CBSE Announces Twice-a-Year Class 10 Board Exams Starting 2025 Under NEP Reform

By Ezra June 28, 2025
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In a major reform aligned with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that Class 10 students will now have two opportunities each academic year to sit for their board examinations. This student-friendly shift will come into effect from the 2025 academic session.

The move is designed to reduce exam-related stress and allow students a second chance to improve their scores without penalty. Unlike the previous system where board exams were conducted only once, CBSE will now conduct sessions in March and July. If a student chooses to appear in both, the higher score will be considered as final. Importantly, both sessions are treated equally and are not supplementary or compartment exams.

Officials noted that this update brings India in line with international best practices, offering flexibility and fairer assessments to school students.

The policy is being widely welcomed by educators and parents alike for promoting a healthier academic environment. Experts highlight that the model gives students more control over their learning and testing pace, while reducing the “one-exam” pressure.

Under the new format, students are encouraged to take the first session seriously, while using the second session to retake only subjects where they aim to improve. This model could also help Class 12 students align their board preparations with national entrance exams like JEE, NEET, and CUET, offering more breathing space in an otherwise packed academic calendar.

Education experts advise students to follow a phase-wise strategy: focus on syllabus mastery before the first exam, and then revise and refine for a potential second attempt. However, they also caution against becoming overly reliant on the second chance.

This reform reflects the NEP’s vision to shift Indian education towards conceptual learning, flexibility, and stress-free assessment.

Source: TIMES OF INDIA

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