CBSE Introduces Biannual Board Exams for Class 10: Principals Share Mixed Reactions

Greater Noida (1st March 2025): The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a significant overhaul in the Class 10 examination system, introducing two board exams annually from the 2025-26 academic session. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to alleviate academic pressure and offer students multiple opportunities to improve their scores.

Under the new policy, students can appear for the board examination twice a year, with their best score being considered for the final certification. If satisfied with their performance in certain subjects after the first exam, they can opt out of retaking those papers in the second phase. This flexibility is expected to reduce the stress of a single high-stakes examination while maintaining academic rigor.

Exam Schedule and Structure

According to the draft policy, the first phase of board exams will be held from February 17 to March 6, while the second phase is scheduled for May 5 to May 20. Both examinations will cover the entire syllabus, with core subjects such as Science, Mathematics, Social Science, Hindi, and English following a fixed schedule. Regional and foreign languages will be tested on a single day.

The registration process for the 2026 Class 10 board exams will be completed by September 2025. Students will be required to indicate whether they wish to appear for only the first exam, only the second, or both. Practical and internal assessments, however, will be conducted only once per academic year, irrespective of the number of exam attempts.

Feedback and Finalization

CBSE has invited feedback on this policy from schools, teachers, parents, and students until March 9, 2025. The final policy will be drafted after reviewing the responses, and necessary amendments will be made to CBSE’s examination by-laws.

Mixed Reactions from School Principals

The announcement has sparked diverse reactions from school principals across the country. While many have praised the initiative for reducing student stress and providing additional opportunities for academic improvement, others have raised concerns regarding the increased workload on teachers and logistical challenges for schools.

Support for the Policy

Birendra Bansal, Director, Ascent International School, Greater Noida, welcomed the initiative, stating, “By conducting two exams, CBSE aims to reduce the stress and pressure associated with a single, high-stakes exam. This will also provide a more comprehensive assessment of students’ knowledge and skills, helping them better prepare for Class XI and beyond. However, continuous assessment models or competency-based progression could also be explored as alternatives.”

Similarly, Dr. Heema Sharma, Principal, Delhi World Public School, Greater Noida, highlighted the advantages of multiple attempts, saying, “This approach allows students to showcase their abilities in different attempts, improving their confidence and performance. However, it could also increase workload and stress for both students and schools.”

Aditi Basu Roy, Principal, Grades International School, emphasized that the policy aligns with NEP 2020’s vision, “Education should be a tool for inclusion and progress. CBSE’s flexibility in giving students a second chance will be beneficial. However, the prolonged examination period—stretching for almost three months—will impact teachers and schools significantly, making resource management a challenge.”

Ruchika Sharma, Principal, Pragyan School, called the policy “child-centric”, stating, “It is a great step for students, allowing flexibility in case of medical or other personal reasons. While it may create additional challenges for schools in terms of scheduling and workload, the focus should always remain on student welfare.”

Criticism and Concerns

On the other hand, some educators have voiced strong concerns over the practicality and long-term impact of the reform.

Dr. D.K. Sinha, Principal, Jagran Public School, opposed the move, questioning its effectiveness, “This policy will not be beneficial for anyone—students, teachers, or schools. It will lead to increased stress on teachers who will be overburdened with evaluation work. The prolonged exam schedule will disrupt regular teaching, leaving little time for actual learning. If students are given unlimited attempts, why not just hand them degrees directly? The traditional system should not be changed in such an impractical way.”

He further suggested that CBSE should consider digital alternatives, stating, “Instead of multiple offline exams, why not implement a system of online tests conducted five times a year? That would be a more effective approach.”

Similarly, Praveen Roy, Principal, Samsara The World Academy, noted, “While the policy aligns with the National Education Policy, it will significantly increase the workload for teachers and school management. Schools already face logistical challenges, and an extended examination period will make things more difficult.”

While CBSE remains committed to providing a more student-friendly and flexible examination system, concerns regarding infrastructure, teacher workload, and effective implementation remain key challenges. The final decision, to be confirmed after March 9, 2025, will depend on how CBSE balances academic rigor with logistical feasibility.

As the education system evolves to meet global standards, the impact of this reform on students, teachers, and schools will be closely watched. For now, the debate continues as stakeholders across the country share their perspectives on one of the biggest examination reforms in CBSE history.

For further updates on this policy, stay tuned to Ten News Network.

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