The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a significant clarification concerning the two-board examination format for Class 10 students beginning this academic year.
The clarification, ahead of the Class 10 and 12 exams, which are set to commence from February 17, came in response to numerous inquiries from students and parents seeking clarification on the eligibility requirements for taking part in the second board examination.
The Board emphasised that the examination, starting February 17, is unequivocally compulsory.
"It is mandatory for all students to appear in the first Board examination."
The notifination further stated, "All passed and eligible students will be allowed to improve their performance in any of the three subjects — Science, Mathematics, Social, Science and languages."
"If a student has not appeared in 3 or more subjects in the first examination, then s/he will not be allowed to appear in the 2nd examination. Such students will be placed in the "Essential Repeat" category and can take the examination only next year in the main examinations in the month of February next year," said the CBSE in a notification.
CBSE on second attempt
CBSE has clarified that the second session is not a substitute for the first; instead, it serves as an optional chance for students to enhance their scores or clear a compartment under specific guidelines.
"For students whose result in the first examination is Compartment, such students will be allowed to appear in the second examination under the Compartment Category. Additional subjects will not be permitted after passing class X, students will not be allowed in stand-alone subjects," CBSE added.
Eligibility to appear in the second examination
CBSE has officially classified the eligibility for the second board examination (May 2026) into four distinct categories.
Improvement Category: Available to learners who passed the initial examination (February/March) but desire to elevate their scores. You may retake up to three subjects selected from Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Languages.
First/Third Chance Compartment: This adheres to standard CBSE guidelines, offering specific attempts to students categorized in the compartment section during previous or current sessions.
Compartment + Improvement: A combined classification for students who need to clear a compartment in a particular subject while also opting to boost their grades in another qualifying subject.
Improvement Post Subject Substitution: Students who have already passed the Class 10 board by replacing a failed subject with a vocational/skill subject can still apply to improve their performance in the original subject.
In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 changes, the CBSE has rolled out two chances for Board examinations throughout a single academic year. This move aims to provide students with a second opportunity to boost their scores, as long as they adhere to the specific requirements put in place to preserve academic integrity.
Nonetheless, the Board has warned that the May session serves as a supplementary/improvement exam, rather than a substitute for the primary examination.
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