Twin board exams for sophistication 10 from 2026 – what it means for India’s schooling system
India’s schooling system is about to endure a serious change with the introduction of twin board exams for Class 10 college students beginning within the 2025–26 tutorial yr. Introduced by the Ministry of Training, this transfer is a part of the Nationwide Training Coverage (NEP) 2020, aiming to ease the high-pressure atmosphere of board examinations by permitting college students two possibilities every year.
Starting in February 2026, college students will have the ability to take the board exams twice—as soon as in February and once more in April/Could —with the choice to maintain their greatest rating. Whereas this transformation is designed to supply college students extra flexibility and cut back stress, it additionally brings up vital questions on its results on college students, lecturers, and the broader schooling framework.
No supplementary examinations: A shift within the method to tutorial restoration
Underneath the brand new twin board examination system, college students is not going to have the choice of supplementary examinations, which have historically been supplied to those that fail in a number of topics. As a substitute, college students will have the ability to retake the examination in the identical tutorial yr—both in February or April/Could—offering them with a second alternative to enhance their scores. This method goals to scale back the stigma related to supplementary exams whereas sustaining a concentrate on steady studying and efficiency enchancment.
Examination construction and monetary concerns: New challenges to navigate
An vital function of the twin board examination system is that each examinations will cowl the complete syllabus, guaranteeing that college students are examined comprehensively in each classes. Moreover, college students shall be assigned the identical examination centres for each the February and April/Could makes an attempt, selling consistency and lowering logistical challenges. Nonetheless, the introduction of separate examination charges for every try may pose monetary pressure for some households. Moreover, the revised registration and topic choice timelines might put strain on college students to make fast choices, including a layer of stress to the method.
Why this reform?
The introduction of two examination classes aligns with NEP 2020’s concentrate on making assessments extra student-friendly. By giving college students a second probability throughout the similar yr, the reform reduces the strain of getting only one essential examination. It permits learners to enhance their scores with out ready a full tutorial yr. This method is just like worldwide fashions, similar to modular exams in the UK, and is geared toward serving to India’s schooling system match world practices.
One other aim of the coverage is to encourage deeper understanding somewhat than rote studying. From 2026 onwards, examination papers are anticipated to incorporate extra competency-based questions, serving to college students develop expertise like evaluation and problem-solving.
Boards getting ready for the shift
A number of schooling boards throughout India are getting ready to roll out the dual-exam format in 2026. The Central Board of Secondary Training (CBSE), which oversees tens of millions of scholars each in India and overseas, has confirmed it’ll undertake the brand new system, beginning with a pilot programme within the 2025–26 session. The Council for the Indian Faculty Certificates Examinations (CISCE), which conducts the ICSE exams, has additionally dedicated to the change.
State boards such because the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Larger Secondary Training (MSBSHSE), Tamil Nadu’s Directorate of Authorities Examinations (TNDGE), and the Karnataka Secondary Training Examination Board (KSEEB) are transferring forward with preparations. The Jharkhand Tutorial Council (JAC) and the Punjab Faculty Training Board (PSEB) are reviewing the proposal and will implement it quickly. Different state boards are additionally actively contemplating adopting this reform, signalling broader regional help for the twin board examination system.
What are the advantages and considerations?
The brand new system provides a number of clear advantages. College students get a second alternative to enhance their outcomes, which may help ease examination stress and help psychological well-being. Colleges are additionally anticipated to undertake digital instruments to help the change. For instance, CBSE has introduced plans to introduce AI-based analysis strategies by 2026.
Nonetheless, there are additionally some considerations. College students would possibly really feel pressured to look for each exams, resulting in further stress as an alternative of lowering it. In rural areas, faculties may face challenges with examination planning, useful resource availability, and honest analysis. There’s additionally a threat that non-public teaching centres might make the most of the brand new format, probably rising inequality amongst college students from completely different backgrounds.
Trying forward
The success of this reform will depend upon how nicely it’s applied. Authorities should make sure that faculties are correctly geared up, lecturers are educated, and college students throughout all areas have equal entry to sources. With correct help and planning, the twin examination system may result in a extra inclusive and versatile schooling construction in India.
As nationwide and state schooling boards put together for the February 2026 rollout, this coverage may mark an vital step in direction of reworking how tutorial success is measured within the nation.
