CBSE Makes First Board Exam Mandatory for Class 10 Students: Key Insights

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that Class 10 students must take their first board exam starting in 2026. This new policy requires students to appear in two board exams for Class 10.

Officials have indicated that those who fail to attempt at least three subjects in the first exam will fall into the 'essential repeat' category. This decision comes in response to requests from schools asking for flexibility regarding the second board exam.

CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj emphasized that all students must participate in the first board examination. Those who pass will have the opportunity to improve their scores in any of the three subjects—Science, Mathematics, Social Science, or languages.

Bhardwaj cautioned that if a student does not attempt three or more subjects in the first examination, they will not be eligible for the second exam. Instead, they will be required to wait until the following year to retake the main examinations in February.

Restrictions on Additional Subjects

Furthermore, Bhardwaj stated that students will not be allowed to enroll in stand-alone subjects after completing Class 10. Any requests made regarding this policy will not be entertained by the CBSE.

As a reminder, the upcoming board exams for Class 10 and Class 12 will commence soon, with over 46 lakh students expected to participate from across India and abroad.