India, June 25 -- Beginning in 2026, Class 10 students under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will take board exams twice in an academic year, in line with the New Education Policy's (NEP) recommendation to reduce exam-related stress. According to officials, the first exam phase will be held in February and will be mandatory for all students, while the second phase, scheduled for May, will be optional for those seeking to improve their performance.

CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj confirmed the board's approval of the new exam format. "Students will appear mandatorily in the February exam. Those wishing to enhance their marks may attempt the May exam in up to three subjects - from science, mathematics, social sc...