CBSE clarifies eligibility for Class 10 two board exams policy: First exam mandatory for all students

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an official clarification on the eligibility rules for the new Class 10 Board Examination scheme, starting from 2026. This clarification comes after several queries from students and parents seeking guidance on appearing in the second Board Examination if they are unable to take the first exam due to personal, medical, or other reasons. CBSE has made it clear that appearing in the first Class 10 Board Examination is mandatory for all students, and missing three or more subjects in the first exam will make them ineligible for the second examination.

First examination attendance is compulsory

According to the Board’s official notice, all students must appear in the first Class 10 Board Examination. Those who fail to appear in three or more subjects will not be permitted to sit for the second examination. Such students will be classified under the “Essential Repeat” category and can only appear in these subjects during the next year’s main examination session in February. CBSE has emphasized that any request to bypass this rule will not be considered, reinforcing that eligibility rules for the second examination are strictly binding.

Who can appear in the second examination

CBSE clarified that the second examination is intended only for specific categories of students:

• Improvement Category: Students who have succeeded in the first examination may up to three main subjects among Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages can improve their performance.
• Compartment Category: Students, who have been given a compartment result in the first examination get permission to appear in the second examination under the Compartment Category.
• Combined Improvement and Compartment: Eligible students can appear under both improvement and compartment rules if applicable.
• Replacement Subjects: Students who have passed but wish to improve a subject through replacement may also appear in the second examination.

CBSE has clearly stated that students who miss three or more subjects in the first examination cannot appear in the second examination under any circumstances.

Restrictions on additional subjects

The Board also clarified that additional or stand-alone subjects will not be allowed after passing Class 10. The second examination is strictly limited to students in the improvement, compartment, or eligible replacement categories. This means students cannot add new subjects or appear for any subject beyond what is permitted under these categories.

What students need to know

Students must ensure they appear in all subjects in the first Class 10 Board Examination, as missing three or more subjects will place them in the Essential Repeat category. The second examination is not a fallback option for students who miss subjects; it is intended strictly for those seeking improvement or appearing under the Compartment category. Students and parents are advised to check eligibility carefully before planning to appear in the second examination. The notice issued by CBSE reiterates the significance of being aware of these norms, as failing in several subjects in the first examination can hamper academic advancement by a whole year.
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