CBSE is running the first-ever Class 10 2nd Board Exams in the 2025–2026 academic year, with the second window set to start on May 15, 2026 . The move follows the first board exams held Feb 17, 2026 - Mar 10, 2026 and results declared on April 15, 2026 .
The second opportunity responds to the NEP 2020 push for more student-centric evaluation. Students who appeared in the first Class 10 board exams are eligible for this second attempt to improve marks or pass subjects.
Class 10 2nd Board Exams: schedule and key dates
Key dates for the academic year 2025–2026 are as follows:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First board exams period | Feb 17, 2026 - Mar 10, 2026 |
| First board results announced | April 15, 2026 |
| Second Board Exam start date | May 15, 2026 |
CBSE has framed this May window so students do not lose an academic year while seeking improvement. The board will allow students to retain the better marks from the two sittings — the so-called best-of-two policy.
Class 10 2nd Board Exams: who registered
A total of 668,854 students have registered for the Phase 2 second board exams starting in May 2026. The gender breakdown published by the board is:
| Category | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| Male candidates | 402,643 |
| Female candidates | 266,209 |
| Other category | 2 |
| Total candidates | 668,854 |
Over six lakh students are therefore eligible to sit again to improve scores or clear subjects before moving to Class 11.
CBSE has positioned this as a structural reform driven by NEP 2020 to reduce high-stakes pressure. The second window is limited to students who took the first sitting in 2026; no other categories were listed in the published figures.
What remains to be announced are operational details: registration deadlines, exam fees, centre lists, subject-wise numbers, and the date for second-exam results. The board has confirmed the start date and the best-of-two policy but has not released a timetable for Phase 2 result declaration.
FAQs
What is the second board exam?
A May 2026 exam window allowing Class 10 students another chance to improve marks or pass.
When will the second board exam start?
The second board exam begins on May 15, 2026 .
How many students registered?
668,854 students have registered for the Phase 2 exams.
Can students retain better marks?
Yes. CBSE offers a best-of-two marks option from the two exams.
Who is eligible for the second exam?
Students who appeared in the first Class 10 board exams (Feb–Mar 2026) are eligible.
What policy drives this reform?
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is the stated driver behind the dual-exam option.