The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has unveiled important new guidelines for its Class 10 board exams in 2026, designed to bring clarity and accountability to the dual-exam option. Under the announcement, the first exam cycle will begin on 17 February 2026, followed by a second cycle in May 2026. 

One of the key changes: students who are absent for three or more subjects in the first exam will not be eligible to sit for the second attempt. This rejects the idea of splitting one’s board attempt across the two cycles. Students must take a full attempt during the first exam if they hope to gain eligibility for the second one as a “repeat” or improvement attempt.

CBSE estimates that around 2.6 million students will appear for the Class 10 board exams in the first cycle next year. The board has emphasised that the first exam result scheduled for April 2026 will be usable for admissions into Class 11. However, merit certificates and passing documents will only be issued after the second round in June. This means students cannot delay their progress just because they opt for the second cycle.

For those who might skip or miss major portions of the first exam, the rules make it clear: you cannot treat the second exam simply as a fallback unless you genuinely earned eligibility. The aim, officials say, is to reduce stress and postponement of academic progression, while ensuring fairness and transparency for all candidates.

Another nuance: students engaged in sports disciplines or other eligible categories may still qualify for the second cycle even if they miss the first due to valid reasons. But the broad message is unmistakable the board is tightening the framework.

For students and parents, the takeaway is simple: take the first opportunity seriously, prepare diligently, and avoid treating the second exam as an easy fallback. Schools and teachers will likely need to guide students with updated rehearsal schedules, monitor attendance closely and ensure no one inadvertently locks themselves out of the second attempt by missing too many subjects initially.

In all, these changes reflect CBSE’s focus on streamlining board exam processes, aligning them with student welfare and academic progression. With the clock ticking toward February 2026, the 10th-class cohort now has a clearer roadmap one where the first shot both counts and opens the door.