New Delhi: The 2026 academic session will mark a major shift in how board examinations are conducted under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). In a move designed to reduce exam stress and modernize assessment, the board has announced a series of reforms for both Class 10 and Class 12 students. The changes reflect a broader push toward competency-based learning and technology-driven evaluation.
Class 10 Students to Get Two Attempts in One Year
For the first time, Class 10 students will be allowed to appear for board examinations twice within the same academic year. The first exam, scheduled in February 2026, will remain mandatory. However, students who wish to improve their scores will have the option to sit for a second examination later in the year.
The better of the two scores will be recorded as the final result. This system is expected to ease the “one-exam pressure” that has long defined board assessments and offer students a safety net without losing an academic year.
Education experts believe the change encourages consistent preparation instead of last-minute stress, while also giving learners a fair opportunity to demonstrate improvement.
Digital Evaluation Introduced for Class 12
Class 12 answer sheets will now undergo On-Screen Marking (OSM), a fully digital evaluation system. Under this process, written answer sheets will be scanned and assessed electronically by trained examiners.
The board aims to:
- Reduce manual totaling errors
- Speed up the declaration of results
- Improve transparency in marking
- Standardize evaluation practices
With digital marking in place, certain traditional post-result verification procedures may be modified, as the system automatically records and calculates marks.
Greater Focus on Competency-Based Questions
The 2026 examination pattern will continue shifting away from rote memorization. Question papers for both classes will include a higher proportion of case-based, analytical, and application-oriented questions.
Students can expect:
- Real-world problem-solving scenarios
- Structured internal choices
- Emphasis on conceptual clarity
Teachers have been advised to align classroom instruction with these updated assessment methods.
Stricter Exam-Day Guidelines
CBSE has also reinforced discipline-related rules, including:
- Strict reporting times at exam centers
- Clear guidelines on permitted stationery and materials
- Updated procedures for practical and internal assessments
Schools have been instructed to brief students thoroughly to avoid last-minute confusion.
What It Means for Students
The reforms indicate a broader transformation in school assessment:
- Class 10 students gain flexibility and a second chance.
- Class 12 students benefit from faster, technology-backed evaluation.
- Preparation strategies must now focus more on understanding and application rather than memorization.
Education analysts describe the 2026 reforms as one of the most student-centric changes in recent years. As implementation begins, both schools and families are adjusting to what could become a new model for board examinations across the country.
The coming year will test not only students, but also how effectively India’s examination system adapts to a more balanced and modern approach to assessment.
