CBSE Board Exam Date: 10th exam now twice, know what changes CBSE has made?

CBSE Board Exam Date: Big news for CBSE students. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the dates and new rules for the 2025 board exams. This year, there have been some significant changes, especially for 10th-grade students. The 10th-grade exam will now be held twice, while the 12th-grade exam will begin on February 17, 2025. So, let's understand what's new this time and how the two-grade 10th exam will benefit students.

CBSE Board Exam 2026 New Rule: What's new in the board exams this time?
CBSE has changed its old strategy this time. Keeping in mind students' performance and mental pressure, a new plan has been developed for both 10th and 12th grades.

CBSE Class 10th Board 2026 Exams: 10th Exams Now Twice
This year, the CBSE 10th board exams will be held in two phases, similar to the JEE Main exams. The first exam will be held in February 2026, which is mandatory for all. The second exam will be held in May 2026, which will be optional. This means that if you don't score well the first time, you'll get a second chance. Only your best score will count towards the final result.

CBSE Board 12th Class 2026 Exams: 12th Exam Once

The old rule still applies for CBSE 12th students. 12th exams will be held only once, starting February 17, 2026. There will be no second chance, so 12th-grade students will have to take the exam in one sitting.

CBSE Board Result 2026: When will the results be released?
The first result for Class 10 will be declared in April 2025, and the second in June 2025. Class 12 results are also expected in May-June. This timing will help students plan for the next class or college admission. Importantly, subject changes will not be allowed between the first and second exams. The entire syllabus must be covered both times. There will be no term-wise papers.

Repeat and Improvement Options
If you fail or are found absent in three or more subjects in the first exam, you will be placed in the Essential Repeat category. In such a situation, you will not be able to take the May exam and will have to wait until next year. However, if you want to improve your score in 2-3 subjects, you can try in May. CBSE Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj has said that the first chance is mandatory in February, and the second is optional in May. Students will get a chance to improve in three subjects: Science, Maths, Social Science, and Language.

What benefit will students get from taking the 10th exam twice?
Now the question is, what benefit will students get from taking the exam twice? Suppose you took the 10th exam for the first time and your performance was not good, then you can try again in May. This will ease the burden on students, as a single mistake won't determine their entire life. Furthermore, the best result from both exams will count, meaning if you score 80% in February and 90% in May, only 90% will count towards your final marks. This will boost confidence. Furthermore, if you fail a subject or miss an exam due to illness, you'll have a chance to improve in May. However, if you fail more than three subjects, you'll have to wait until next year. Therefore, it's important to take your first chance seriously.

What's special about 12th-graders?
There's only one chance for 12th-graders right now, which will begin on February 17, 2025. However, CBSE is focusing more on 10th-graders to strengthen their foundational skills. 12th-graders will need to work hard now, as they won't get another chance.

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