The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has proposed a new draft policy that would allow Class X students to choose when they want to appear for board exams starting in 2026. According to the proposal, students could select between two exam slots — the first from February 17 to March 6 and the second from May 5 to May 20. The policy also allows students to take both exams and have their best score counted.
The proposal has sparked mixed reactions from parents, students, and educators. While some believe it will reduce stress by providing more flexibility, others are concerned about the impact on academic schedules, resources, and student well-being.
Proposed Changes and Rationale
CBSE’s draft policy aims to reduce the stress and pressure associated with board exams by giving students the flexibility to choose when they appear for their exams. Key elements of the proposal include:
- Two Exam Slots: Students can choose to appear in one of two exam slots or take both exams, with the higher score being considered.
- Flexible Scheduling: The first slot would be held between February 17 and March 6 and the second between May 5 and May 20.
- Best Score Retained: If a student takes both exams, the higher score will be retained in their final mark sheet.
- Early Registration: Students currently in Class IX will need to decide their exam slot preference by September 2025.
Support for the Proposal
Many educators and parents have welcomed the proposal, highlighting its potential to reduce exam-related stress and improve student performance.
- Dharamvir Singh, former principal of Sri Guru Harkrishan Senior Secondary Public School and former chairman of the Amritsar Sahodaya Schools Complex, noted that the two-exam system could help reduce stress, especially for average students. “The introduction of a two-exam system for board classes could lead to a greater burden on resources, but it would reduce stress and anxiety among students, especially average scorers,” Singh said.
- Dr Manisha Behal, a mother and educator, supported the idea of reducing stress levels through a second exam opportunity. She recalled how the pressure of board exams had affected her daughter’s health and mental well-being. “Prolonged study hours reflected in my daughter’s health, diminishing her weight and making her more introverted. A flexible exam window could help reduce such stress,” she said.
Concerns and Criticism
While some stakeholders welcomed the flexibility, others raised concerns about the impact on academic schedules and student well-being.
- Drishti, a Class XI student, highlighted how the second exam session might delay the academic cycle. “If students opt for the second exam in May, admissions to the next class could be delayed by up to three months, affecting preparation time for future academic sessions,” she said.
- Educators have also expressed concern about the strain on teaching staff and infrastructure. Increased workload related to exam preparation, evaluation, and logistics could place additional pressure on schools and teachers.
Impact on Academic Calendar
If implemented, the two-exam policy could significantly alter the academic calendar:
- Admissions to higher classes might be pushed to June or July if the second exam session is held in May.
- Summer vacations and new academic sessions may need to be adjusted to accommodate the delayed results.
- Students opting for competitive exams, including JEE and NEET, may face scheduling conflicts if the academic year is extended.
Student and Parent Perspectives
Parents and students have expressed mixed views on the proposal:
- Some parents believe that having two exam slots could help students better manage their exam anxiety and improve performance.
- However, students are concerned that taking both exams could lead to increased stress and extended preparation periods.
Conclusion
CBSE’s proposal to introduce two exam slots for Class X board exams from 2026 has generated mixed responses from students, parents, and educators. While the increased flexibility may reduce exam-related stress, concerns about delayed academic schedules, increased workload, and student well-being remain. CBSE is currently gathering public feedback on the proposal before finalizing the policy. The outcome will likely shape how board exams are conducted in the future.
