🧑🎓 CBSE Makes First Class 10 Board Exam Mandatory

Kokila Chokkanathan
The Central Board of Secondary education (CBSE) has clarified its policy for the new two-board exam system for Class 10, introduced starting 2026. Under this new format:

  • Attendance in the first board exam is compulsory for all Class 10 students.
  • Students who don’t appear in at least three subjects in the first examination will be termed “essential repeat” and will not be permitted to take the second board exam.
  • Those placed in the “essential repeat” category must wait and reappear in the main board exams the following year (February).
This rule aims to ensure that students take the first board exam seriously and treat it as the primary assessment, rather than assuming they can skip it and catch up in the second.

📅 Two-Exam System Explained

Starting from the 2026 board exams, CBSE will conduct two separate board examinations for Class 10 on the same syllabus:

  • First Board Exam: Mid-February to early March
  • Second Board Exam: Mid-May to june (optional)
The second exam is designed to allow students to improve their scores or clear specific subjects through the compartment or improvement category. It is not a substitute for the first exam, and you cannot appear in the second board exam without taking the first one.

🔁 Who Can Sit for the Second Board Exam?

CBSE has outlined the categories of students eligible to appear in the second board exam:

Improvement Category:

Students who passed the first exam but want a better score can improve in up to three main subjects (Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages).

Compartment Category:

Students who received a compartment in one or more subjects in the first exam can take the second exam to clear those subjects.

Combination Cases:

Students who both want to improve and clear compartments (within allowed limits) may also appear.

However, additional subjects or stand-alone subjects will not be permitted after passing Class 10 under this rule.

📌 Consequences of Missing the First Exam

CBSE has warned that:

  • Failing to appear in three or more subjects in the first examination means no eligibility for the second exam.
  • Students in this situation are classified as “essential repeat” and must retake the board exams only in the next year’s main session.
  • Requests for exceptions (for personal or medical reasons) will not be entertained for eligibility in the second exam if the minimum attempt requirement is not met.
This clarification was issued in response to queries from students and parents seeking flexibility in the two-exam structure.

📝 Why CBSE Introduced This Rule

The two-exam system for Class 10 is part of larger reforms recommended under the National education Policy (NEP) 2020. The aim is to:

  • Reduce high-stakes pressure on a single exam
  • Encourage continuous learning and improvement
  • Provide students with an opportunity to better their performance
  • Align board examinations with a more holistic, competency-based assessment model
📌 Summary — Key Points students Should Know

  • First Class 10 board exam is compulsory.
  • Second exam is optional but only for improvement or compartment purposes.
  • Missing three or more subjects in the first exam leads to “essential repeat” status, barring students from the second exam.
  • Students with compartment results or past passes can take the second exam under specific categories.
  • No new or stand-alone subjects can be added after passing Class 10.
 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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