Déjà vu for students as CBSE rolls out 2 board exams for Class 10, teachers back move
To align board exams with the National Education Policy 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will now offer Class 10 students the opportunity to appear for board exams twice. The decision will be implemented from the 2026 academic year.
The first board exam, conducted in February, is the main examination that students must appear for; however, the second exam is optional. In the second board exam, students will have to appear in any three subjects to improve their performance.
'Doing the full syllabus twice feels like déjà vu with added pressure. It's like finishing a marathon and being told to run it again — only this time, faster and better, said Chiranjita Talukdar, a Class 10 student from Guwahati.
On the other hand, a Class 9 student from Ajmer, Jeni Panchal, said that having two board exams is like a safety net. 'Earlier, one bad day or a health issue could ruin the exam and its preparation, but now there's a safety net. I will feel more confident going into the first exam, knowing I can learn from it and improve if needed,' she said.
For Talukdar, who juggles between her school, coaching, and dance classes, having an additional board exam in Class 10th feels like 'no relief'. 'A student has to stay exam-ready throughout the year. It's not just about learning anymore, but constantly performing, revising, and staying in that high-stakes mindset,' she said, claiming that it feels more tiring than empowering.
For students, it may be a déjà vu situation and a safety net, but for teachers, it is a mixed bag full of opportunities and a few challenges.
Caesar D'Silva, principal of the Global Indian International School, Ahmedabad, said it offers students a second chance to improve their scores, reducing stress and exam pressure.
'However, this move demands significant logistical planning, increased teacher workload, and may disrupt the academic calendar. Moreover, it could impose financial strain on economically weaker students,' added D'Silva, while appreciating the move by the Board.
She added that effective implementation and support systems will be crucial to ensure the decision benefits students without overburdening schools and families.
Jyoti Arora, principal of the Delhi World Public School, claimed that the decision is a relief for students as they will be judged on their consistent learning rather than on a stroke of luck or an unfortunate day. She also acknowledges the challenges ahead on the road, like increased administrative complexity, teacher workload, and navigating between a demanding schedule of internal assessments and curriculum delivery challenges.
Anju Soni, principal of the Shiv Nadar School, Noida, highlights the issues that teachers and schools will face after the decision. 'The increased frequency of assessments will demand more from teachers in terms of invigilation, evaluation, and preparation. For this, we are planning to enhance teachers' training with regular assessments for students to monitor student progress and identify areas that require targeted support,' said Soni.
Rachana Heda, COO of Glentree Academy, Bangalore, believes that the CBSE's decision to offer a second optional board exam is a progressive step toward student well-being, giving children a fair chance to perform to their potential without added pressure.
'However, children must not be forced to give both exams by default—this option must be used thoughtfully, only when truly needed, to uphold its purpose of reducing pressure, not increasing it,' Heda added.
Sheen Kachroo is the Senior Sub-Editor working with the Indian Express Digital. ... Read More
Mridusmita Deka covers education and has worked with the Careers360 previously. She is an alumnus of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. ... Read More
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Time of India
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Starting 2026, CBSE Class 10 students will now take board exams twice a year! The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has confirmed this major change aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The February exam is mandatory, and the May exam is optional—but gives students a chance to improve scores. No penalty for trying again. The best score stays. Both exams will cover the full syllabus, with no change in exam pattern. Miss more than 3 subjects in February? You'll be marked "Essential Repeat." Results from the first exam will come out in April for provisional Class 11 admissions. Final results and certificates arrive in this a game-changer or more academic pressure? Let us know in the comments!#cbse #cbse #boardexams2026 #nep2020 #studentsfirst #educationreform #cbseupdate #cbseclass10 #cbseboards #class10exams #cbsenews #toi #toibharat #bharat #breakingnews #indianews
Indian Express
7 hours ago
- Indian Express
Déjà vu for students as CBSE rolls out 2 board exams for Class 10, teachers back move
To align board exams with the National Education Policy 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will now offer Class 10 students the opportunity to appear for board exams twice. The decision will be implemented from the 2026 academic year. The first board exam, conducted in February, is the main examination that students must appear for; however, the second exam is optional. In the second board exam, students will have to appear in any three subjects to improve their performance. 'Doing the full syllabus twice feels like déjà vu with added pressure. It's like finishing a marathon and being told to run it again — only this time, faster and better, said Chiranjita Talukdar, a Class 10 student from Guwahati. On the other hand, a Class 9 student from Ajmer, Jeni Panchal, said that having two board exams is like a safety net. 'Earlier, one bad day or a health issue could ruin the exam and its preparation, but now there's a safety net. I will feel more confident going into the first exam, knowing I can learn from it and improve if needed,' she said. For Talukdar, who juggles between her school, coaching, and dance classes, having an additional board exam in Class 10th feels like 'no relief'. 'A student has to stay exam-ready throughout the year. It's not just about learning anymore, but constantly performing, revising, and staying in that high-stakes mindset,' she said, claiming that it feels more tiring than empowering. For students, it may be a déjà vu situation and a safety net, but for teachers, it is a mixed bag full of opportunities and a few challenges. Caesar D'Silva, principal of the Global Indian International School, Ahmedabad, said it offers students a second chance to improve their scores, reducing stress and exam pressure. 