CBSE Exam Guidelines: CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) is introducing several changes in its examination system starting from the 2025-26 session, with full implementation in 2026 for Classes 10 & 12, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These aim to reduce stress, ensure continuous assessment, strengthen eligibility criteria, increase flexibility, and improve integrity.
Two Board Exams for Class 10
- From 2026, Class 10 students will have two chances to take the board exam every year.
- The first exam will be held in February and the second exam in May.
- Both exams will cover the entire year’s syllabus.
- The second exam is for students who want to improve their marks or those who missed/failed in one or two subjects.
- If a student is absent in three or more subjects in the first exam, they will be marked as “Essential Repeat” and cannot appear in the May exam. They will need to repeat the year.
Attendance Requirement
- Every student of Classes 10 and 12 must have at least 75 % attendance in the academic year.
- If attendance is below 75 %, the student will not be allowed to sit for the board exam unless CBSE approves a valid reason (like serious illness).
Internal Assessments are Compulsory
- Internal assessments, projects and practical work are mandatory.
- If a student skips these or does not submit the required work, CBSE will not declare the result even if the student appears for the written exam.
Two-Year Study Must be Complete
- Students of Classes 10 and 12 must complete two full years of study (Classes 9–10 or 11–12).
- Direct private admission to board classes without this two-year study will not be accepted.
Registration and Candidate Details
- Schools must register all students on CBSE’s Pariksha Sangam portal by the official deadlines.
- Students and parents should carefully check name spellings, date of birth, subjects and Apaar ID/Aadhaar details because mistakes are hard to correct later.
Subject Choice and Additional Subjects
- Students can choose additional subjects, but new rules limit this.
- Private candidates no longer have the option to add extra subjects after regular registration.
Special Facilities
- Students who represent the country or state in sports, Olympiads or other national/international events and whose schedules clash with exams may get special exam arrangements. Schools must inform CBSE early.
Open-Book Assessments
- CBSE is planning open-book tests for some classes and subjects in coming years.
- For 2026 boards, only pilots or trials may take place; full details will be announced later.
Consequences for Breaking Rules
- Students who fail to meet attendance, internal assessment or registration rules can be marked as Essential Repeat and must repeat the year.
- Mark sheets may be withheld until all requirements are completed.
What Students and Parents Should Do
- Attend school regularly to meet the 75 % attendance rule.
- Finish projects, practicals and internal tests on time.
- Check and correct details like names and Aadhaar/Apaar ID early.
- Plan carefully if you wish to use the second exam window for improvement.
- Stay in touch with the school for official circulars, exact dates and changes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CBSE Exam Guidelines 2026 exams create a clear and student-friendly system while keeping discipline and fairness strong. Firstly, students must maintain 75 % attendance, complete all projects and practicals, and check registration details early. Secondly, Class 10 students can use the two-exam option to improve marks or cover missed papers only if they meet all requirements. Moreover, these changes reduce exam stress, promote steady learning, and ensure transparent evaluation. Therefore, by attending classes regularly, finishing internal work on time, and verifying details like Aadhaar and Apaar ID, students can prepare confidently and achieve their best results without last-minute hurdles.
FAQs
1. How many times can I give Class 10 boards?
Ans: Twice – first in February, second in May, with the full syllabus both times.
2. Is Class 12 also twice a year?
Ans: No, Class 12 will have only one annual exam.
3. Minimum attendance needed according to CBSE Exam Guidelines?
Ans: 75 % attendance is compulsory to sit for the exam.
4. Are projects and practicals mandatory?
Ans: Yes, internal assessments and practicals are required; without them, CBSE won’t declare results.
5. Can I register privately?
Ans: No, you must complete two years of study (9–10 or 11–12) in a recognised school.
6. Can I add subjects later?
Ans: No, additional subjects must be finalised during registration.
My self Anita Sahani. I have completed my B.Com from Purbanchal College Silapathar. I am working in Dev Library as a Content Manager. A website that provides all SCERT, NCERT 3 to 12, and BA, B.com, B.Sc, and Computer Science with Post Graduate Notes & Suggestions, Novel, eBooks, Health, Finance, Biography, Quotes, Study Materials, and more.
