The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a significant change in its examination structure, introducing a biannual board examination system for Class 10 students starting from the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative aims to provide students with increased flexibility and opportunities to improve their academic performance, aligning with the broader objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. CBSE introduces biannual board exams for Class 10 from 2025-26, offering students two chances to improve scores and reduce exam stress, aligning with NEP 2020 reforms.

Overview of the New Examination Structure

Beginning in the 2025-26 academic session, CBSE will conduct Class 10 board examinations twice a year. The first examination phase is scheduled from February 17 to March 6, followed by the second phase from May 5 to 20. Both examinations will cover the complete syllabus, and students will be assigned the same examination centers for both sessions.

Objectives Behind the Reform

The introduction of a biannual examination system is rooted in several key objectives:

1. Enhanced Flexibility: Students can choose to appear in either or both examination sessions, allowing them to manage their academic workload more effectively.

2. Improved Performance Opportunities: The dual-exam system offers students a chance to improve their scores by retaking exams in specific subjects during the second session if they are dissatisfied with their initial performance. Alignment with NEP 2020: This reform aligns with the NEP 2020's emphasis on reducing high-stakes assessments and promoting a more holistic evaluation approach.

Implementation Details

The CBSE has outlined specific guidelines to ensure the smooth implementation of the new examination system:

• Choice of Sessions: Students have the option to appear in either the February-March session, the May session, or both. If a student is satisfied with their performance in the first session, they can choose not to appear in the second.

• Subject-Wise Retakes: Students can opt to retake specific subjects in the second session to improve their scores, rather than retaking all subjects.

• Examination Fees: There will be an increase in examination fees to accommodate the additional administrative requirements of conducting two examination sessions.

• Discontinuation of Supplementary Exams: With the introduction of the second examination session in May, the traditional supplementary exams will be discontinued, as the May session will serve this purpose.

Stakeholder Feedback and Finalization

The CBSE has released draft guidelines detailing the proposed changes and has invited feedback from stakeholders, including educators, parents, and students. The feedback window is open until March 9, after which the final policy will be formulated and implemented. citeturn0search4

Implications for Students and Educators

The shift to a biannual examination system carries several implications:

• For Students: The new system offers greater flexibility and multiple opportunities to perform well, potentially reducing the stress associated with a single annual examination.

• For Educators: Teachers may need to adjust their instructional strategies to prepare students for the possibility of two examination sessions, ensuring that the curriculum is effectively covered and reviewed within the academic year.

Conclusion

The CBSE's decision to implement a biannual board examination system for Class 10 students marks a significant shift towards a more flexible and student-centric assessment approach. By providing multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, this reform aims to alleviate examination-related stress and promote continuous learning. As the policy is finalized and implemented, its impact on student outcomes and the broader educational landscape will be closely observed.