The CBSE Class 10 board exam twice a year system is the biggest change to Indian school exams in a generation — and if your child is entering Class 10 this session, it directly shapes how you should plan the year. In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is holding Class 10 board examinations in two phases each year, giving students a second chance to improve their scores and reducing the all-or-nothing pressure of a single exam. This guide explains exactly how the two-exam system works, who should take the second attempt, and how to prepare for it.
How the CBSE Class 10 two-exam system works
Under the new format, every Class 10 student appears for a mandatory first board exam early in the year. Those who want to improve can then sit an optional second exam a few months later, and CBSE retains the better score for each subject. Key features:
- Phase 1 is compulsory for all students.
- Phase 2 is optional and meant for score improvement — you may improve in up to three subjects.
- Best score is retained subject-wise across the two attempts, so a second attempt can never lower your result.
- Internal assessment is held only once, before the first exam.
For the 2026 cycle, Phase 1 ran in the February–March window and Phase 2 in the May–June window, with the first results in April and the second in June. The exact date sheet for the current cohort will follow a similar pattern — always confirm the official schedule on cbse.gov.in.
Should your child take the second exam?
The optional second attempt is a genuine safety net, but it is not for everyone. Take Phase 2 if:
- A subject went badly on exam day due to illness, nerves, or a tough paper.
- Your child is targeting a specific percentage cut-off for a stream or school and fell just short.
- There is a clear, fixable gap — not a general wish to “score more everywhere.”
Skip it if the first result already meets your goals; a strong Phase 1 lets a student move on to stream selection and Class 11 planning without a second exam hanging over the summer.
How to prepare for the twice-a-year format
The two-phase system rewards students who treat Phase 1 as the real exam, not a rehearsal. The goal is to peak in February so Phase 2 is only ever a bonus.
Build strong foundations early
Concept clarity across all subjects is the base. Start the year with structured coverage — our Board Basics Foundation course builds exactly this, and you can test the platform first with a free 5-day trial.
Practise with real board-pattern papers
Board marks are won on writing to the marking scheme, not just knowing the answer. Practise continuously with the Mock CBSE Class 10 series and structured programmes like Monthly Pro Class 10.
Sprint into each phase
In the final weeks before Phase 1 — and again before an optional Phase 2 — a focused revision push makes the difference. Our Exam Sprint Class 10 and Last Lap Class 10 courses are built for exactly these high-intensity revision windows.
Common misunderstandings about the new system
- “The second exam is compulsory.” It is not — Phase 2 is optional and only for improvement.
- “A bad second attempt hurts my result.” No — CBSE keeps the better score per subject.
- “Two exams mean half the preparation each time.” No — Phase 1 covers the full syllabus; prepare fully for it.
- “Internal assessment happens twice.” No — internal assessment is conducted only once, before Phase 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CBSE Class 10 board exam really held twice a year now?
Yes. In line with NEP 2020, CBSE is conducting Class 10 board exams in two phases a year — a compulsory first exam and an optional second exam for score improvement, with the better subject-wise score retained. Confirm the official schedule on cbse.gov.in.
Is the second CBSE board exam compulsory?
No. The first (Phase 1) exam is mandatory for all students, while the second (Phase 2) exam is optional and intended only for those who wish to improve their scores in up to three subjects.
Can the second attempt reduce my score?
No. CBSE retains the better score for each subject across the two attempts, so a second attempt can only maintain or improve your result, never lower it.
How should a Class 10 student prepare for the two-exam system?
Treat Phase 1 as the main exam and prepare the full syllabus for it. Build concepts early, practise board-pattern mock papers throughout the year, and use focused revision sprints before each phase.
Turn the new system into an advantage
The twice-a-year format is designed to lower stress and reward genuine understanding over one-day luck. Families who plan for it — peaking in Phase 1 and keeping Phase 2 as a true safety net — get the best of the reform. Start early, practise with real board-pattern papers, and let the second attempt be a bonus you may never need.
