The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an important clarification about its new two-board exam system for Class 10 students.
Starting from the academic year 2026, all Class 10 students must appear in the first board exam.
Without this, they will not be eligible to sit for the second exam.
This rule is part of CBSE’s new two-exam policy aimed at improving assessment standards.
First Board Exam Is Compulsory
There was confusion among schools, parents, and students about whether they could skip the first exam and directly appear for the second one.
CBSE has now made it clear: the first exam is mandatory for everyone.
If a student misses the first exam in three or more subjects, they will be placed in the “Essential Repeat” category.
This means they will not be allowed to appear for the second exam in the same academic year.
Such students will have to repeat the year and take the main exam next year.
The board has also stated that no exemptions will be given, even for medical or personal reasons.
How the Two-Exam System Works
Under the new system, students will get two chances every year:
The first is the main board exam.
The second is an opportunity to improve marks or clear compartment subjects.
However, only those who appear in the first exam can take the second one.
Students can use the second attempt to improve scores in subjects like Science, Mathematics, Social Science, or Languages.
But if a student is absent in three or more papers in the first exam, they cannot move to the second round.
Why CBSE Made This Change
This move is part of CBSE’s broader effort to strengthen academic standards and align with the National Education Policy.
By making the first exam compulsory, the board wants students to treat it as the main attempt.
The second exam is meant for improvement, not as a replacement for the first try.
With millions of students appearing for board exams every year, this clarification gives much-needed clarity to families preparing for the new system.
60-Word Summary
CBSE has clarified that from 2026, Class 10 students must appear in the first board exam to be eligible for the second attempt under the new two-exam policy.
Students missing three or more subjects in the first exam will fall under the “Essential Repeat” category and must repeat the year.
The second exam is meant only for improvement or compartment cases.
