CBSE Enforces Strict Rules for Class 10 Board Exam Participation

The CBSE mandates class 10 students to take the first board exam starting 2026. Those missing three or more subjects will be in 'essential repeat' and can retake exams the following year. Over 46 lakh students, domestic and international, will participate in the new board exam system.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced mandatory participation in the first board exam for class 10 students starting 2026. Failure to appear in at least three subjects will place students in the 'essential repeat' category, requiring them to retake the exams in February the following year.

Sanyam Bhardwaj, CBSE Examination Controller, emphasized the importance of the first board exam for performance improvement in subjects like Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages. Students who face compartment situations in the first exam will be allowed a second attempt in the subsequent exam under specific conditions.

The new guidelines also align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, encouraging board exam reforms to minimize the need for coaching classes and promote holistic development. Starting Tuesday, over 46 lakh students will engage in board exams under the redesigned assessment framework.

(With inputs from agencies.)