India, June 10 -- Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan has defended the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)'s plan to conduct Class 10 board exams twice annually from 2026, saying it will not dilute the process but reduce stress. He maintained that the school education system is competent enough across the country to handle the two examinations.

"India has over 60 school boards, and there has never been any concern about their competency. The examination structure is not putting pressure on the education system. The decision to conduct board exams twice a year is not to dilute the process, but to reduce stress among students," Pradhan said at ABP News education conclave on Monday.

Pradhan said that the National Testing Ag...