CBSE to Hold Class X Board Exams Twice a Year from 2026-By Seema Khanna

CBSE to Hold Class X Board Exams Twice a Year from 2026-By Seema Khanna

A New Era of CBSE Board Exams – Stress-Free and Flexible! , Feb-19-2025

CBSE to Conduct Class X Board Exams Twice a Year from 2026- Source Times of India dated 19.02.2024

 

A Step Towards a Stress-Free and Flexible Education System

 

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a major reform in its examination system, introducing twice-a-year board exams for Class X students from 2026. Additionally, CBSE will launch its Global Curriculum for 260 affiliated foreign schools starting from the 2026-2027 academic session.

 

This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes a flexible, student-centric approach to learning and evaluation. The Education Ministry, led by Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, recently held discussions with CBSE officials, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) to finalize the draft policies. These proposals will be open for public consultation from Monday.

 

Key Features of the New CBSE Board Exam System

 

1. Twice-a-Year Exams: Students will have the opportunity to appear for board exams twice a year and retain their best score.

 

 

2. Reduced Exam Stress: The reform aims to eliminate the high-stakes pressure of a single final exam, allowing students to improve their performance in a more relaxed environment.

 

 

3. Competency-Based Evaluations: The focus will shift from rote memorization to conceptual understanding and skill mastery, in line with global best practices like the SAT system in the U.S.

 

 

4. Increased Inclusivity: The policy supports students facing exam anxiety, illness, or other challenges by providing multiple chances to showcase their abilities.

 

 

5. Enhanced Teacher Training: CBSE is preparing educators to adapt to this progressive assessment model for a smooth transition.

 

 

 

CBSE Global Curriculum for Foreign Schools

 

Starting from 2026-2027, CBSE will introduce a Global Curriculum for its 260 affiliated foreign schools. This curriculum will integrate core Indian subjects while maintaining a global perspective to cater to international education standards.

 

Minister Pradhan emphasized that this reform is a crucial step toward a stress-free and balanced learning environment. "By offering multiple attempts, we aim to create a supportive education system where students can focus on their growth, learning, and overall development rather than just exam performance," he stated.

 

With these transformative changes, CBSE is paving the way for a more flexible, inclusive, and student-friendly education system, ensuring students are better prepared for future academic and career opportunities.