CBSE Class 10 two board exams 2027: appearing in first exam is mandatory
In short
- All CBSE Class 10 students must appear in the first board examination in February-March 2027.
- Students can opt for a second examination in May 2027 to improve performance in up to three subjects.
- The best score from the two attempts per subject will be considered for the final marksheet.
- Passing documents and merit certificates will be issued only after the results of the second examinations in June 2027.
- Internal assessment marks are finalised before the first exam and cannot be improved in the second attempt.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is expected to conduct two board examinations for Class 10 in the 2027 examination cycle across India. This two-exam policy, introduced by CBSE from the 2026 exam session, aims to reduce the ‘high stakes’ nature of board exams, as recommended by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The policy allows students to take board exams on up to two occasions, one main examination and one for improvement, if desired. For the 2027 cycle, it is mandatory for all Class 10 students to appear in the first board examination, with the second being optional for improvement in specific subjects.
Mandatory Participation in First Examination
As per CBSE notifications, appearing in the first board examination is compulsory for all Class 10 students. This initial examination will cover the full syllabus for the year, with the scheme of studies and examination remaining consistent for both attempts. The first examination is expected to take place between February and March 2027, similar to the 2026 cycle which ran from February 17 to March 11.
The results of the first examinations are scheduled to be declared in April 2027. Students can use these results for provisional admission to Class 11 if they choose not to appear in the second examination. However, passing documents and merit certificates will only be issued after the results of the second examinations are declared.
Opportunity for Improvement in Second Examination
Class 10 students will have the opportunity to improve their performance in up to three subjects during the second board examination, which is expected in May 2027. This applies to all passed and eligible students who wish to enhance their scores in Science, Mathematics, Social Sciences, and languages. The best score from the two attempts per subject will be automatically considered for the final marksheet.
Students whose result in the first examination is ‘Compartment’ will also be allowed to appear in the second exam under the ‘Compartment’ category. The second examination will also be conducted on the full syllabus, with the same scheme of studies and examinations as the first. The results for the second examinations are anticipated in June 2027.
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| September 2026 | Schools submit List of Candidates (LOC), finalising subject choices. |
| November 2026 to January 2027 | Practical exams and internal assessment window. These 20 marks per subject are finalised here and carry forward to the second exam. They are not redone. |
| February to March 2027 | First exam (compulsory). Every Class 10 student must appear. Full syllabus, all subjects. Expected to begin around February 15 based on the 2026 cycle. |
| April 2027 | First exam results. Students see actual marks and decide which subjects, if any, to reattempt. Provisional Class 11 admission using this result is possible now. |
| May 2027 | Second exam (optional). Up to three subjects can be reattempted. Best-score rule applies. Only theory papers are written. |
| June 2027 | Final consolidated marksheet issued by CBSE showing best-of-two score per subject. Students with provisional Class 11 admission submit this to confirm the seat. |
Eligibility and Ineligibility for Second Examination
Eligibility for the second examination is subject to specific criteria outlined by CBSE. Students must have appeared in at least three examinations in their first main exam to be eligible. Those who have passed Class 10 are eligible for improvement in the second exam. Students placed in the Compartment category, including those from the 2026 examination, are also eligible.
However, certain categories of students are not eligible for the second board examination. This includes students who have not appeared in three or more subjects in the 2027 main examination, those who have failed in three or more subjects in the first examination, and students placed in the ER (Essential Repeat) category. Such students will only be allowed to appear in the main examination the following year.
| Category |
|---|
| A student must have appeared in at least three examinations in their first main exam |
| Must have passed Class 10 for appearing in improvement |
| A student placed in Compartment category |
| Students placed in the Compartment category in the 2026 examination |
| Compartment + Improvement |
| First/third chance compartment |
| Sports students given permission by the board |
| Improvement for students passed by the replacement of a subject |
| Category |
|---|
| Students who have not appeared in three or more subjects in the 2027 main examination |
| Those who have failed in three or more subjects in the first examination |
| Students placed in the ER category |
Internal Assessment and Post-Result Facilities
Internal assessment will be conducted only once, prior to the main examinations, and these marks cannot be improved in the second examination, according to CBSE notifications. Practical exams and internal assessment marks, which constitute a 20-mark component per subject, are finalized during the November 2026 to January 2027 window and carry forward to the second exam. Only the 80-mark theory paper can be reattempted in the second examination.
Passing documents and merit certificates will be issued by CBSE only after the results of the second examinations are declared in June 2027. Facilities for photocopy, verification, and re-evaluation will also be available exclusively after the declaration of the second examination results for both attempts. Students who are not qualified in the main examination will be allowed provisional admission in Class 11, which will be confirmed based on the result of the second examination.
Further reading
📰 More Education News
- Railway NTPC 2026 graduate recruitment begins today for 3,548 posts; apply by 6 NovemberOct 9, 2026 • Nishit Kumar
- ICFAI Mizoram 2026: Apply by July 24 for BBA Hospitality & Tourism admissionsOct 9, 2026 • Nishit Kumar
- COMEDK UGET 2027: Apply with 45% PCM, no age limit, new subjectsOct 9, 2026 • Nishit Kumar
- Karnataka PGCET 2026 counselling: fee payment, seat confirmation deadline extended to October 12Oct 9, 2026 • Nishit Kumar
