CBSE Introduces New Exam Provisions for Students in Sports and Olympiads
Ranchi: Students who are participating in national and international sports competitions or olympiads can now avail special provisions of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class X board examinations in 2026.
CBSE clarified that students whose competitions coincide with the first phase of examinations will be permitted to appear for affected subjects in the subsequent phase. Earlier, such students applied separately to the board for special examinations. However, under the revised policy, no separate exams will be conducted. Instead, students will be able to take the subject in the second examination phase if their sports or olympiad events clash with the first. However, official approval from CBSE will still be required for those opting out of the first exam phase.
The Class X board exams will be held in two phases - February and May. Students unsatisfied with their performance in the first exam or those unable to appear due to unavoidable circumstances will also have the option to take the examination in the second phase.
Jaya Chauhan, Principal of Delhi Public School (DPS), stated, “CBSE is now recognising olympiads as a part of the regular curriculum. This recognition has already benefited thousands of students in securing admission to IITs and excelling in competitive exams like JEE Main. The board’s decision will not only ease pressure but also create space for students to perform well in both academics and extracurriculars. It is a positive step for students’ overall development.”
The CBSE guidelines further stipulate that students must apply for the main examination, with the list of candidates for those participating in sports and olympiads to be submitted by September 30. The board also specified that if a student, after appearing in the second board exam, is placed in the compartmental category, their compartmental examination will be conducted in February or March in the following year.
CBSE clarified that students whose competitions coincide with the first phase of examinations will be permitted to appear for affected subjects in the subsequent phase. Earlier, such students applied separately to the board for special examinations. However, under the revised policy, no separate exams will be conducted. Instead, students will be able to take the subject in the second examination phase if their sports or olympiad events clash with the first. However, official approval from CBSE will still be required for those opting out of the first exam phase.
The Class X board exams will be held in two phases - February and May. Students unsatisfied with their performance in the first exam or those unable to appear due to unavoidable circumstances will also have the option to take the examination in the second phase.
Jaya Chauhan, Principal of Delhi Public School (DPS), stated, “CBSE is now recognising olympiads as a part of the regular curriculum. This recognition has already benefited thousands of students in securing admission to IITs and excelling in competitive exams like JEE Main. The board’s decision will not only ease pressure but also create space for students to perform well in both academics and extracurriculars. It is a positive step for students’ overall development.”
The CBSE guidelines further stipulate that students must apply for the main examination, with the list of candidates for those participating in sports and olympiads to be submitted by September 30. The board also specified that if a student, after appearing in the second board exam, is placed in the compartmental category, their compartmental examination will be conducted in February or March in the following year.
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