When the news broke that Class 10 students would now get two chances at the board exams, the reaction at most dinner tables was the same: relief, followed quickly by confusion. Does my child have to take both? Which marks count? Is the second exam easier? Will it mean more studying, or less? 

The 2026 batch was the first to go through the new system, so there’s now a clearer picture of how it works in practice. 

So, today in this blog post, we at Summer Fields School, trusted as one of the top CBSE schools in Gurgaon, have explained what has changed with the two-board exam system, who can take the second exam, and how to plan the year around it. Give it a thorough read. 

What Has Changed? 

From 2026, CBSE Class 10 students have two board examinations in a year. Here’s how the first year of the new system ran: 

The first exam is compulsory for all students and is the main exam. The second is optional. According to the CBSE guidelines for the second exam, it’s meant for students who want to improve their scores or who missed papers, and it is not a replacement for the first exam. 

Who Can Take the Second Exam? 

This is the part most parents need to understand clearly: 

• Improvement: Students can attempt to improve their performance in a maximum of three subjects. 

• Missed papers: Students who were absent in up to two subjects in the first exam can take them in May. 

• Compartment: Students who don’t pass in up to two subjects are eligible to appear under the compartment category. 

• Not eligible: Students absent in three or more subjects are marked “Essential Repeat” and have to appear the following year. 

The second exam is offered only in subjects with a major written board exam component, such as Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages. 

How Did the First Batch Do? 

In the first exam of 2026, more than 26 lakh students appeared, and the overall pass percentage was 93.70%. Girls passed at 94.99% and boys at 92.6%. 

One small but important detail: CBSE released marks in April but said the final marksheet would follow the second exam. In 2026, the second exam results came out in July, for over 6.6 lakh registered candidates. So, plan for the final document to arrive later than you may be used to. 

Is the Second Exam a “Safety Net”? 

It can be, but it’s best not to plan the year around it. The second exam comes just weeks after the first results, and in the same months when students are starting Class 11 and, often, entrance exam preparation. 

So, the healthiest approach is to treat February as the real exam. Prepare for it fully, and see May as an option for a subject or two that didn’t go as hoped, not as a second attempt at everything. 

Should Your Child Take the Second Exam? 

There’s no single answer. A few questions can help you decide together: 

• Is the gap between expected and actual marks large enough to matter for Class 11 subject choice? 

• Does the subject affect eligibility for the stream your child wants? 

• Will extra study in April and May affect the start of Class 11? 

• How is your child feeling? A second round of exams is not right for every child. 

If stream choice is on your mind, our guide to choosing Science, Commerce or Humanities [link with relevant blog] may help you weigh things up. 

Don’t Forget the Maths Level 

Class 10 students choose between Mathematics Standard and Mathematics Basic, and the choice is locked once the school submits the list of candidates for the board exam. Normally, only students who take Standard Maths can study Mathematics in Class 11. For 2025-26, CBSE continued a relaxation allowing Basic Maths students to take Mathematics in Class 11, subject to the school’s assessment, but this is expected to end once the new scheme of studies is in place. 

So, if your child might want Science with Maths or Commerce with Maths later, think carefully before choosing Basic. 

Planning the Class 10 Year 

With two exams now in the calendar, a little planning goes a long way: 

Sleep, breaks and family time still matter throughout. A rested child usually revises better than an exhausted one. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Is the second board exam compulsory? 

No. The first exam in February is the main exam. The second, in May, is optional. 

2. How many subjects can my child improve in the second exam? 

Up to three subjects. 

3. Does the two-exam system apply to Class 12? 

The 2026 system covers Class 10. Check CBSE’s latest circulars for any changes to Class 12. 

4. When will the final marksheet be issued? 

After the second exam results are declared. In 2026, these came out in July. 

To Sum Up 

The two-exam system gives Class 10 students a little more breathing room, but it works best when February is still treated as the main event. With a clear plan, an eye on subject choices for Class 11 and plenty of support at home, your child can make the most of both opportunities. 

At Summer Fields School, Gurugram, positioned among the top CBSE schools in Gurgaon, our teachers plan Classes 9 and 10 in line with CBSE’s assessment and promotion policies, and we have a dedicated counsellor and wellness teacher on our team.  

See our CBSE results or call us on +91-124-2353687, and we’ll talk you through how we prepare students for both exams.