The Government of India has introduced a new board exam system under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This policy brings several important changes to make exams less stressful, more flexible, and focused on understanding rather than memorization.
One of the biggest changes is that Class X students will have two board exams in a year instead of just one. Let’s go through all the details step by step.
1. Key Changes in Board Exams
A. Two Exams in One Year
- Every student will get two chances to take their board exams:
- First Exam: Main exam
- Second Exam: Improvement exam (for students who want to improve their marks or failed subjects).
- This helps in reducing stress, as students won’t have only one final chance.
B. Easier and Concept-Based Exam Pattern
- The new exams will test understanding of concepts, not just memorization.
- Exams will focus on core skills rather than rote learning.
- Less dependency on coaching classes since students who attend school regularly can perform well.
C. New Question Paper Format
- The exam paper will be divided into two parts:
- Objective type questions (Multiple Choice Questions - MCQs)
- Descriptive questions (Written answers)
- This ensures that students can showcase both their basic knowledge and deep understanding.
D. Flexible Subject Choices
- Students can choose which subjects they want to take exams in, based on their interests.
- Subjects are divided into different groups:
- Main Subjects: Science, Mathematics, Social Science, Hindi, English
- Regional & Foreign Languages: Multiple Indian and international languages
- Other Subjects: Vocational and skill-based courses (like IT, business, AI, tourism, agriculture, music, etc.)
- Students can take some subjects at standard level and others at higher level, depending on their understanding.
2. Changes in Exam Schedule
A. Class X Exam Dates (2026)
- First Phase (Main Exam): 17 February – 6 March
- Second Phase (Improvement Exam): 5 May – 20 May
B. Class XII Exam Dates (2026)
- The exam schedule remains similar but with improved policies.
C. Exam Timetable Adjustments
- Subjects like Science, Mathematics, Social Science, Hindi, and English will have fixed exam dates.
- Regional and Foreign Languages will be conducted on a single day.
- Vocational subjects (like Data Science, IT, Tourism, etc.) will be conducted on multiple days, and students will be assigned a date.
3. New Rules and Regulations
A. Registration and Exam Centers
- Same Exam Centers for Both Exams: The first and second exams will be held at the same centers.
- Compulsory Registration for First Exam: All students must register for the first exam. The second exam is optional.
- No Changes in Exam Dates: The exam schedule will be fixed, and no changes will be allowed.
B. Practical Exams
- Only One Practical Exam – Internal assessments (practical's and projects) will be conducted only once.
- Same Practical Marks for Both Exams – If a student takes the improvement exam, their practical marks will remain unchanged.
4. Results and Passing Criteria
A. How the Final Marks Will Be Calculated
- If a student appears in both exams, the better marks will be counted in the final scorecard.
- The first exam result will be stored in DigiLocker, which can be used for Class XI admissions.
B. What the Final Mark Sheet Will Include
- Marks from both the first and second exams.
- Marks from practical/internal assessments.
- The better of the two marks will be highlighted.
C. Passing Rules
- Students must pass at least 5 subjects.
- Students who fail in up to 5 subjects in the first exam will be placed under the “Improvement Category” and allowed to take the second exam.
- No additional subjects allowed after Class X – Students cannot add new subjects later.
5. Special Rules for Certain Students
- Rules for Sports Students: No separate exams for sports students; they must appear for either the first or second board exam.
- Rules for Special Needs (CWSN) Students: All previous accommodations for Children with Special Needs (CWSN) will continue.
6. Other Important Rules
- No New Registration for the Second Exam – Only students who took the first exam can take the second exam.
- No Special Exams Will Be Conducted – If a student misses both exams, they will have to wait until the next academic year.
- No Subject Changes After Registration – Students cannot change subjects after registering for the first exam.
- Strict Rules for Exam Centers – Schools cannot conduct exams for their own students. Exams will be held at assigned centers.
- Merit Certificates Will Be Issued Only After the Second Exam.
- Exam Schedules Will Be Fixed – Exams will not be rescheduled for restricted or state holidays, except on national holidays (Republic Day, Independence Day, etc.).
7. What Happens If a Student Fails?
- If a student fails up to 5 subjects in the first exam, they can take the second exam to improve.
- If a student fails both exams, they will have to reappear in the next year’s exams.
- Students who pass using a sixth or seventh subject (extra subject) will be allowed to improve the failed subject only for the next two board exams.
8. Final Summary of the New Policy
- Class X students will now have two board exams in one year.
- The best marks from both attempts will be counted in the final result.
- Exams will test understanding, not just memorization.
- Students will have more flexibility in choosing subjects.
- Only one practical exam will be conducted.
- Exam centers will be fixed, and schedules will not be changed.
- Results will be stored in DigiLocker and can be used for Class XI admissions.
- If a student fails up to 5 subjects, they can take the improvement exam.
- No additional subjects will be allowed after Class X.
- Merit certificates will be issued after the second exam.
Why this Policy?
This new board exam system is designed to:
- Reduce stress on students
- Give them two chances to improve
- Encourage understanding-based learning
- Minimize dependency on coaching classes
This is a major change in India’s education system, making board exams more student-friendly and less high-pressure.