CBSE makes first Board exam mandatory for Class 10 students, warns of consequences

Updated on: Feb 16, 2026 10:52 PM IST

By Arya Mishra

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made it mandatory for Class 10 students to appear in the first board exam, officials said. CBSE will hold two board exams for Class 10 from 2026.

CBSE will hold two board exams for Class 10 from 2026. (HT Photo/ Representational)

Students who do not attempt at least three subjects in the first edition will be put in the “essential repeat” category, PTI news agency cited officials as saying.

The clarification from the board came after it received a few requests urging them to allow the students to appear in the second board exam even if they are not able to appear in the first board exam.

“It is mandatory for all the students to appear in the first board examination. All passed and eligible students will be allowed to improve their performance in any of the three subjects out of Science, Mathematics, Social Science and languages,” PTI quoted CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj as saying.

CBSE released an official statement for clarification.

Bhardwaj said that if a student does not appear in three or more subjects in the first examination, they will not be allowed to appear in the second examination and will be placed in the ‘Essential Repeat’ category. They will then be allowed to take the examination only next year in the main examinations in the month of February.

CBSE clarifies eligibility to appear in second board examination

CBSE Examination Controller Bhardwaj said that Additional Subject will not be permitted after passing Class 10.

“Students will not be allowed in stand-alone subjects. Because of any reason if a student is not able to appear in 3 or more subjects in main examination, he or she cannot be permitted to appear in second board exams as per policy,” Bhardwaj said, according to PTI. He further stated that anu request to the CBSE about this will not be given a response.

In a statement, CBSE said the eligibility to appear in the second examination will be:

(a) Improvement category up to 3 main subjects

(b) First/Third Chance Compartment

(d) Improvement for the students passed by the replacement of the subject.

CBSE will conduct board exams for class 10 and class 12 will begin on Tuesday, with over 46 lakh students set to appear from India and abroad.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Arya Mishra
Arya Mishra is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, based in New Delhi, and a key member of the digital news team focusing on urgent breaking developments across India and the world. With a sharp editorial instinct and strong reporting skills, Arya covers high-impact crime incidents, public safety and justice issues, political developments, education policy and international affairs, consistently delivering clear, accurate and timely journalism. Her recent reporting highlights include detailed coverage of serious criminal cases, politics as well as analyses of national education reforms and international diplomatic moves. On the world news front, she has written about global trade policy changes and security developments, including tariff shifts by the United States and strategic counter-terrorism strategies being rolled out by Ministry of Home Affairs. Arya thrives in fast-paced environments – running live blogs, crafting in-depth explainers and real-time news coverage that keeps readers informed as stories evolve. Before joining Hindustan Times, she was a part of The Indian Express online team. Outside the newsroom, she is an avid reader, with a love for thriller and suspense fiction, and enjoys music as a way to unwind. With more than three years of experience in dynamic newsrooms, Arya brings curiosity, clarity and commitment to every story she covers.Read More

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