CBSE Class 10 (Secondary): Exams, Streams & the Twice-a-Year System

CBSE Class 10 is the Secondary school board examination, taken by over 24 lakh students every year. From 2026, CBSE has introduced a significant change under NEP 2020: Class 10 board exams now run twice a year. Phase 1 in February–March is mandatory for all regular students. Phase 2 in May–June is an optional improvement attempt for students who want to raise their score. Your final mark sheet will use the better of the two scores — this is the "best-of-two" rule.

Understanding this system early helps you plan which subjects to prioritise for a Phase 2 attempt, how to time your preparation, and what the result process looks like for the 2026-27 cycle.

CBSE Class 10 twice-a-year exam at a glance (2026)

Exam	When	Who sits	What it decides
Phase 1 (Main board exam)	February–March	All regular Class 10 students (mandatory)	Your primary board result; valid and final on its own if you do not attempt Phase 2
Phase 2 (Improvement attempt)	May–June	Optional — for students who appeared in Phase 1 and want a better score	If your Phase 2 score is higher subject-by-subject, it replaces the Phase 1 score for that subject on your final certificate
Best-of-two result	Mid-June	All students	Your official certificate uses the best score for each subject across both phases

This policy was introduced from 2026 under NEP 2020. Confirm the exact eligibility rules and dates for your session on the official CBSE portal — details may be refined each cycle.

How CBSE Class 10 works

Appear for Phase 1 in February–March — Phase 1 is mandatory. It covers all your subjects and gives you a complete, valid Class 10 result that is accepted as-is.
Review your Phase 1 result (April) — When your Phase 1 result is out, assess subject-by-subject whether you want to improve specific scores in Phase 2.
Register for Phase 2 if you choose to (optional) — Phase 2 is for improvement only — there is no obligation to appear. Confirm registration deadlines on the official CBSE portal.
Appear for Phase 2 (May–June) and receive best-of-two certificate — Your final marksheet will automatically use the best score for each subject across both phases.

Always confirm the current rules on the official CBSE portal: The twice-a-year system is new from 2026 and policy details — registration windows, eligible subjects, and Phase 2 fee — may be updated each cycle. Use the official CBSE portal as your source of truth, not older guides.

CBSE Class 10 passing rules (indicative)

Rule	Detail
Minimum to pass each subject	33% overall in the subject
Theory and practical subjects	Must meet the minimum in theory and practical components separately
Grace marks	CBSE may apply grace marks in limited cases — confirm the current policy each year
Best-of-two (Phase 1 vs Phase 2)	The higher subject score across both phases is used for the final certificate

Indicative — confirm exact passing and grace-mark rules on the official CBSE website for your session.

Frequently asked questions

Is Phase 2 compulsory for all Class 10 students?

No. Phase 2 is optional and meant for improvement. If you are satisfied with your Phase 1 result, you do not need to appear for Phase 2. Your Phase 1 result is a complete, valid Class 10 certificate.

What if my Phase 2 score is lower than Phase 1?

The best-of-two rule means only the higher score for each subject is used. A lower Phase 2 score in a subject does not hurt you — the higher Phase 1 score for that subject is retained on your certificate.

Does the twice-a-year system affect college admission or competitive exams?

Your final Class 10 certificate will reflect the best-of-two scores, and that is the document presented for Class 11 admission. For competitive exam eligibility, always verify the exact Class 10 requirements with the exam conducting body, as some may have updated their policies for the new system.