The Central Board of Secondary Education has launched a draft scheme for conducting board exams at the Class 10 and 12 levels starting in 2026. The assessment reforms aim to develop tools that enhance student flexibility while reducing pressure and incorporating competency-based assessment methods for a more holistic evaluation. This revised pattern aligns with the policies outlined in NEP 2020, aiming to create exams that benefit students while decreasing their reliance on rote memorization and external coaching. The primary objective of the new CBSE exam pattern is to address student stress caused by the high stakes of board exams. Previously, students had only one opportunity to perform, leading to significant academic pressure and fueling a thriving coaching industry.
To alleviate this concern, CBSE has introduced a second examination session within the same academic year, ensuring that students are not solely dependent on a single test for their performance evaluation.
As per the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020, students will have an opportunity to improve their performance in Board Examinations.
— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) February 26, 2025
A meeting chaired by Hon’ble Minister of Education discussed:
1️⃣ From 2025-26, two Board Examinations will be conducted for… pic.twitter.com/sUI6pvEklK
Key Changes
A key change in the CBSE board exams is the introduction of two exam sessions each academic year for Class 10 and Class 12 students, as reported by Times of India.
The two stages include:
- Main Examination: The first stage will be done as per the regular process.
- Improvement Examination: In the second stage, there will be opportunity for the candidates who wish to improve their performance.
Students who achieved not enough results in their first stage of examination can take advantage of the second examination before being required to repeat an academic year. By introducing additional exams, the actual pressure of a single decisive test situation decreases.
Also Read: CBSE Board Exams 2025 FAQs: Worried About Exam Queries? All Your Questions Answered
