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CBSE Class 10 Board Exams to Be Held Twice a Year from 2026: Best Score Retained – Pros and Cons Explored
Introduction
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a significant change to its examination system, stating that Class 10 board exams will be conducted twice a year starting from the academic session 2026-27. Under this new policy, students will have the option to appear for the exams in two sessions, with the best score being retained for their final result. This move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes flexibility and reducing academic stress. While this decision has sparked widespread discussion, it comes with both advantages and challenges. This article delves into the details of the new CBSE policy, its implications, and a comprehensive analysis of the pros and cons for students, parents, and educators. Stay updated with the latest education news at www.masalamirror.com.
CBSE’s New Policy: Key Details
Starting from the 2026-27 academic session, CBSE will conduct Class 10 board exams twice annually, likely in February/March and June/July, similar to the supplementary exam model. Students can choose to appear for one or both exams, and the higher score will be considered for their final result. This policy aims to provide students with greater flexibility, reduce exam-related stress, and align with global education systems that offer multiple testing opportunities. The decision follows the success of the CBSE’s two-term exam format during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021-22, which was well-received by stakeholders.
The NEP 2020, which inspired this change, advocates for a student-centric approach, emphasizing competency-based assessments and reducing the high-stakes nature of board exams. The CBSE is also exploring the integration of digital tools, such as online exams and AI-based evaluation, to streamline the process. However, the implementation details, including the exam schedule and syllabus division, are yet to be finalized.
Pros of Conducting Class 10 Board Exams Twice a Year
1. Reduced Exam Stress and Anxiety
- Benefit: Conducting exams twice a year allows students a second chance to improve their scores, alleviating the pressure of a single high-stakes exam. Students who underperform due to health issues, personal challenges, or exam anxiety can retake the exam without waiting an entire year.
- Impact: This flexibility can foster a healthier approach to academics, reducing mental health issues among students, which have been a growing concern, with 43% of Indian students reporting exam-related stress, according to a 2023 NCERT survey.
2. Opportunity to Improve Performance
- Benefit: The “best score retained” policy ensures that students are not penalized for a single poor performance. They can use the first attempt as a practice run and focus on improving specific subjects in the second attempt.
- Impact: This system encourages continuous learning and allows students to address weaknesses, potentially leading to better academic outcomes. For instance, students struggling with subjects like Mathematics or Science can prepare more thoroughly for the second attempt.
3. Alignment with Global Education Systems
- Benefit: Many countries, such as the UK (GCSEs) and the US (SAT/ACT), offer multiple exam sessions, allowing students to improve scores. CBSE’s new policy brings India’s education system closer to global standards, enhancing its competitiveness.
- Impact: This could benefit students planning to pursue higher education abroad, as universities often value flexibility in assessment systems.
4. Encourages Holistic Preparation
- Benefit: With two opportunities, students may adopt a more consistent study routine throughout the year, rather than cramming before a single exam. The policy promotes a competency-based learning approach, as outlined in NEP 2020.
- Impact: Schools may shift toward continuous assessment models, integrating projects, practicals, and formative assessments, which could improve overall learning quality.
5. Flexibility for Diverse Learners
- Benefit: Students with different learning paces or those facing unforeseen circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies) can benefit from the second exam session. This inclusivity supports students with special needs or those in remote areas with limited access to coaching.
- Impact: The policy promotes equity, ensuring that all students have a fair chance to succeed, aligning with NEP’s focus on inclusive education.
Cons of Conducting Class 10 Board Exams Twice a Year
1. Increased Academic and Logistical Burden
- Challenge: Preparing for two board exams in a year can be demanding for students, especially those balancing extracurricular activities or preparing for competitive exams like JEE or NEET. Teachers and schools will also face additional workload in preparing students and managing exam logistics.
- Impact: Schools may struggle with scheduling, as the academic calendar will need to accommodate two exam cycles, potentially reducing teaching time. The CBSE will need to ensure adequate infrastructure, such as exam centers and evaluators, to handle the increased frequency.
2. Financial Strain on Families
- Challenge: Appearing for two exams may incur additional costs, such as exam fees, transportation, and study materials. While CBSE has not disclosed fee structures, families with limited resources may find it challenging to support multiple attempts.
- Impact: This could widen the gap between affluent and underprivileged students, contradicting NEP’s goal of equitable education. For example, coaching institutes may charge higher fees for “dual-exam preparation,” putting pressure on low-income families.
3. Potential Dilution of Exam Seriousness
- Challenge: Knowing they have a second chance, some students may not take the first exam seriously, treating it as a “trial run.” This could undermine the discipline and rigor associated with board exams.
- Impact: A lack of seriousness may lead to inconsistent academic performance and affect the overall credibility of the CBSE board results.
4. Strain on CBSE’s Resources
- Challenge: Conducting board exams twice a year requires significant resources, including question paper design, secure distribution, and evaluation. Ensuring fairness and preventing malpractices, such as paper leaks, across two sessions will be a logistical challenge.
- Impact: The CBSE may need to invest heavily in digital infrastructure and anti-malpractice measures, which could strain its budget. In 2023-24, CBSE’s budget for exams was ₹1,200 crore; doubling the exam frequency could significantly increase costs.
5. Confusion Over Syllabus and Evaluation
- Challenge: Splitting the syllabus or maintaining consistency across two exam sessions could be complex. Students may face uncertainty about whether the two exams will cover the same content or have different formats.
- Impact: Without clear guidelines, students and teachers may struggle to prepare effectively, leading to confusion and inconsistent performance. The CBSE must provide detailed frameworks to avoid ambiguity.
Public and Stakeholder Reactions
The decision has sparked varied responses on platforms like X, where educators, parents, and students have shared their views:
- Supporters: Many welcome the flexibility, citing reduced stress and alignment with global standards. A teacher from Delhi tweeted, “CBSE’s two-exam policy is a game-changer for students who struggle with one-shot exams.”
- Critics: Others argue that it may overburden students and schools. A parent from Mumbai expressed concern, stating, “Two board exams mean double the stress and cost. CBSE must clarify how this will work for underprivileged students.”
The All India Parents’ Association has urged CBSE to consult stakeholders before implementation, while the National Teachers’ Council has called for training programs to help educators adapt to the new system.
The Road Ahead: Implementation Challenges
For the policy to succeed, CBSE must address several logistical and academic challenges:
- Clear Guidelines: Detailed information on exam schedules, syllabus division, and fee structures must be communicated well in advance.
- Infrastructure Support: Schools and exam centers need adequate resources to conduct two sessions without disrupting regular academics.
- Teacher Training: Educators must be trained to align teaching with the new system, focusing on competency-based learning.
- Equity Measures: Subsidized exam fees or support for underprivileged students can ensure inclusivity.
- Digital Integration: Leveraging AI-based evaluation and online exam options could streamline the process, as piloted in CBSE’s 2024 digital assessment trials.
Conclusion
The CBSE’s decision to conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year from 2026, with the best score retained, is a bold step toward modernizing India’s education system. It offers significant benefits, such as reduced stress, improved performance opportunities
, and alignment with global standards. However, challenges like increased workload, financial strain, and logistical complexities cannot be ignored. For the policy to succeed, CBSE must ensure clear communication, robust infrastructure, and equitable access for all students. As the education landscape evolves, this reform could pave the way for a more flexible and student-friendly system, provided the challenges are addressed proactively. For the latest updates on CBSE policies and education reforms, visit www.masalamirror.com.
