Education | CBSE 2026 Board Exams: Digital Marking, Two Chances for Class 10 Students
By Newzvia
Quick Summary
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced significant reforms for the 2026 board examinations, introducing digital evaluation for Class 12 answer sheets and offering Class 10 students the option for two board exams annually. These changes, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aim to modernize assessment and provide greater student flexibility.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced significant reforms for the 2026 board examinations on , aiming to introduce digital evaluation for Class 12 answer sheets and provide Class 10 students with the option to appear for two board examinations in the same academic year. These comprehensive changes are designed to align the examination system with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, according to the board's official announcement.
What's New
India's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has unveiled several key changes for the 2026 board examinations, as announced around . A significant reform is the implementation of digital evaluation, specifically "On-Screen Marking" (OSM), for Class 12 answer sheets, a move aimed at enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in the assessment process. This will involve scanning answer sheets and examiners evaluating digitised copies on a computer screen. However, Class 10 answer sheets will continue to be checked manually for now.
For Class 10 students, the board has introduced the option to appear for two board examinations in the same academic year, providing greater flexibility and opportunities for improvement. Students can choose to appear for a second exam if they wish to improve their marks from the first attempt, with the better score being considered for the final result.
Furthermore, the examination pattern for both Class 10 and 12 will see a significant shift towards a new competency-based question paper, with approximately 50% of the questions being competency-based. This revised structure, aligned with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, will include case studies, source-based questions, and application-oriented formats, reducing reliance on rote memorization. The question paper will also comprise 20% objective-type questions and 30% constructed response questions.
Who It Affects
These reforms primarily affect students appearing for the CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations in 2026. Class 12 students will experience the new On-Screen Marking system for their answer sheets, which aims to minimize totalling errors and accelerate the checking procedure. Class 10 students will benefit from the flexibility of taking two board examinations within the same academic year, potentially reducing pressure and offering a chance to improve scores in up to three subjects. The shift to a competency-based question paper pattern will impact all students, requiring a deeper understanding and application of concepts rather than rote learning. Educators and institutions will also need to adapt their teaching and assessment methodologies to prepare students for these updated formats.
Key Dates / Deadlines
For Class 10 students, the first mandatory board examination session is scheduled to run from , to . Results for this first exam are expected in April. The optional second (improvement) examination for Class 10 will be held from , to , with results expected in June.
For Class 12, the board examinations are also set to begin from . Specific dates for the completion of Class 12 exams and further detailed guidelines regarding the full implementation of digital evaluation are expected to be released by the CBSE in due course.
Official Guidance
Education authorities have indicated that these changes are designed to align with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on holistic development and reducing examination stress. The CBSE Controller of Examinations, Sanyam Bharadwaj, has clarified that the first Class 10 exam is compulsory, and the second is optional for improvement, with the higher score being considered. Parents are advised not to put undue pressure on children to appear for the second exam if improvement is not needed. Students and parents are advised to regularly check the official CBSE website (cbse.gov.in) for forthcoming circulars and detailed information regarding the revised examination structure and schedules.
Context / Background
The introduction of these reforms by the CBSE is a direct outcome of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for a more flexible, multidisciplinary, and student-centric education system. The policy emphasizes skill-based learning, critical thinking, and a reduction in the high-stakes nature of board examinations. The move towards digital evaluation for Class 12 and multiple examination opportunities for Class 10 reflects the policy's aims to modernize the assessment framework, enhance transparency, and provide students with diverse pathways to success by shifting the focus from rote memorization to conceptual understanding and application.
Key Takeaways
- The CBSE announced major reforms for the 2026 board exams on , aligning with NEP 2020.
- Class 12 answer sheets will undergo digital evaluation (On-Screen Marking) from 2026 to improve accuracy and efficiency.
- Class 10 students will have the option to appear for two board examinations in the same academic year, with the first exam from to , and the second (improvement) exam from to . The better score will be considered.
- A new competency-based question paper pattern, comprising approximately 50% competency-based questions, will be implemented for both Class 10 and 12.
- Students and parents should regularly check the official CBSE website for further detailed guidelines and announcements.
People Also Ask
What are the main changes for CBSE 2026 board exams?
For 2026, CBSE has announced digital evaluation for Class 12 answer sheets and an option for Class 10 students to take two board exams annually. A new competency-based question paper pattern, aligning with NEP 2020, will also be introduced for both classes.
Will Class 10 students have to take two board exams?
No, Class 10 students will have the option to appear for two board examinations in the same academic year. The first exam is mandatory, and the second is an improvement opportunity. The higher of the two scores will be considered for the final result.
What is "digital evaluation" for Class 12 exams?
Digital evaluation, or On-Screen Marking (OSM), means Class 12 answer sheets will be scanned and assessed by examiners on computer screens. This aims to streamline the evaluation process, improve efficiency, and enhance the accuracy of marking by reducing manual errors.
How do these changes align with NEP 2020?
The reforms, including competency-based questions and flexible exam options, are in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's focus on holistic, flexible, and skill-based learning. They aim to reduce exam stress, encourage critical thinking, and foster deeper understanding over rote memorization.
Last Updated: