eginning 2026-27, all Class 10 students must appear for a mandatory first board exam, which will be held around mid-February. Those who pass this exam will have the option to improve their scores by appearing for a second (optional) exam in up to three academic subjects, such as Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and two language papers.
The best scores from the two attempts will be considered in the final mark sheet, ensuring students get a fair chance to showcase their full potential.
“The second exam is purely optional and additional in nature,” said CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh.
🌈 Why This Matters
The move is designed to:
- Reduce exam-related stress
- Offer greater flexibility
- Allow students to learn and revise at their own pace
- Align Indian board exams with global best practices
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised the decision, calling it a student-centric reform that fosters a “joyful learning environment.”
📅 Timeline and Structure
- First Exam: Mid-February (mandatory for all)
- Results: April
- Second Exam (Improvement): May (optional)
- Improvement Results: June
This change also means no more improvement exams in July — streamlining the Class 11 admission process significantly.
📌 Key Rules to Know
- Only students who pass the first exam can opt for the second.
- Students can choose up to three subjects for improvement.
- Those who fail in three or more subjects will be marked as ‘Essential Repeat’ and can reappear only the next year.
- Students failing in one or two subjects will fall into the ‘Compartment’ category and can reappear in the second exam.
🧠 A Smarter System for Improvement
Previously, students could take improvement exams in just two subjects, including vocational ones. Under the new plan, CBSE focuses more on core academic subjects, helping students improve in areas that truly impact their higher education prospects.
“Offering improvement in up to three academic subjects gives students a 60% chance to boost their overall performance,” said Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, CBSE Controller of Examinations.
🎓 Special Provisions
- Sports quota students with event clashes will be allowed to take the second exam.
- Students from snow-bound regions (like Ladakh) can choose either the first or second attempt.
- Those who passed using replacement subjects can still attempt to pass the original subject if required for further studies.
🧾 Admission Made Easier
- Students who pass the first exam can use their Digilocker results for Class 11 admissions right away.
- Compartment students will be allowed provisional admission to Class 11, confirmed after their second exam results.
📌 Final Thoughts
This CBSE reform is a welcome change for students, parents, and educators alike. By offering two exam opportunities within the same year, it removes the high-stakes pressure of a single performance and promotes a healthier learning environment.
Brainix Academy supports this initiative and is ready to guide students through both exam phases with structured coaching, timely revisions, and performance tracking.
Let’s turn pressure into performance — together.