The CBSE Board Exams 2026 kicked off on February 17 for Classes 10 and 12. The Central Board of Secondary Education has issued a crucial clarification regarding the two-board examination format for Class 10 students beginning this academic year.
This announcement comes in response to numerous inquiries from students and parents looking for clarity on the eligibility requirements for participating in the second board examination.
CBSE is entering a phase of major #ExaminationReforms.
— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) February 17, 2026
From 2026, #Class10 Board Examinations will be conducted twice a year. It will be mandatory for all Class X students to appear in the first Board Examination. Students who pass will be eligible to improve their performance…
Starting from the 2026 academic year, CBSE has introduced a two-board examination system for Class 10. This change aims to give students the chance to enhance their academic results while adhering to structured eligibility guidelines.
Nevertheless, the board has made it abundantly clear that participating in the first board examination is compulsory for all students.
As per CBSE's statement, all Class 10 students are required to take the initial board exam. The subsequent board exam does not replace the first attempt; instead, it serves as a chance for enhancement or for those in compartmental cases under certain conditions. Students who do not take part in the first examination without valid reasons in the necessary subjects will not gain automatic entry to the second round.
CBSE Eligibility Categories
CBSE has specified distinct eligibility categories for the second board examination:
Enhancement Category – Students who have successfully passed the first examination can seek to improve their grades in up to three subjects, selected from Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages.
Compartment Category - Students who obtain a compartment outcome in the first examination can participate in the second exam under the compartment category.
First/Third Chance Compartment – Students eligible for compartment attempts according to CBSE regulations.
Compartment + Improvement – Students who meet the criteria for both categories.
Which Students Aren't Allowed In 2nd Attempt?
These students will fall into the 'Essential Repeat' category. They will be required to take the main board exams set for February of the next academic year. CBSE has clearly stated that students who do not show up for three or more subjects in the initial board exam will be barred from attending the subsequent examination.
The board further emphasised that it will not consider individual appeals for exceptions to this regulation. The announcement also notes that once students pass Class 10, they will not be allowed to enroll in additional or separate subjects under the second board examination framework.
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