CBSE to conduct class X board exams twice a year from 2026

New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved draft rules to hold class X board exams twice a year starting in 2026. The draft rules are open for public review, and stakeholders can submit suggestions and objections by March 9, officials said. The policy will be finalized after considering the feedback.

As per the draft, the first phase of exams will be conducted from February 17 to March 6, while the second phase will be held from May 5 to 20. “Both exams will cover the entire syllabus, and candidates will be assigned the same examination center for both,” a senior board official said.

The board has also decided to increase the examination fee, which must be paid for both exams at the time of application. Additionally, the first and second editions of the exams will serve as supplementary exams, and no special exams will be conducted under any circumstances, officials added.

The move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), which recommended allowing students to take board exams twice a year to reduce the “high stakes” pressure associated with a single annual exam.