The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will implement a biannual board exam system for Class 10 from the 2026-27 academic session, allowing students to take exams in February and May. This significant shift aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to reduce exam pressure and promote competency-based learning over rote memorization.
Why CBSE is Introducing Two Exams Per Year?
The decision is based on key objectives outlined in NEP 2020, such as:
- Reducing high-stakes pressure by allowing multiple attempts
- Providing flexibility for students to improve their scores
- Encouraging conceptual understanding over memorization
- Aligning with global education systems, such as the SAT in the US, which permits multiple attempts
According to Anthony Fernandes, founder of Shaalaa.com, this change will enable students to take exams at their own pace and work on weak areas before a second attempt.
How Will This Benefit Students?
The biannual board exam system offers several advantages:
- Lower exam stress: Students facing anxiety will have another chance to improve their performance.
- Score improvement opportunities: Students can take difficult subjects in both attempts and retain the highest score.
- Balanced exam load: Students may choose to appear for some subjects in February and the rest in May, easing preparation burdens.
- Fairer evaluation: Students affected by illness or other issues during one attempt will have another opportunity to perform better.
Alka Kapur, Principal of Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, states that this system will encourage students to adopt a growth mindset, allowing them to assess their weaknesses and enhance their performance.
Challenges and Preparation Strategies
While the new system provides flexibility, it also comes with challenges:
- Delayed Class 11 session: Schools may have to adjust schedules due to extended board exam periods.
- Increased workload for teachers: Double assessment cycles could lead to additional responsibilities.
- Logistical difficulties: Exam centers will need to manage two board exam sessions annually.
To adapt to the new structure, students should:
- Start preparing early, as the first exam will take place in February
- Prioritize conceptual learning over rote memorization
- Evaluate their performance after the first exam and improve weaker areas
- Use mock tests and revision plans to track progress effectively
- Maintain a balanced study schedule to avoid burnout
The Road Ahead
The biannual CBSE Class 10 board exam system is a progressive step toward student-centric education, reducing stress while offering students a fairer chance to succeed. However, the success of this initiative will depend on efficient implementation, school infrastructure, and students’ ability to adapt to the revised exam schedule.
