CBSE Class 10 Students Can Reattempt Three Subjects in New Dual-Exam System
During a webinar on November 20, officials announced that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will now allow Class 10 students to re-attempt up to three subjects – Science, Mathematics, Social Sciences and Languages - in a second optional examination to improve their scores. This move comes as part of the dual examination system introduced for the 2025-26 academic session under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
According to the board, Class 10 students will appear for two exam cycles every year. For those who want to improve their theoretical grades, the first exam will be held in February-March 2026, followed by an optional second exam in May 2026. The better of the two scores will be taken into account for the final result and students will be offered a structured opportunity to improve their performance.
However, the second exam will only be held in courses with an external assessment component of over 50%. Students who fail one or two subjects in the first exam can take the second exam in the compartment category. Those who are absent from three or more courses will be marked as follows: Basic Repetition and were barred from the attempt in May, requiring them to take the exam the following year.
CBSE chairman Rahul Singh stated that the board does not expect more than 40% of students to opt for the second exam and clarified that the initiatives cannot be divided into cycles to maintain the seriousness of the first exam.
February-March exam results will be announced in April, and May exam results will be announced in June to ensure timely admission to the school. Students can register for the second exam after receiving their first semester results.
The biennial examination system aims to reduce the pressure associated with board exams while giving students additional opportunities for academic development in line with NEP 2020 recommendations.
