The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will prohibit students who are absent for three or more subjects in the required first board exam from taking the second board exams. The board has stated that students who miss exams in three or more subjects during the February session will not have the opportunity to enhance their scores in the second board exam. Additionally, the board will not permit students to divide their attempts between the two exam cycles.
The first board exam is scheduled to take place from February 17, 2025, while the second exam will occur in May.
This information was shared by CBSE chairperson Rahul Singh during a webinar discussing the two-board exam scheme. He further mentioned that he does not anticipate more than 40 percent of students who take the first board exam to participate in the optional second board exam.
Approximately 2.6 million students are anticipated to take the Class 10 board exams starting in February 2026.
The CBSE will administer two board exams for Class 10 students this year. This dual-board exam system has been introduced to assist students who either miss or do not pass their initial board exams. The alternative board exam will enable these students to preserve their academic year and alleviate stress. Additionally, those who wish to enhance their scores can also participate in the second board exam. Students will have the opportunity to take the second board exams under the ‘Essential Repeat’ or Compartment category.
The results for the first exam are scheduled to be released in April 2026, while the results for the second exams will be available by June 2026. Students can utilize the scores from the first exam for admission into Class 11. The performance from the first exam will be accessible on DigiLocker for provisional admission to Class 11. However, merit certificates and passing documents will only be issued following the second exam.
Students involved in sports can take the second examinations if they are unable to attend the first one.
