Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)’s decision to introduce a two-exam system for Class 10 from 2026 has sparked mixed reactions among educators, parents, and stakeholders. While the move aims to reduce academic pressure and provide students with more opportunities to improve their scores, concerns have been raised regarding its practical implications. Health professionals have welcomed the move, highlighting its potential to relieve pressure, stress, and anxiety among students.
According to the official proposal draft, the CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 will be conducted in two phases. The first phase is scheduled from February 17 to March 6, 2026, and the second phase from May 5 to May 20, 2026.
Delhi Parents Association raises concerns
The Delhi Parents Association (DPA) has raised concerns over the proposed two-phase system. In a representation to the CBSE Chairman and Controller of Examinations, the association acknowledged benefits such as opportunities to improve scores, continuity of the academic session, and flexibility in changing subjects. However, it highlighted several potential drawbacks.
Speaking to Patriot, DPA president Aprajita Gautam criticised the plan for increasing exam fees, raising financial pressures on parents due to higher school and coaching costs, and disrupting the academic calendar.
She warned that the revised structure could add stress for Class 11 students, who would have only seven months to cover an advanced syllabus.
“The extended gap between exams might push students towards coaching centres and could even lead to lower school enrolment, especially in government schools,” Gautam stated.
To address these issues, the association suggested conducting both exams within the same academic session with minimal gaps, waiving exam fees, prioritising school-based learning over coaching centres, and streamlining the syllabus.
DPA plans to collect feedback from parents and students and submit it to CBSE for consideration before finalising the Examination-Bye-Laws.
Many parents have also voiced their opinions on the new system.
Ritu Sharma, parent of a Class 9 student, said, “While the idea of two board exams sounds good for reducing pressure, it also means additional exam fees, coaching expenses, and stress for both students and parents. CBSE should ensure this system does not become a financial burden on families.”
Amit Verma, parent of a Class 10 student, said, “This move gives students a second chance to improve their scores, which is great. However, the frequent exams might take away focus from regular school learning and put unnecessary pressure on children to keep preparing throughout the year.”
Neha Kapoor, parent of a Class 8 student, said, “The two-exam system is a welcome change, but it should be implemented carefully. There should be clear guidelines on fees, syllabus, and scheduling so that students are not overwhelmed, and parents can plan accordingly.”
Students’ reactions
Students have expressed both positive and negative opinions about the decision.
Ananya Mishra, a Class 10 student, said, “Having two exams instead of one final board is a relief. It gives me a chance to improve my scores if I don’t do well in the first attempt. It also reduces the fear of failing and makes learning less stressful.”
Rohan Mehta, a Class 9 student, agreed, saying, “This system will help students focus on understanding concepts rather than cramming at the last minute. If I make mistakes in the first exam, I will have a chance to correct them in the second attempt.”
Simran Kaur, a Class 10 student, added, “I think it’s a great move because it encourages continuous learning. It also takes off the pressure of performing perfectly in just one exam.”
However, some students expressed concerns.
Aryan Sharma, a Class 10 student, said, “Instead of reducing stress, this system will actually increase it. Now, we will have to prepare for board exams twice a year instead of focusing on other school activities.”
Priya Nair, a Class 9 student, commented, “Two board exams mean double the pressure. We will have to study and revise the entire syllabus twice, and that might make it even more exhausting.”
Rahul Verma, a Class 10 student, added, “This will push students towards more coaching and tuition because now we need to be ready for two big exams. Instead of making things easier, it might just add more burden on us.”
Principals’ perspective
The decision has largely been positively received by school principals, who believe it promotes a growth mindset and reduces academic stress.
Alka Kapur, Principal of Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, said, “The decision to conduct CBSE Class 10 board exams twice a year from 2026 is a progressive step towards reducing academic stress and providing students with greater flexibility. This reform aligns with the evolving education system, which prioritises holistic learning over rote memorisation. By allowing students to improve their scores and lessen the pressure of a single high-stakes exam, this initiative fosters a healthier and more balanced approach to academics.”
She further added that two exam opportunities would help students assess their understanding, reflect on their performance, and make necessary improvements, ultimately enhancing conceptual clarity and confidence.
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Dr Rajesh Kumar Gupta, School Head and Principal, Government Boys’ Senior Secondary School, Model Town, stated, “The draft makes proper arrangements for students to take advantage of two chances. Many times, students are unable to appear in exams due to unforeseen circumstances. This option allows them to compensate for the loss in the next attempt. On the other hand, even if a student scores lower, they have the opportunity to improve their position.”
However, he cautioned that the real impact of this change would only be seen over time.
Teachers voice logistical concerns
While some teachers welcomed the move as a step towards reducing academic stress, others raised concerns about logistical challenges and the impact on teachers.
Sant Ram, a government school teacher, said, “The new initiative will not be beneficial for teachers because the gap between the two exams is very short. The evaluation and results of exams conducted in February will probably come only by April, and students will know whether they need to appear for the second exam only after that. This will put additional pressure on teachers to complete paper-checking in a short time, and exams might be conducted during vacations, leading to further complications.”
He also highlighted concerns about examination fees, staffing duties, and logistical arrangements, emphasising that internal matters must be carefully handled for the system to succeed.
Another teacher, Nyan Dahiya from Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, supported the initiative, stating, “The decision to conduct the Class 10 CBSE board exams twice a year is a progressive step toward reducing academic stress and enhancing student performance. It allows students to focus on conceptual understanding rather than rote learning, providing them with an opportunity to improve their scores. This change aligns with global educational standards, fostering resilience and adaptability in young minds.”
