📚 CBSE Board Exams Twice a Year from 2026: What Students & Parents Need to Know

Starting from 2026, CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) will conduct Class 10 and Class 12 Board Exams twice a year. This is a major change aimed at reducing exam pressure and providing more learning opportunities.

Let’s understand this new system step-by-step.

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✨ What is the "Two-Time Board Exam" System?

Under the new system:

• CBSE will conduct two board exams in an academic year:

  • First Exam: February 17 to March 6, 2026

  • Second Exam: Dates will be announced later

This is similar to the semester or term system, but both exams will be full board exams, not just unit tests.

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🎯 Why Did CBSE Introduce This System?

Here are the main objectives:

• ✅ Reduce exam stress on students

• ✅ Give students a second chance to improve their performance

• ✅ Encourage continuous learning throughout the year

• ✅ Provide flexibility and more time for preparation

• ✅ Align with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020

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📝 Is it Mandatory to Appear in Both Exams?

For Class 10 and 12 students:

• Yes, the first board exam is mandatory.

• Students can choose whether to appear in the second exam to improve their score.

• The best score out of the two exams will be considered as the final result.

💡 So if you're happy with your first result, you don’t need to take the second exam!

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📅 Important Dates (Tentative)

Event	Date
First CBSE Board Exam 2026	Feb 17 – Mar 6, 2026
CBSE LOC (List of Candidates) Submission	By September 2025

📌 The LOC process must be completed by schools for all students appearing in board exams.

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📘 How Will the Exams Be Structured?

• The syllabus for each board exam will remain the same as before.

• CBSE will ensure that there is no repetition of questions in both exams.

• Evaluation standards will be the same for both attempts.

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👨‍👩‍👧 How Does This Help Students?

Example:

Suppose a student scores:

• 68% in the first exam

• Then improves to 82% in the second exam

👉 CBSE will consider the higher score (82%) for the final result.

Other Benefits:

• Helps deal with exam fear

• Encourages better planning and preparation

• Allows students to build confidence over time

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💬 What Should Parents Know?

• Support your child’s mental well-being and not just marks

• Help them understand that they have two chances

• Encourage regular study habits and avoid last-minute stress

• Be aware of school deadlines, especially the LOC submission in September

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📣 Tips for Students

✔ Prepare seriously for the first board exam
✔ Use the time after the first attempt to improve weak areas
✔ Don't panic – two attempts = two chances to shine!
✔ Discuss your plan with teachers and parents
✔ Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing answers

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📌 Final Thoughts

The CBSE twice-a-year board exam system is a student-friendly step that gives flexibility, reduces pressure, and supports better learning. With the right approach, it can help students perform better without fear.

👉 So gear up, plan smart, and remember – you now have two chances to succeed!

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🔁 Share this blog with fellow parents, teachers, and students to spread awareness about this important change.