CBSE Proposes Two-Phase Class 10 Board Exams Starting 2026
Table of Contents
- 1. CBSE Proposes Two-Phase Class 10 Board Exams Starting 2026
- 2. Key Changes to the Exam Structure
- 3. How the Two-Phase System Works
- 4. Exam Schedule and Result Declaration
- 5. Impact and Implications
- 6. How might the two-phase exam system impact students’ academic performance?
- 7. Exclusive: Unraveling the CBSE’s Two-Phase Board Exams with Dr. Kavita Singh
- 8. Key Changes in the Proposed Exam Structure
- 9. Understanding the Two-Phase System
- 10. Exam Schedule and Result Declaration
- 11. Impact and Implications
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is considering a significant change to the Class 10 board exams, proposing a two-phase examination system starting in 2026. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to reduce the stress associated with high-stakes testing.
Key Changes to the Exam Structure
Under the proposed plan, students will have the option to take the Class 10 board exams in two phases. The first phase is scheduled from Feb. 17 to March 6, and the second from May 5 to May 20. This compresses the exam period to 16-18 days per phase, significantly shorter than the current 32-day duration. A senior CBSE official stated, “We want to finalise the plan before the new academic session begins for Class 10 students in April.”
- Two Opportunities: Students can choose to appear for one or both exams.
- Score Improvement: If a student takes both exams, the best score will be reflected on the final marksheet.
- Reduced Intervals: Expect shorter gaps between papers, perhaps just one or two days.
How the Two-Phase System Works
The CBSE aims to provide versatility and reduce pressure on students by offering a second chance and the option to improve their scores. “After the results of the first exam are released, and if you are happy with your Social Science, English and Mathematics marks, you can opt out of these papers for the second exam and just sit for the remaining subjects.The final score card will reflect the best scores,” a source explained.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Registration: Students must register by September to indicate their preference for one or both exams.
- Opt-Out Option: After the first exam, students can “opt out” of subjects they are satisfied with for the second exam.
- Single Registration Option: Students can register only for the second exam, but in that case, “no further examination will be conducted.”
- Results and Documents: First exam results will be available on DigiLocker. Passing documents will only be issued after the second exam.
- Internal Assessments: internal assessments will be conducted only once, according to the draft norms.
Exam Schedule and Result Declaration
The proposed schedule for the Class 10 board exams is as follows:
- First Phase: Feb. 17 to March 6
- Second Phase: May 5 to May 20
Result dates are also tentatively set:
- First Exam Results: Expected by April 20
- Second Exam Results: expected by June 30
Impact and Implications
This change aligns with the NEP 2020, wich advocates for allowing students to take board exams on up to two occasions to “eliminate the high stakes aspect of board exams.” While the CBSE has been working to schedule two sets of exams without affecting the academic calendar, some challenges remain.
Other points to consider:
- Exam Centers: The same exam centers will be used for both phases.
- Fees: Exam fees will be enhanced and collected during registration for both exams.
- Feedback: The CBSE sought public feedback on it’s proposal until March 9 and will review and finalize the plan before the new academic session in April.
How might the two-phase exam system impact students’ academic performance?
Exclusive: Unraveling the CBSE’s Two-Phase Board Exams with Dr. Kavita Singh
In a meaningful shift aligning with the National Education Policy 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has proposed a two-phase examination system for Class 10 board exams, starting in 2026. To delve into the details of this reform, we spoke with Dr. Kavita Singh, a renowned educator and CBSE exam specialist. Here’s what she had to say.
Key Changes in the Proposed Exam Structure
Archyde: Dr. Singh, could you walk us through the key changes in the proposed Class 10 exam structure?
dr.Singh: Certainly! The CBSE is proposing a two-phase exam system for Class 10, which means students will have two opportunities to appear for their board exams. The frist phase is tentatively scheduled from February 17 to March 6, and the second phase from May 5 to May 20. Each phase will cover 8-9 subjects, reducing the exam period from the current 32 days to just 16-18 days per phase.
- Two Opportunities: Students can choose to appear for one or both exam phases.
- Best Score Counts: If a student appears for both exams, the final marksheet will reflect their best scores.
- Reduced Intervals: The gap between papers is expected to be shorter, perhaps just one or two days.
Understanding the Two-Phase System
Archyde: How will the two-phase system work for students?
Dr. Singh: The CBSE aims to provide versatility and reduce pressure on students by offering a second chance and the option to improve their scores. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Registration: Students must register by September,indicating their preference for one or both exams.
- Opt-Out Option: After the first exam results, students can ‘opt-out’ of subjects they’re satisfied with for the second exam, effectively retaking only the subjects they want to improve.
- Single Registration Option: Students can register only for the second exam, but no further examinations will be conducted post that.
- Results and Documents: First exam results will be available on DigiLocker. Passing documents will only be issued after the second exam.
- Internal Assessments: Thes will be conducted only once, according to the draft norms.
Exam Schedule and Result Declaration
Archyde: Could you share the proposed exam schedule and result declaration dates?
Dr. Singh: Sure! Here’s the proposed schedule:
- first Phase: February 17 to March 6
- Second Phase: May 5 to May 20
And the tentative result declaration dates are:
- First Exam Results: Expected by April 20
- Second Exam Results: expected by June 30
Impact and Implications
Archyde: What are the expected impacts and challenges of this new system?
Dr. Singh: this change aligns with NEP 2020’s goal to reduce the high-stakes aspect of board exams. It offers students flexibility and opportunities for betterment. However, challenges include scheduling two sets of exams without affecting the academic calendar and ensuring the same exam centers serve both phases.
The CBSE has sought public feedback until march 9 and will finalize the plan before the new academic session in April.
Archyde: Lastly,Dr. Singh, what’s your take on how this change might influence students’ academic pressure and performance?
Dr.Singh: I believe this two-phase system will substantially reduce the stress and pressure associated with yearly board exams. Students who perform poorly in the first phase will have a chance to redeem themselves, enhancing learning outcomes and ultimately benefiting their academic progress. It’s a win-win situation!
Dr. Kavita Singh, thank you for sharing your insights on this game-changing proposal. We hope this interview has provided our readers with a clear understanding of the impending changes in the CBSE Class 10 board exam system.
For further information and updates,keep an eye on the CBSE’s official website.
