Is The May Attempt Compulsory In CBSE’s New Board Exam System? Who’s Eligible? FAQs Inside
Share this article:
Starting 2026, Class 10 students under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will face a new two-phase board examination system. In accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) recommendations, students will appear for their first exam in February. If they are unsatisfied with their performance, they will have the option to retake up to three subjects in May. This new model aims to reduce stress and give students a second chance to improve their scores.
Key FAQs About the Two-Phase CBSE Board Exams
CBSE has officially adopted the policy to conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year, beginning with the 2025-26 academic session. As per CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj, the February attempt will be the main exam, followed by an optional improvement exam in May. Results for the first phase will be released in April, and for the second phase in June.
Is the February Attempt Mandatory for Everyone?
Yes, all Class 10 students must appear for the February exam. According to CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh, “The intention is to ensure students take the first exam seriously and uphold the sanctity of the board examination.” This makes the February phase the primary evaluation attempt.
Is the May Attempt Compulsory Too? Who Can Take It?
What About Compartment and Sports Cases?
Students who receive a compartment result in the February phase will be allowed to retake those specific subjects in May under the compartment category. Furthermore, students who miss the February exam due to participation in sports events will be allowed to appear for those subjects in May.
Are All Subjects Included in the May Exam?
No, students can only choose up to three subjects to improve in May. The eligible subjects include:
Will the Syllabus Be Different for Each Attempt?
No, both February and May examinations will cover the entire annual syllabus. The scheme of studies and examination pattern will remain unchanged for both phases. However, internal assessments will only be conducted once before the main February exam.
Is This System Also for Class 12 Students?
At present, the dual-board exam policy applies only to Class 10 students. There is no such provision for Class 12 under the current CBSE framework.
What Will Appear on the Marksheet?
Only the higher score between the two attempts (February and May) will be included in the final marksheet. The lower score will not be shown or recorded.
When Will the Results Be Announced?
This schedule allows students to plan better and make decisions regarding future academic paths with adequate time.
Key FAQs About the Two-Phase CBSE Board Exams
What Has CBSE Announced?
CBSE has officially adopted the policy to conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year, beginning with the 2025-26 academic session. As per CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj, the February attempt will be the main exam, followed by an optional improvement exam in May. Results for the first phase will be released in April, and for the second phase in June.
Is the February Attempt Mandatory for Everyone?
Yes, all Class 10 students must appear for the February exam. According to CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh, “The intention is to ensure students take the first exam seriously and uphold the sanctity of the board examination.” This makes the February phase the primary evaluation attempt.
Is the May Attempt Compulsory Too? Who Can Take It?
What About Compartment and Sports Cases?
Students who receive a compartment result in the February phase will be allowed to retake those specific subjects in May under the compartment category. Furthermore, students who miss the February exam due to participation in sports events will be allowed to appear for those subjects in May.
Are All Subjects Included in the May Exam?
No, students can only choose up to three subjects to improve in May. The eligible subjects include:
- Science
- Mathematics
- Social Science
- Languages
Will the Syllabus Be Different for Each Attempt?
No, both February and May examinations will cover the entire annual syllabus. The scheme of studies and examination pattern will remain unchanged for both phases. However, internal assessments will only be conducted once before the main February exam.
Is This System Also for Class 12 Students?
At present, the dual-board exam policy applies only to Class 10 students. There is no such provision for Class 12 under the current CBSE framework.
What Will Appear on the Marksheet?
Only the higher score between the two attempts (February and May) will be included in the final marksheet. The lower score will not be shown or recorded.
When Will the Results Be Announced?
- February Exam Results: April
- May Exam Results: June
This schedule allows students to plan better and make decisions regarding future academic paths with adequate time.
Next Story