CBSE Board Exams 2026 Begin February 17 with Major Rule Changes and Two-Attempt System

The CBSE Board Exams 2026 for Class 10 and Class 12 will begin on February 17, 2026, marking one of the most significant exam seasons in recent years due to new reforms aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Class 10 exams are expected to conclude around March 11, while Class 12 examinations will continue until April 10, 2026. A key highlight of the CBSE Board Exams 2026 is the introduction of a two-exam system for Class 10 students, designed to reduce exam pressure and allow performance improvement opportunities.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 Schedule and Examination Structure

Under the updated format of CBSE Board Exams 2026:

• Both Class 10 and Class 12 exams will start on February 17.
• Class 10 main exams will run until early March
• Class 12 exams will continue until April 10.
• The second phase for Class 10 students will be conducted from May 15 to June 1, 2026.
• Both exam phases will cover the same syllabus and be held in offline, pen-and-paper mode at designated centres across India and abroad.

Check the complete CBSE Date Sheet of 10th and 12th.

Two-Attempt System with First Exam Mandatory

One of the biggest reforms in CBSE Board Exams 2026 is the two-exam system for Class 10. The first exam is compulsory for all registered students, while the second attempt is optional and intended only for score improvement.

CBSE has clearly stated that the improvement exam is not meant to be treated as a backup attempt. For final results, the better score between the two attempts will be considered.

Improvement Rules and Subject Limits

In the second phase of CBSE Board Exams 2026, students can reattempt up to three subjects to improve their performance. Students who fail in one or two subjects in the first attempt will be allowed to appear for those subjects in the improvement exam.

However, students failing or absent in three or more subjects will not be eligible for the second attempt and must reappear in the next year’s exams as Essential Repeat candidates.

Internal Assessment and Attendance Guidelines

CBSE has strengthened internal assessment policies for CBSE Board Exams 2026, making them a continuous two-year process rather than a one-time evaluation. Schools are required to maintain transparency and accuracy in internal marks. Additionally, the minimum attendance requirement of 75% remains mandatory for students to be eligible to appear in the board exams.

Answer Writing Rules and Guidelines

New answer-writing instructions have been emphasized for CBSE Board Exams 2026, especially in subjects like Science and Social Science. Students must write answers in the correct section—such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or History, Civics, Geography, and Economics—to avoid unnecessary mark deductions caused by misplaced responses.

New Rules for Private Candidates in CBSE Board Exams 2026

From 2026 onward, private candidates appearing in CBSE Board Exams 2026 can only attempt subjects they were previously registered for. They are not permitted to add new subjects during reattempts, ensuring consistency and parity with regular candidates.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 Reforms Aim to Reduce Pressure and Promote Continuous Learning

The reforms introduced in CBSE Board Exams 2026 are part of CBSE’s broader effort to align assessments with NEP 2020 goals. The new system focuses on reducing high-stakes exam pressure, promoting continuous evaluation, and providing flexibility through improvement opportunities while maintaining academic standards.

Written by Shreoshree Chakrabarty

Shreoshree Chakrabarty is an experienced content writer with over five years of professional expertise in creating engaging and impactful content across diverse formats. Over the course of her career, she has collaborated with well-known brands such as Myntra and Justdial, contributing high-quality content that aligns with brand voice and audience expectations. Academically, Shreoshree holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication, and outside of her professional pursuits, she is an avid reader and a passionate traveller who enjoys exploring new places and cultures. She also loves watching movies, finding inspiration in cinema and literature that often reflects in her writing style.

View all posts →