Will there be two exams for Class 10 from the present or next year?

• Most likely, yes – from the year 2026. The reason we qualify the yes with “most likely” is that the scheme of two examinations released by the CBSE on 25 Feb 2025, is a “draft” scheme and not the final circular.
• CBSE has given time till 09.03.2025 for all stakeholders to give their feedback and the scheme will be given a final shape only after analysing the feedback.
• From the intent of the NEP, Government and the CBSE it does seem that the two-exam scheme will be implemented from 2026. However, we shall have to wait for the final circular to be issued for a definitive and final answer.

Is it only for Class 10 or for Class 12 as well.

• The present circular limits the two-exam scheme to class 10 alone. No mention of Class 12, which will continue to have only one board exam.

Which academic year will this scheme be implemented from

• The two-exam scheme is proposed to be implemented from the Academic year 2025-26 i.e for students who are studying in grade 9 for academic year 2024-25 and moving to grade 10 for academic year 2025-26 (writing their board exams in the year 2026).

What about students of State Boards, ICSE, IGCSE, IB and other boards.

• This scheme is limited to CBSE alone.
• No other board has indicated such a scheme till the writing of this article. We shall update as and when new guidelines are given.

When will the two exams be conducted

• Proposed dates are:
  1st Exam – 17 Feb 2026 to 06 Mar 2026
  2nd Exam – 05 May 2026 to 20 May 2026

Do students have to necessarily write both exams?

• No. they can chose to write any one exam (either the 1st or 2nd) or both. Choice is with students.

What if a student scores better in 1st exam and less in 2nd exam?

• The best of the two scores will be taken irrespective of the score being received in first or second exam.

What if a student scores better in some subjects in 1st exam and better in few other subjects in the 2nd exam?

• Only the better of the two scores, subject wise, will be taken, irrespective of the better score being received in first or the second exam.
• Therefore, students need not worry about them scoring less in the 2nd attempt/exam. Only the best score irrespective of the attempt/exam will be taken.

Will the final marks memo show both scores or only the best score?

• The Final marks memo (to be released after 2nd exam) will show scores received in each exam/attempt for each subject.
• However, it will record only the best of the two scores in the final score column and use the same for final gradation.

What about supplementary exams for those who fail?

• There will be no further supplementary exams for those who fail even in 2nd exam. The second exam works like the supplementary exam.
• If any student fails in both, then he/she will have to write exams in the next academic year.

When will the results of the 1st exam be announced?

• The results for the 1st exam will be announced well before the 2nd exams so that the student get time to decide if they want to write the 2nd exam and prepare for them.
• The final grade and Merit list, however, will be released only after the 2nd exam results are declared.

What if the deadline for application to other schools and colleges for Grade 11 falls before the 2nd exam is conducted or before the declaration of results of the 2nd exam?

• The students can apply to other schools/colleges based on the results of 1st exam which will be available on digilocker.
• They can submit the results of the 2nd later, if the college allows.

We hope that the above FAQ answer most of the queries that the parents have. However, should there be more questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section. We shall do our best to answer the same, to the best of our abilities. You can also read the full policy here SCHEME_BOARD_EXAMS_POLICY

Thank you.

INDIC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Hyderabad.