CBSE board exams 2026 begin Feb 17: First exam compulsory, who can reattempt and how many subjects; complete recap of new rules
With the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) exams just around the corner, nervous energy is running high in classrooms and homes alike. The Class 10 and Class 12 CBSE board exams for 2026 will begin on February 17, marking one of the most closely watched exam seasons in recent years.As per the revised schedule, Class 10 examinations are expected to conclude by March 11, 2026, while Class 12 exams will continue till April 10, 2026. This year’s boards are particularly significant because several new rules and reforms—many introduced in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020—are being implemented together for the first time.As students head into the final stretch, here’s a clear, comprehensive recap of what has changed and what they should keep firmly in mind.
Two Board Exams for Class 10: First Is Mandatory, Second Only for Improvement
The biggest reform this year is the two-board-exam system for Class 10.CBSE will conduct:• First Board Exam: February 17 to March 9, 2026• Second Board Exam: May 15 to June 1, 2026Both examinations will be conducted on the same syllabus.CBSE Controller of Examinations Sanyam Bharadwaj has repeatedly underlined one key message:the first board exam is mandatory for all students.The second exam is optional, meant strictly as an opportunity to improve scores, not as a safety net. Students are strongly advised to prepare seriously for the February exam and not assume they can “fix things later” in May.For the final result, the better score from the two attempts will be considered.
How Many Subjects Can Be Attempted Again?
Under the new system, students can appear for improvement in up to three subjects in the second board examination.The option is flexible across subjects, but it is capped—students cannot reattempt all papers. CBSE has also cautioned parents against placing unnecessary pressure on children to sit for the second exam if there is no genuine need for improvement.
Failure, Compartment, and Eligibility Rules Explained
CBSE has clearly defined what happens if things don’t go as planned in the first attempt:• Students who fail in one or two subjects will be placed in the compartment category and allowed to appear in the second examination.• If students who have failed or who do not appear in three or more subjects, they will not be given the second exam and will have to wait until the 2027 exams.These rules also apply to students categorized as Essential Repeat, whereby their eligibility and progression are even more strictly controlled.
Internal Assessment: Not a One-Time Formality Anymore
Among the changes, perhaps the most significant ones but easiest to overlook are those associated with internal assessment.Internal assessment is now considered a continuous two-year process, as opposed to being considered a one-time activity carried out around the time of exams. It is strictly tied in with attendance and eligibility for board examinations. However, the traditional norm of a minimum attendance of 75% for Class 10 and Class 12 examinations continues to remain valid. Plans are also afoot for schools to ensure accuracy and transparency in matters related to internal assessment due to increased scrutiny by the CBSE.
Answer Writing Rules: Follow Sections Carefully
Another major change introduced this year is related to writing in the answer booklet, particularly in Class 10 Science and Social Science exams.Question papers are generally organized into specific sections such as:• In Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology• History, civics, geography, economics in social scienceStudents must write their answers in the section-wise manner as instructed. Doing otherwise, like mixing answers from different sections or not writing in the correct place, can result in a deduction of marks even if the content is correct.This is a rule students should be especially careful about during the exam, when time pressure is high.
Important Update for Private Candidates
A significant change this year affects private candidates—those not enrolled in regular CBSE-affiliated schools.From 2026 onwards, for board examinations, private candidates are not allowed to register for further subjects. They are only eligible to write the exams for the subjects they are already registered for, according to the norms for the CBSE board.This measure is intended to simplify the registration process for subjects and ensure parity with regular school applicants.
Clearer Rules for Schools and Subject Offerings
The CBSE has also issued further instructions to schools on:• Subject Availability• Infraestructura y laboratorios• Presence of well-trained and qualified teachersSchools have been advised against offering subjects without appropriate approvals. The parameters regarding the choice of subjects are being closely monitored to avoid any disadvantage to students during board exams and results.
Why CBSE Is Making These Changes
All these reforms are a result of the CBSE’s initiative to align its assessment system with the NEP 2020, which is focused on:• Relieving the pressure of one-shot, high-stakes exams• Encouraging continuous evaluation• Providing flexibility without compromising academic standards This shift also encompasses the system of two examinations, the more stringent internal assessment criteria, and qualifying norms too.
Final Word Before Exams Begin
With exams beginning on February 17, the takeaway for students is simple: understand the rules, follow instructions carefully, and take the first exam seriously.In a year where policies matter almost as much as preparation, clarity can be a student’s biggest advantage. And when it comes to board exams, getting the rules right is just as important as getting the answers right.
