Education – CBSE Makes First Board Exam Mandatory From 2026
Education – The Central Board of Secondary Education has announced that appearing in the first board examination will be compulsory for all Class 10 students starting in 2026.
The Central Board of Secondary Education has issued a clear directive stating that every Class 10 student must sit for the first board examination under the new dual-exam system set to begin in 2026. The clarification comes after the board received several representations from schools and parents requesting flexibility for students unable to appear in the initial phase.
Two-Exam Format to Begin in 2026
From the academic year 2026, CBSE will introduce a system allowing two board examinations for Class 10 within the same academic session. The initiative is designed to offer students an opportunity to improve their performance without waiting an entire year. However, officials have now emphasized that participation in the first examination is not optional.
According to the board, the second examination is meant only as a chance for performance improvement and not as an alternative entry point for students who skip the first exam.
Attendance Requirement Clearly Defined
CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj explained that all students must appear in the first board examination. Only those who qualify after the first phase will be eligible to take the second examination to improve scores in up to three subjects.
Students may choose from subjects such as Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages for improvement. The board clarified that this option is limited to students who have successfully appeared in the first edition of the exam.
Essential Repeat Category for Absentees
The board has also introduced strict conditions for those who fail to meet the minimum participation requirement. If a student does not appear in at least three subjects during the first board examination, they will not be allowed to sit for the second edition.
Such students will be placed in the “Essential Repeat” category. This means they will have to wait until the next academic year to reappear for the main board examination, which is typically conducted in February.
Officials indicated that this measure is aimed at maintaining academic discipline while ensuring that the second examination remains a structured improvement opportunity rather than a substitute.
Reason Behind the Clarification
The latest clarification follows multiple requests received by the board. Some schools and families had sought permission for students to skip the first board exam due to personal or unforeseen circumstances and instead appear directly in the second phase.
CBSE has now made it clear that the framework does not allow such flexibility. The board maintains that the first examination is the primary assessment, and the second is designed only for students seeking better scores.
Focus on Academic Stability
Education experts believe the move provides clarity ahead of the implementation of the dual-exam system. By making the first examination mandatory, CBSE aims to prevent confusion and ensure uniform participation across affiliated schools.
The board has advised schools to communicate the updated rules clearly to students and parents to avoid misunderstandings once the new format is rolled out in 2026.
With these guidelines now formally stated, students preparing for future board examinations will need to plan accordingly. The introduction of two exams offers added flexibility for score improvement, but the requirement to appear in the first phase remains firm.