The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has unveiled a draft scheme for the 2026 Class 10 and 12 board exams, introducing major reforms aimed at providing greater flexibility, offering more student choices, and reducing academic pressure. These changes align with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on competency-based learning and student well-being.
Here are the key reforms :
- Multiple Exam Opportunities:
The students of classes 10 and 12 will be given two exam opportunities in an academic year. The first is the Main Examination, the standard exam for all students, while the second is the Improvement Examination, allowing students to retake the exams if they wish to improve their scores.
According to the draft schedule, the CBSE Class 10 board exams will begin on February 17, 2026, while the CBSE Class 12 board exams will be spread across multiple phases. For students appearing in the Improvement Examination, the second phase will commence in May 2026, with results expected by June 30, 2026.
- Inclusion of Punjabi as a Regional Language:
Punjabi will be added as a regional language option in the revised exam scheme, effective from next year. This expansion will allow students to select one regional or foreign language for their exams, in line with the scheme’s objective of providing more language choices.
- Revised Exam Schedule and Subject Grouping:
The 2026 board exams are scheduled to begin on the first Tuesday after February 15, 2026. Around 26.60 lakh students are expected to sit for the Class 10 exams, while approximately 20 lakh students will appear for the Class 12 exams.
The exam schedule will feature fixed dates for core subjects like Science, Mathematics, Social Science, Hindi, and English. Other subjects will be grouped into two categories—Regional and Foreign Languages and Remaining Subjects—with exam dates planned accordingly.
- Modular Board Exams:
Another notable proposal is the introduction of modular exams, which will test smaller portions of the syllabus and can be taken immediately after completing a course. This approach aims to spread academic pressure throughout the year, allowing students to focus on specific sections of their studies.
- Two-Level Examination for Core Subjects:
For subjects like Mathematics, students may have the option to take the exam at Standard or Higher levels, based on their academic abilities. This move is designed to accommodate a wider range of student capabilities.
- Revised Question Paper Format:
Some exams may feature two sections: one with objective multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and another with descriptive-type questions. This format aims to test students on both their theoretical understanding and practical knowledge.
Additional Guidelines and Reforms:
- Practical/Internal Assessments will be conducted only once, and scores will carry forward for improvement exams.
- Merit Certificates will be issued to students who qualify all subjects in the second examination.
- Performance Records will be available in DigiLocker for easy access by students and institutions.
- No Self-Centres: Examination centers will be assigned, and students will not appear in their own schools.
- Standard Examination Fees: The fees for both exam attempts will be collected upfront and are non-refundable.
As these reforms are still in draft form, they will undergo further review before being finalized. However, they represent a step towards transforming the CBSE board examination system and creating a more student-friendly and flexible assessment model.
