The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) clarified rules for the Class 10 second board exam 2026 during a recent webinar. The board confirmed the optional second exam is available only for subjects with external assessment components exceeding 50 marks.
Officials reiterated both Class 10 exams belong to the same academic year and follow identical standards. The first exam serves as the main assessment. The second exam offers an improvement attempt for eligible subjects.
During the webinar, CBSE also addressed questions from school heads regarding timetable feasibility, exam logistics, and staff availability. The session outlined the operational framework schools must follow under the revised assessment model.
Eligibility for Second Exam
The second board exam is optional. It targets students wishing to improve scores in specific subjects. Students must have appeared in the first CBSE Class 10 board exam to qualify for the second attempt. Absenteeism in the first exam will be taken seriously.
Only subjects with external assessment components above 50 marks are eligible. Subjects with external assessment components of 50 marks or less do not qualify for the second examination.
Purpose of Two-Exam System
CBSE introduced the two-exam system to provide students an optional chance to improve performance. This structure does not alter the academic year. Both examinations maintain consistent academic standards, ensuring students have an opportunity to improve their academic standing.
Key Dates for Practicals and Internal Assessments
Schools must adhere to practical exam schedules and internal assessment timelines to ensure timely evaluation and result declaration.
- Class 12 Summer-Bound Practicals: Conducted from January 1 to February 14, 2026 . Schools must complete all practicals and upload marks within this window. No requests for extensions will be accepted.
- Class 10 Internal Assessments: Must be completed between January 1 and February 14, 2026 . Schools are required to finalize evaluations and record marks by this deadline.
- Upload Internal Assessment Awards (Class 10 & 12): All awards must be uploaded between January 1 and February 14, 2026 . Accurate entry is mandatory to prevent errors in result preparation.
Schools must maintain accurate attendance records and regularly inform parents. Internal assessments for sports students should be rescheduled within the practical exam window, accounting for travel and event participation.
List of Candidates (LOC) for Second Exam
CBSE will release the List of Candidates (LOC) for the second exam after the first Class 10 board exam results are declared. Schools will access the list for a limited period to confirm candidate details and initiate the second exam process.
The LOC will remain open for 15 days . Schools must verify, update, and submit candidate details within this specific timeframe. CBSE emphasized that no extensions will be granted for LOC submission.
Examination Statistics
The CBSE manages a large-scale examination process. Key figures for Class 10 and 12 examinations include:
| Category | Figures |
|---|---|
| Total students (Class 10 and 12) | 59 lakh |
| Examination centres | 8,000+ |
| Question papers | 7,000 |
| Total answer books evaluated | 3.38 crore |
| Examination duration | 67 days |
| Expected answer books for second exam | 20–30 lakh |
Queries and Support
Students and schools can direct queries regarding the two-board-exam policy through dedicated channels. Contact CBSE via WhatsApp at 79066 27715 or email at info.exam@cbse.nic.in . The board uses these queries to expand its FAQs and guidance.