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EXAMS · CBSE CLASS 10

CBSE two board exams for Class 10

What changed, who sits the second exam, and how to plan the year around it.

IN SHORT

From 2026, CBSE holds two board exams for Class 10. The first, in February, is compulsory for every student. The second, in May, is optional: students can sit it to improve their marks in a limited number of subjects, and the better score counts. Check CBSE's current circular for the subjects and limits.

Updated · Mayo International School, Patparganj, East Delhi

First exam
February · compulsory
Second exam
May · optional
Purpose
Improve scores
Applies to
Class 10

How it works

  • Every student sits the first exam in February, on the full syllabus
  • Students who want to improve can register for the second exam in May in the subjects CBSE allows
  • The better of the two scores counts on the final mark sheet
  • Internal assessment is done once in the year

How to plan

Treat February as the real exam. The second sitting is a safety net, not a second chance to prepare — Class 11 starts in April, and preparing for a May exam eats into it.

Questions parents ask

Is the second CBSE Class 10 exam compulsory?

No. Only the first (February) exam is compulsory. The second is optional, for improving scores.

Which score counts if I take both?

The better score counts, as per CBSE's rules for the year.

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Sources

Rules change each year: check the official notice for your year. Mayo's own figures come from the school's records.

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