CBSE Announces Class 10 Second Board Exam 2026 Schedule, Exams Start May 15

Second exam phase offers students a chance to boost performance under the revised two-exam system

NEW DELHI, Apr 23: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially issued the schedule for the Class 10 second phase board examinations, marking a significant step in the newly adopted dual exam format. As per the announced timetable, the second round of examinations will commence on May 15, with Mathematics both Standard and Basic set as the opening subjects.
The examinations will generally be conducted between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, while select papers will conclude earlier at 12:30 pm, depending on the subject requirements. Students are advised to carefully review the detailed schedule and reporting instructions to avoid any last minute confusion.
The introduction of the two board exam system represents a major shift in CBSE’s assessment structure. First implemented in the 2026 academic cycle, the reform is designed to reduce academic pressure and provide students with an additional opportunity to enhance their scores. Under this system, candidates are allowed to reappear in up to three subjects in the second phase if they wish to improve their earlier performance.
Education experts have noted that this approach aligns with broader reforms aimed at making assessments more flexible and student-friendly. By offering a second attempt within the same academic year, CBSE seeks to minimize the high stakes nature of single exam evaluation and encourage continuous learning.
Schools across the country have begun guiding students on how to effectively utilize this second opportunity. Many educators recommend that students focus on analyzing their first phase performance, identifying weak areas, and adopting a more targeted preparation strategy for the upcoming exams.
Meanwhile, CBSE has reiterated the importance of adhering to examination guidelines, including punctuality, proper documentation, and compliance with exam hall protocols. Students are also encouraged to stay updated through official channels for any further notifications or changes.
With the second phase exams approaching, the board’s initiative is being closely watched as a transformative move in India’s school education system, aiming to strike a balance between academic rigor and student well-being.

CBSE