'However, this move demands significant logistical planning, increased teacher workload, and may disrupt the academic calendar. Moreover, it could impose financial strain on economically weaker students,' added D'Silva, while appreciating the move by the Board. She added that effective implementation and support systems will be crucial to ensure the decision benefits students without overburdening schools and families. Jyoti Arora, principal of the Delhi World Public School, claimed that the decision is a relief for students as they will be judged on their consistent learning rather than on a stroke of luck or an unfortunate day. She also acknowledges the challenges ahead on the road, like increased administrative complexity, teacher workload, and navigating between a demanding schedule of internal assessments and curriculum delivery challenges. Anju Soni, principal of the Shiv Nadar School, Noida, highlights the issues that teachers and schools will face after the decision. 'The increased frequency of assessments will demand more from teachers in terms of invigilation, evaluation, and preparation. For this, we are planning to enhance teachers' training with regular assessments for students to monitor student progress and identify areas that require targeted support,' said Soni. Rachana Heda, COO of Glentree Academy, Bangalore, believes that the CBSE's decision to offer a second optional board exam is a progressive step toward student well-being, giving children a fair chance to perform to their potential without added pressure. 'However, children must not be forced to give both exams by default—this option must be used thoughtfully, only when truly needed, to uphold its purpose of reducing pressure, not increasing it,' Heda added. Sheen Kachroo is the Senior Sub-Editor working with the Indian Express Digital. ... Read More Mridusmita Deka covers education and has worked with the Careers360 previously. She is an alumnus of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. ... Read More
Time of India
9 hours ago
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CBSE's biannual exams for Class 10 face criticism from educators. (AI Image) NEW DELHI: In a transformative move, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved the introduction of biannual Class 10 board exams, starting in 2026. Aimed at reducing student stress and providing multiple opportunities for improvement, the new system will require all students to sit for the first phase of exams, with the second phase optional for those wishing to improve their scores. The best score from either phase will be considered for the final result. This change is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes a student-centered approach to learning and aims to alleviate the pressure of high-stakes testing. However, this shift has sparked strong reactions from educators. While some see potential benefits in the increased flexibility, the majority of principals have raised concerns about the policy's impact on academic calendars, teacher workload, and student well-being. Many fear the new exam system will exacerbate stress rather than reduce it, with extended exam periods leading to burnout for both students and teachers. Others question the practicalities of implementing such a system in schools with already tight schedules. Concerns over academic calendar and teacher workload Several school leaders have expressed concerns about how the biannual exam system will interfere with the smooth functioning of schools. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Investire è più facile che mai BG SAXO Scopri di più Undo Ms. Sudha Acharya, Principal of ITL School in Dwarka, warned that the extended exam period, from February to June, would leave little room for regular teaching. "From mid-February to June, teachers will be engaged in conducting exams and grading, which will compromise the time available for regular classes," she explained. "This will impact not just board exam preparation but the teaching of other classes as well." Read Also: CBSE Introduces Biannual Class 10 Board Exams from 2026, Retaining Best Score The new system also poses logistical challenges for schools. Teachers, who already juggle multiple responsibilities, will face increased pressure. "Teachers involved in exam duties also teach classes from VI to VIII," Ms. Acharya pointed out. "This will make it difficult to begin the academic session in April, and may even affect the quality of teaching in lower grades." Ms. Asha Prabhakar, Principal of Bal Bharti Public School, NOIDA, echoed similar concerns, stressing that the compressed academic calendar, which already has limited working days, will be further strained by the new policy. 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Read Also: How the New CBSE Class 10 Board Exam System Will Work Starting 2026 Teachers, too, are likely to bear the brunt of the increased workload. Ms. Rashmi Malik, Principal of Salwan Public School, Gurugram, expressed concern over the extra responsibilities teachers would face, noting that the dual exam system would require them to prepare students for multiple rounds of testing, as well as manage the evaluation process. "This added workload will put significant stress on teachers, who are already stretched thin," she said. Financial and emotional burden on families The financial implications of the new system are another point of contention. Many principals believe that the two-exam system could place unnecessary strain on families. Dr. Anupama Mishra, Principal of Sunbeam School Varuna, Varanasi, pointed out that the cost of registering for two rounds of exams, along with other associated expenses like coaching or materials, could be a burden for many families. "The repeated costs of exam forms, stationery, and travel to exam centers could lead to financial strain," she said. Additionally, the emotional toll on both students and their families could be significant. "Parents will face additional pressure to ensure their children perform well in both rounds, and this could add to the overall stress," Dr. Mishra noted. Solutions and suggestions While many educators remain critical of the biannual exam policy, some have suggested alternatives that could better balance flexibility with meaningful assessment. Ms. Malik of Salwan Public School proposed a shift toward online Class 10 exams, which would allow students to take exams anytime after September, with multiple chances to improve scores. "Rather than two board exams, we could focus on internal assessments for students who don't need the board certification," she suggested. Ms. Prabhakar of Bal Bharti Public School also recommended that CBSE reconsider its approach, emphasizing that the goal should be to maintain high educational standards while minimizing stress. "The priority should be on providing a balanced education, rather than focusing solely on exam results," she said. A call for balanced reforms While the CBSE's decision to introduce biannual Class 10 exams is an attempt to reduce stress and offer more opportunities for students, the overwhelming feedback from educators suggests that careful reconsideration is needed. The concerns over teacher workload, academic calendars, and the mental health of students and teachers highlight the need for a more balanced approach to assessment. As the policy moves forward, it will be crucial for CBSE to engage with educators to find a solution that truly supports both academic excellence and student well-being. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? 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