The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced significant changes to its examination protocol, set to take effect starting with the 2026 academic year. The board plans to conduct board examinations twice each academic year, with the first round slated for February and the second round expected to be held in May. This change is largely aimed at improving student access to examinations and ensuring they have every opportunity to achieve their best possible scores.
Officials suggest the new schedule will allow students to participate in both exam rounds if they choose. Sources within the CBSE indicated, "Students will have the opportunity to take part in both rounds of exams and can opt for the second if they're not satisfied with the first". This marks a notable shift from the traditional single exam format, which placed heavy pressure on students to perform well all at once.
The idea behind this dual-exam structure has been well received, especially considering the many challenges students face when preparing for high-stakes assessments. According to reports, the first round of examinations will take place after all syllabus requirements have been met, with the scheduling set to accommodate winter weather constraints and various local practices, particularly for students across the diverse Indian landscapes.
Education Secretary Dharmendra Pradhan, during recent discussions with CBSE officials, mentioned the overarching goal of this new system is to streamline the examination and evaluation process. "The Education Ministry has instructed the board to draft the plans for feedback before finalizing the exam format," he said, indicating there is still some room for adjustments based on stakeholder input.
An additional facet of the new examination system is its innovative grading approach. Reportedly, rather than having students take compartmental exams, which currently occur for those who may not have passed the initial test, students will simply be able to retake their exams during the second round if they're not satisfied with their first scores. "Students' best scores will be taken if they opt for both exams," Pradhan explained. This considerably lessens the pressure and allows for greater flexibility, encouraging students to focus more on learning than merely testing.
The timeline for the exams is also structured to be more efficient. It is projected the entire testing process can be completed within one week to ten days, significantly minimizing the wait period students previously experienced. This approach is expected to lead to early results declaration, potentially within two months for the first exam held February. Traditionally, results have been declared later, often delaying the start of subsequent academic processes.
Another important change accompanying the introduction of these examinations is related to the curriculum. Starting from the 2026 academic year, CBSE aims to introduce both basic and standard courses for subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and Social Science for Class 9 and beyond. This reset intends to help students engage with the content at varying levels of complexity according to their capabilities.
During recent meetings addressing the transition, which included heads of institutions affiliated with CBSE, there was consensus on the necessity of needing time for preparation. "The final draft for the new examination system will be prepared and made public later," officials stated, indicating the need for key stakeholders to be involved and informed.
Both educators and policymakers believe these changes could vastly improve the educational experience for students, providing them with the opportunity to engage with the content deeply rather than merely memorizing material for high-stakes exams. The dynamics of education are shifting rapidly, and CBSE’s adaptation to these changes is seen as pivotal to fostering future generations of learners equipped to succeed.
Overall, the move to hold board exams twice yearly is not only seen as beneficial for student mental health and academic confidence but also as aligned with global educational practices adopted by multiple educational systems around the world. The CBSE is committed to enhancing the educational framework, ensuring student assessments moving forward are as equitable and effective as possible.