Significant changes are about to be implemented for students under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) as they now have the opportunity to take their tenth-grade examinations twice in a year. The scheduled change will take place starting in the academic year of 2025–26 where students will be able to attempt their board examinations once in February and again in May. This development comes due to the reforms made under NEP (National Education Policy) 2020 ([livemint.com][1]).
Every student is est to attend the mid-February examination for their first session. Attempts made post this first exam are optional and can allow students to retake another test during May with improvements scored in up until three subjects including Science, Maths, Social Science, or languages ([financialexpress.com][2], [livemint.com][1]).
Both sessions can help students improve through full syllabi coverage. However, internal and practical assessments continue to adhere to a yearly schedule ([reddit.com][3], [livemint.com][1]).
Results of the February conducted exams will yield results by April while September tests scorecards will be released in June ([livemint.com][1]).
Best Score Mode
In the optional attempt, students may select a maximum of three subjects to rewrite and will receive the best score from both attempts ([businesstoday.in][4], [indiatoday.in][5]).
Reducing High-Stakes Pressure
Students are now able to demonstrate their knowledge more comfortably in multiple sessions as opposed to performing under intense pressure in a single intense exam situation. This shift moves away from sharpened focus on rote learning towards deeper understanding ([indiatoday.in][5], [reddit.com][6]).
Supporting Student Well-Being
Edicators have labeled this shift as “rooted in compassion.” A structure of this nature permits students to manage stressors easily. For example, if there is an illness or an unexpected interruption, it allows retake without having to dispense with an entire academic cycle ([vjps.co.in][7]).
Policy Alignment
This is in sync with NEP 2020 which advocates for flexible assessment using competenc-based evaluation systems and emphasizes comprehensive learning ([businesstoday.in][4]).
Students & Parents
“It’s something many students were looking forward to,” said one student who appreciates getting chances immediately instead of waiting longer for desired outcomes. ([indiatoday.in][5]).
Educators' Concerns
Several Heads of Schools expressed concern over some implementation aspects like teacher workload, readiness of exam centers, tighter schedules, overlap with classes and routine timings(mainstream timetable).
By focusing on effective and proactive school exam transition strategies, institutions have a chance to differentiate themselves. The Best school in Gurgaon would literally shine by offering holistic mentorship, assessment-adaptive workshops, and wellness services catering to wellbeing. These support provided would assuredly enable students to face the two-exam model with confidence.
Q1. When does this new format begin?
Q2. Can I reattempt all subjects?
Q3. What about marks calculation?
Q4. Will we have to pay extra?
Final thoughts
CBSE's decision to introduce two annual Class 10 board exams starting in 2026 is a significant shift towards a more student-friendly, low-stress evaluation system. While implementation details like planning, teacher prep blitzes, and admin coordination will be determining factors for its success, it provides an equitable second opportunity window for students across India in a single academic year.
Such a school that takes early initiative to these changes alongside rigorous student and wellness programs stands out as the Best school in Gurgaon.
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