Upcoming alterations in CBSE exams 2026: Detailed examination of revised policies concerning minimum attendance, board exams, registration, and additional adjustments
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced significant changes to its examination format for the academic year 2026. The new regulations, aimed at reducing stress and promoting lifelong learning, introduce a more adaptable two-window approach for Class 10 students.
Key Changes
Starting from the 2025-2026 academic year, Class 10 students will face two exam windows instead of the previous one-year test. The first exam will take place in mid-February, followed by the second in May. Both exams will cover the entire academic year's syllabus.
The second exam is not mandatory for all students but is available for improvement, compartment, and special cases. Students who are satisfied with their February results have the option to skip the May exam. However, students who miss three or more subjects in the first exam are declared "Essential Repeat" and must wait until the next year to reappear.
Internal Assessments and Coaching
To facilitate this new system, teachers will need to modify their lesson plans to spread out learning throughout the year instead of concentrating it on a single test. Internal assessments will be held once, before the February exam, to evaluate students' progress and understanding throughout the year.
Ensuring that students receive good coaching to help them decide whether to stick with their February results or retake them will be crucial. Teaching and assessing consistently throughout the year will be necessary, not just preparing for the test in February.
Administrative Preparations
Administrative readiness, such as systems updates, timely completion of all internal assessments, and accurate data input for student lists, will be important. Schools must accurately enter all candidates' names in the first exam's List of Candidates (LOC), as additions won't be allowed for the second exam.
Impact on Students, Parents, and Teachers
Effective planning, ongoing evaluation, and well-informed decision-making will be essential for the success of parents, teachers, and children. Students who perform well in the February exam can avoid the May exam, giving them more time to focus on other activities or areas of interest.
The new regulations could lessen stress, provide students greater authority over their academic performance, and promote lifelong learning. Parents' responsibilities may change from pressuring their children for a particular outcome to encouraging ongoing development and assisting them in making wise decisions beyond the initial test.
Merit Certificates and DigiLocker
Merit certificates will rely on the student's best performance. After the February exam, a performance document will be available on DigiLocker and can be used for admission into Class XI if students choose not to reappear.
In conclusion, the CBSE's new marking scheme with increased internal assessments and a two-window approach could mark a significant shift in the way students approach exams. It is important to observe whether the modification actually lowers stress and enhances performance as opposed to transferring the burden to two tests.
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