CBSE Board Exams Twice a Year: How the Two-Exam System Works for Class 10 and 12
From 2026, CBSE Class 10 students take a compulsory board exam in February and an optional second exam in May to improve up to three subjects, with the better score counted. Here is how it works, what it means for Class 12 and how to prepare.
CBSE now holds Class 10 board exams twice a year. The idea was first announced in 2024 as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 reforms, and it became real from the 2026 board exams. If you are in Class 10 now, it decides how many chances you get and how your final marks are counted.
Quick answer: from 2026, CBSE Class 10 students take a compulsory Phase 1 board exam in February and can choose to take an optional Phase 2 exam in May to improve their marks in up to three subjects (Science, Maths, Social Science and languages). CBSE keeps the better of the two scores. Class 12 still has one main board exam a year, plus a supplementary exam for students who need it. Both classes now have about 50% competency-based questions in their theory papers.
How the two board exams work for Class 10
Point | Phase 1 (main exam) | Phase 2 (second exam) |
When | February to March | May |
Compulsory? | Yes, for all Class 10 students | No, optional |
Subjects | All subjects | Up to 3 of Science, Maths, Social Science and languages |
Purpose | Main board exam | Improve marks or clear a compartment |
Result | Around April | Around June |
Which marks count | The better score of the two attempts |
In the first year of the system, Phase 1 began in mid-February 2026 and Phase 2 ran from 15 to 21 May 2026. Exact dates for 2027 are announced in the CBSE date sheet, so check cbse.gov.in when it is released.
Key rules to know
Phase 1 is compulsory. You cannot skip February and only write in May.
Up to three subjects in Phase 2. You can retake up to three of the main subjects (Science, Maths, Social Science and languages).
Best score counts. If you do worse in May, your February marks stay. A lower Phase 2 score does not pull your marks down.
Internal assessment happens once. Practicals, projects and internal marks are given once in the year and carried over to both results.
Maths level can be switched. Students can move between Basic and Standard Maths for the second exam.
Missing three or more subjects in February is a problem. Students who do not appear in three or more subjects in Phase 1 are placed in the "Essential Repeat" category and cannot take Phase 2 that year.
Schools register students for Phase 2. After the Phase 1 result, schools submit a list of candidates who want to appear, so watch for your school's deadline.
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What about Class 12?
Despite early reports in 2024 that both classes might get two exams, the twice-a-year system applies only to Class 10 for now. Class 12 students still take one main board exam in February and March. Students who fail a subject or want to improve can appear in CBSE's supplementary exam, usually held in July. Students who have passed can also check CBSE's private-candidate rules if they want to improve their marks the next year.
The new question pattern: about 50% competency-based
The second big change is the type of questions. For Classes 10 and 12, theory papers now carry roughly:
50% competency-based questions: case studies, source-based questions and questions that ask you to apply a concept to a new situation.
20% objective questions, such as MCQs.
30% short and long answer questions.
This means memorising answers is no longer enough. You need to understand each concept well enough to use it in an unfamiliar context. Official CBSE sample papers are the best guide to the exact style.
Why CBSE made this change
The two-exam system follows NEP 2020, which asked boards to reduce the "one shot" pressure of a single exam and to test understanding rather than rote learning. The thinking is:
Less pressure: one bad day in February no longer decides your result.
A real second chance: you can improve weak subjects within the same year instead of waiting.
Better learning: with more competency-based questions, students are pushed to understand concepts, not cram.
Also read: Educart vs Oswaal: Which Is Better for Class 10 and 12? (2027 Boards)
Benefits and drawbacks for students
Benefits
A safety net if you fall ill or underperform in one paper.
The chance to raise a weak score that affects stream selection in Class 11.
No risk to your existing marks, because the higher score counts.
Drawbacks
Taking Phase 2 means studying through April and May, when you might otherwise rest or prepare for Class 11.
Final marks for Phase 2 candidates come out later, around June.
Some students may treat February less seriously, which is risky because it is the compulsory exam.
How to plan your preparation
Treat February as the real exam. Aim to finish strongly the first time; Phase 2 should be a backup, not a plan.
Practise competency-based questions from the start of the session, using CBSE sample papers and good question banks. Our comparison of Educart vs Oswaal explains which books suit this new pattern.
Work on answer presentation. Clear structure and keywords still earn marks; see our paper presentation tips for board exams.
Decide on Phase 2 quickly. After the Phase 1 result, pick only the subjects where you can realistically improve, and keep revising them.
Aim high in the first attempt. Our guide to scoring 95+ in Class 10 has a full plan.
FAQs
Is the CBSE Class 10 board exam held two times a year?
Yes. From 2026, CBSE Class 10 has a compulsory first exam in February and an optional second exam in May. CBSE counts the better of the two scores.
Can I give the Class 10 exam again to improve my marks?
Yes. In the same year, you can take the May Phase 2 exam in up to three subjects (Science, Maths, Social Science and languages). Your higher score in each subject is kept.
How many times can I give the 12th board exam in CBSE?
Class 12 has one main board exam a year. Students who fail or want to improve can take the supplementary exam, usually in July, subject to CBSE's rules for that year.
Is the second CBSE board exam compulsory?
No. Only the February exam is compulsory. The May exam is optional and is meant for students who want to improve or need to clear a subject.
What happens if I score less in the second exam?
Nothing bad. CBSE keeps the better score, so a lower mark in the May exam does not replace your February marks.
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