Highlights of the Proposed Scheme on Class 10 Board Exams

Proposed Scheme for CBSE Class 10 Board Exams: A Comprehensive Overview

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a new scheme for the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations, set to be implemented from 2026. This proposed scheme brings significant changes to the examination process, aiming to streamline the assessment system, reduce stress for students, and ensure a fair and efficient evaluation process. In this blog post, we will delve into the key aspects of the proposed scheme, highlighting its implications for students, schools, and the education system as a whole.

Examination Schedule and Syllabus

The Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations will commence on the first Tuesday after 15 February 2026. This fixed schedule provides clarity and allows students to plan their preparation well in advance. The examinations will be conducted based on the full current syllabus and textbooks, ensuring that students are tested on the entire curriculum. You can download CBSE Sample Papers from the myCBSEguide app and CBSE official website.

Grouping of Subjects

One of the notable changes in the proposed scheme is the grouping of subjects. While core subjects like Science, Maths, Social Science, Hindi, and English will be conducted on fixed days, the remaining subjects have been grouped into two categories:

• Group 1: Regional and Foreign Languages
• Group 2: All other subjects

This grouping is designed to simplify the examination process and reduce the number of examination days. The examination of Regional and Foreign Languages will be conducted in one go on a single day, while the remaining subjects in Group 2 will be conducted over two or three days, depending on the students’ choices.

Multiple Examination Days for Certain Subjects

The proposed scheme introduces a significant change for subjects in Group 2, such as Data Science. These subjects will be conducted two or three times, based on the students’ choices. However, students will not have the freedom to select the dates of these examinations. Instead, the CBSE will devise a formula to allot examination days based on the subject combination chosen by the student. After the examination, the question papers will be taken back from the students, ensuring the integrity of the assessment process.

Examination Centres and LOC (List of Candidates)

The examination centres will be fixed for the first examination, and the same centres will be allotted for the second examination. The List of Candidates (LOC) will be completed by the end of September of the previous year, and no changes in the subjects offered will be allowed after the submission of the LOC. This rule ensures that students finalize their subject choices well in advance, reducing last-minute confusion.

Filling the LOC for the first examination will be compulsory, and students will have the option to choose whether they want to appear in the second examination. However, no new names will be added to the LOC for the second examination. The LOC for the second examination will be made live immediately after the declaration of the first examination results, allowing students to opt out of the second examination if they wish.

Examination Fees and Supplementary Examinations

The examination fee will be enhanced and collected for both examinations at the time of filling the LOC for the first time. Once paid, the fee will be non-refundable. The first and second examinations will also serve as supplementary examinations, meaning that students who fail to pass in the first examination can appear in the second examination to improve their scores. No special examinations will be conducted under any circumstances, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the fixed schedule.

Facilities for CWSN and Sports Students

The proposed scheme ensures that the facilities extended to Children with Special Needs (CWSN) candidates will continue to be provided as per the current practices. For sports students, they will have to appear in any of the two board examinations of Class 10, and no separate examination will be conducted for them. This provision ensures that sports students are not disadvantaged and can focus on both their academic and athletic pursuits.

Result Declaration and Passing Documents

The performance of the first examination will be made available in DigiLocker, allowing students to use it for admission to Class XI if they do not wish to appear in the second examination. However, no passing document will be issued after the result of the first examination. All candidates will be issued passing documents only after the second examination result.

The Mark Sheet cum Passing Certificate will include the marks secured in the first examination, the second examination, and the marks obtained in Practical/Internal assessment. Additionally, the better of the two marks will be mentioned, providing students with the benefit of the doubt in case they perform better in the second examination.

Improvement Category and Merit Certificates

Students who fail to pass in one to five subjects in the first examination will be placed under the “Improvement Category” and will be allowed to appear in the second examination. A merit certificate will be issued after the second examination, recognizing the achievements of top-performing students.

Practical/Internal Assessment

Practical and internal assessments will be conducted only once, and the marks obtained will be included in the final mark sheet. This provision ensures that students are evaluated comprehensively, taking into account both their theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

No Additional Subjects and Subject Change Restrictions

The proposed scheme does not permit additional subjects. After passing Class 10, students will not be allowed to take stand-alone subjects. Furthermore, after the submission of the LOC, no subject changes will be allowed. If a student wishes to change a subject, it will only be permitted in the second examination. However, if a student appears in the first examination, they will not be allowed to change the subject in the second examination.

Feedback and Policy Review

The CBSE has emphasized that the proposed scheme will be reviewed, revised, and finalized based on feedback from stakeholders. This approach ensures that the scheme is responsive to the needs and concerns of students, parents, and educators.

Examination-Bye-Laws Amendments

To accommodate the changes introduced in the proposed scheme, the Examination-Bye-Laws will be amended suitably. These amendments will provide the legal framework for the implementation of the new examination process.

Conclusion

The proposed scheme for CBSE Class 10 board examinations represents a significant shift in the way students are assessed. By introducing multiple examination days for certain subjects, grouping subjects, and providing opportunities for improvement, the CBSE aims to reduce stress and ensure a fair evaluation process. The scheme also emphasizes the importance of adhering to a fixed schedule, finalizing subject choices in advance, and providing equal opportunities for all students, including CWSN and sports students.

As the CBSE moves forward with the implementation of this scheme, it is crucial for students, parents, and educators to familiarize themselves with the new rules and prepare accordingly. The proposed changes have the potential to create a more streamlined and efficient examination system, ultimately benefiting the students and the education system as a whole.