The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has confirmed that it is compulsory for Class 10 students to sit the first of their two board examinations, introducing a strict policy for the new format beginning in 2026. Officials have warned that students who do not attempt at least three subjects in this initial exam will be placed in the "essential repeat" category.
This clarification follows requests from students seeking permission to skip the first exam and only take the second, citing personal reasons.
"It is mandatory for all students to appear in the first board examination," said CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj. "Passed and eligible students will be permitted to improve their performance in up to three subjects — especially in Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages — during the second examination."
But the board is also making stricter rules when it comes to attendance. "If a student has not appeared in at least three subjects in the first examination, they will not be permitted to take the second one," Bhardwaj added. "Such students will be placed in the 'Essential Repeat' category and will have to wait until the main examinations in February of the following year to retake them."
Also read: CBSE to roll out on-screen marking for Class 12 board exams
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