Exam pattern · BoardPrep blog
CBSE Two Board Exams for Class 10 Explained
How CBSE's two board exams for Class 10 work, from the main February exam to the optional second exam to improve scores, and how to plan for them.
From 2026, CBSE holds two board exams for Class 10 each year: the main exam in February, and a second, optional exam later in the year that students can take to improve their scores.
What this means for you
- The February exam is the main one. Prepare for it as your real board exam.
- The second exam is a chance to improve, not a replacement for preparation. CBSE sets the rules on which subjects and how many can be taken again, and they can change, so check the latest circular on cbse.gov.in.
- The syllabus and pattern are the same, so your preparation carries over.
How to plan
- Aim to do your best in February. Don't plan to "fix it later".
- After the result, if one or two subjects are lower than you want, check whether you're eligible to take them in the second exam.
- Keep your practice material. Previous year papers and mock papers are just as useful for the second attempt.
Does it change what to study?
No. The same chapters carry the same weight. Start with the important chapters for Class 10 and keep practising full papers.
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