New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced big changes for the 2026 board exams. These changes will affect many students across India. The main aim is to reduce exam stress, make the checking process clearer and fairer, and update the exam system according to modern education needs.

Two-Exam System Introduced for Class 10

In a landmark move, Class 10 students will now be given two opportunities to appear for their board examinations within the same academic year.

• The first exam will be conducted in February 2026 and is mandatory for all students.
• A second, optional exam will be held later for students who wish to improve their performance.
• The best score from the two attempts will be considered final.

This initiative is designed to minimize the stress associated with single-attempt board exams and offer students a fair chance to enhance their scores without repeating a full academic year.

On-Screen Marking for Class 12

For Class 12 students, CBSE will implement a digital evaluation system through On-Screen Marking (OSM).

Under this process:

• Answer sheets will be scanned and evaluated digitally.
• Automated systems will reduce totaling errors.
• Result processing is expected to be faster and more standardized.

The shift to digital correction marks a significant modernization of the board’s evaluation framework and is expected to increase transparency and accuracy.

Focus on Competency-Based Assessment

The 2026 exam papers will continue emphasizing:

• Analytical and application-based questions
• Case-study formats
• Conceptual understanding over memorization

Schools have been instructed to adapt teaching strategies accordingly, ensuring students are prepared for real-world problem-solving scenarios.

Strengthened Exam-Day Guidelines

CBSE has also reinforced strict reporting times and examination protocols. Students are advised to carefully follow official instructions regarding entry timing, permissible materials, and conduct within examination centers.

What This Means for Students

The reforms signal a shift toward a more flexible and student-friendly assessment system. While Class 10 candidates benefit from a second opportunity to improve their scores, Class 12 students can expect quicker and more accurate result processing.

Education experts suggest that preparation for 2026 should focus on conceptual clarity, structured answer writing, and consistent revision rather than last-minute cramming.

As the academic year progresses, MeduHub will continue tracking updates and guidelines related to the CBSE Board Exams 2026.

Stay tuned for more verified education updates.