The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a major shift in the pattern of the board examination system. After several years of discussion and drafts under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the CBSE board exam authorities have introduced a two board or dual board exam model for class 10.
This change has sparked a lot of debate among parents, teachers, and students alike, with many questioning whether conducting CBSE Class 10 two board exams in a single academic year will truly be effective. In this blog, we will guide you through everything you need to know: what the Class 10 dual board exam model is, why it has been introduced, whether it is mandatory, and all the latest updates on exam dates and syllabus.
Why Has CBSE Introduced the Dual Board Exam System for Class 10?
The dual board exam model has been introduced as part of CBSE’s new examination system, allowing students to appear for exams twice in a single academic year. This reform aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to reduce the intense pressure of board exams, providing students with one main attempt and an optional chance for improvement. Here are some key reasons behind this shift:
Reduced Exam Pressure
Students no longer have to rely on a single exam for their entire year’s performance. With two chances in the same academic session, exam stress is expected to reduce significantly. This also eliminates rote learning, which often occurs due to the pressure of scoring high marks. Here are the top 9 tips to overcome board exam stress and anxiety.
Opportunity for Improvement
The CBSE Class 10 dual board exam provides students with an even chance to improve their scores. If a student fails to perform well in the first attempt, they can use the second exam to achieve better results without having to wait an entire year.
Encourage Meaningful Learning
With more flexibility, students can now focus on understanding concepts instead of just memorising information for the sake of good marks. This shift not only improves conceptual clarity but also prepares them for future academic success.
Fairer Evaluation for All
Students facing stress, health issues, or unexpected problems during the first exam will not be at a permanent disadvantage. They can appear in the second CBSE board exams and continue their academic journey.
Is It Mandatory to Give Second Board Exams?
No, it is not necessary for Class 10 students to give the second exam. However, every student must appear in the first phase, as this is the main exam for the year. The second phase of the CBSE Class 10 two board exam is optional and meant for students who wish to improve their board results. The choice is completely up to the student. They can decide after seeing their first exam performance whether they need the second attempt. It is a flexible choice rather than a compulsion.
CBSE Class 10 Two Board Exams Rules: Eligibility and Restrictions
While the regular CBSE board exams are crucial for students, specific conditions and restrictions apply to the second phase of the exam. Under the new board scheme, if a student fails or misses more than three subjects in their first exam, they are not eligible for the second exam. Such students are required to appear in the next academic year under the “Essential Repeat” category. Whereas, students who receive a compartment in a few subjects are allowed to appear in the second exam under the compartment provisions. Other important rules and restrictions include:
- Internal assessments and practicals will be conducted only once, before the first exam session. Marks scored in these assessments will carry forward to the second exam.
- Syllabus and exam pattern remain the same in both phases. The exam will cover the entire syllabus without omitting any chapter.
- Those registered in the list of candidates (LOC) are allowed to appear in the dual board exams. No addition of new students will be entertained.
- Sports students whose events clash with the first phase exam can appear in the second exam.
- Students with special needs (CWSN) will receive the same support in both phases of the exam.
- The final marksheet will mention the best score between the two attempts, combined with the carried-over component marks.
Subjects Allowed for Improvements in CBSE Class 10th Two Board Exams?
In the earlier draft, CBSE had a more flexible approach, not limiting the number of exams a student can appear in during the second round. Additionally, when the authority first shared a draft of the CBSE Class 10 two board exam rules, it did not make the first exam compulsory. However, after receiving the feedback from stakeholders and logistical reviews, these rules were revised, resulting in the final draft of the dual board exam policy.
Under the final CBSE policy, students can improve marks in up to three subjects in the second phase. These subjects must be among those already registered in the first exam, including Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and two languages. This restriction was made considering the need to finish both exams without affecting the summer vacations or placing an extra burden on teachers.
Has CBSE Announced Class 10th Dual Board Exam Date?
Yes, CBSE has released a tentative schedule for the Class 10 dual board exams for 2026. The first exam will be conducted in February-March ’26, while the second CBSE board exams will be held in May-June ’26. It is important to note that these dates are subject to change based on administrative decisions, LOC submissions, or other factors. Moreover, the CBSE has already confirmed its policy of holding the Class 10 dual board exams from 2026 and released an official notification about it in June 2025.
CBSE Class 10 Two Board Exams: Is It a Good Decision?
Changes in educational policies often bring mixed feelings. On the one hand, many stand firm in favour of the dual board exam model, believing it gives students a chance to improve their marks, reduce the pressure, and improve flexibility. Moreover, education experts argue that this can shift the culture of cramming toward a focus on conceptual understanding.
However, the other side raises some serious concerns, stating that two exams may consume too much teaching time and put extra pressure on teachers. In fact, the stress may not really reduce; instead, students might feel forced to sit for the second exam. Additionally, delaying final results could create problems for Class 11 admissions and future planning.
Conclusion
The introduction of the CBSE Class 10 two board exam model marks a significant change in the Indian education system. This policy not only provides students with an opportunity to improve their marks in a single academic year but also helps reduce exam stress and create a fairer evaluation process. At Mata Nand Kaur Public School, one of the top schools in Najafgarh, Delhi, we understand that these changes can feel overwhelming for both parents and students.
That’s why our experienced faculty provide structured guidance, practice sessions, and stress-management strategies to help students overcome this exam change confidently. If you are looking for the right support to help your child excel under the new CBSE model, contact us at +91 813-010-6691.
