is seen as a major milestone in making education more student-friendly and in line with global best practices.
<red> July 24th, 2024 <red>
Starting from the 2024–25 academic year, the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) will conduct board exams for classes 10 and 12 twice a year. This change aims to reduce stress and provide students with more opportunities to improve their grades and skills.
The biannual exam format is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) and wants to eliminate rote learning and cheating cases. The CBSE is working towards getting their students equipped with realistic skills that are important for their future careers. Let’s have a look at the changes made by the education ministry:
The National Education Policy believes in providing students with multiple opportunities to showcase their skills and knowledge. Many people believe that this will help improve their academic performance by giving students a second chance to correct their mistakes. This method will reduce the pressure on students.
<red> February 21st, 2024 <red>
The new curriculum framework was launched on August 23rd, 2023, by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The framework also acknowledged how the board exams will be held twice a year, but when the new framework will be implemented wasn’t confirmed.
At an event in Chattisgarh on February 19th, 2024, the union minister confirmed that the implementation of board exams occurring twice a year will continue from the 2025-26 academic session for Classes 10 and 12. The new framework is launched to reduce stress in learning and put emphasis on competency achievement.
<red> October 8, 2023 <red>
Appearing for Board Exams Twice a Year will not be Necessary
In a conversation with PTI (Press Trust of India), Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, said - “Appearing for Class 10 and 12 board examinations twice a year will not be mandatory and the concept is being introduced as an option to reduce students' stress caused by the fear of having only opportunity”
<red> August 23rd, 2023 <red>
The Union Education Ministry launched a new curriculum framework on August 23, 2023, with a New Education Policy that board exams will be held at least twice a year. The reason for this new framework is to measure students’ progress and performance based on their understanding and achievement of competencies instead of rot learning.
As per the New Curriculum Framework:
The new framework is introduced to provide students with time for preparation. The aim is to get students to understand the concept and use those related skills, abilities, and knowledge to effectively perform in any setting.
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