Under the existing system, a Class 12 student following the CBSE curriculum sits for a single board exam annually, typically held in February-March. Following the examination, the results are announced in May.
The central government is contemplating the introduction of a second board examination for Class 12 students enrolled in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools. The proposal stems from the recommendations put forth by the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) and is slated to be implemented starting from June 2026, as per reports from The Indian Express. In accordance with the NEP 2020, the education ministry has asked the CBSE to prepare a proposal for holding two board exams for class 12 students each year from 2026.
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The education ministry, aligning with the NEP 2020, has directed the CBSE to draft a proposal for implementing two board exams annually for class 12 students starting from 2026. The new system is projected to conduct the first exam in February-March and the second set in June. Additionally, students will now have the flexibility to opt for ‘supplementary exams’ or ‘improvement exams’ for any or all subjects, a departure from the current practice of appearing for only one subject.
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Current Examination Structure
Under the existing system, a Class 12 student following the CBSE curriculum sits for a single board exam annually, typically held in February-March. Following the examination, the results are announced in May. In cases where students are dissatisfied with their scores, they have the opportunity to opt for supplementary exams for specific subjects, usually conducted in July.
This year, the supplementary exams took place on July 15, offering students a chance to improve their grades.
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The new National Education Policy 2020 advocates for a significant change in the examination system, aiming to reduce the burden on students. Moving away from high-stakes exams with extensive syllabi, the policy proposes the introduction of biannual board exams. As per reports, the education ministry has urged CBSE to draft a plan for conducting two board exams annually for class 12 students starting from 2026.
