Major Reforms announced by CBSE for 2026 Board Exams
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced several changes like two board exams, open-book tests, additional subjects for private candidates removed, etc. for Class 10, 12 board exams 2026. These new rules are designed to make exams easier to manage, more student-friendly, and better suited to today’s learning needs.
Key Changes Students Must Know
- From the 2026 academic year, CBSE Class 10 board exams will be held twice: the first “main” exam in mid-February, and the second in May.
- For Class 10 students participating in national/international sports or Olympiads can take special exams, but only in the second cycle (May). No separate exam after the first cycle for them. For Class 12, the current policy remains unchanged — if board exams clash with recognised events, CBSE will re-conduct them after the main exam cycle.
- CBSE has already decided to offer Science and Social Science at two levels (Basic & Advanced) from the secondary stage. They plan to extend this dual‐level model to STEM subjects at higher secondary level (starting with Class 11 in 2026-27).
- CBSE will introduce Open Book Assessments for Class 9 starting in the 2026-27 session. This follows a pilot which was conducted in late 2023 in select schools for Classes 9-12.
- From 2026 onwards, private candidates will not be allowed to appear for exams in additional subjects
- Students in Classes 10 and 12 must have at least 75% attendance to appear in board exams.
- From pre-primary up to Class 2, teaching should be done in the child’s mother tongue or a familiar regional language. Schools are asked to map students’ mother tongues.
- CBSE has revised its affiliation guidelines, requiring schools to install high-resolution CCTV cameras with audio and video recording in all key areas of the campus.
- New “sugar boards” are to be set up in school campuses to raise awareness and reduce excessive sugar consumption among children.
- The board has begun creating its own podcasts and digital learning resources, focusing on academics and counselling to provide support for students, parents, and schools.