In a firm reminder to students and parents ahead of the Class 10 Board Exams commencing on February 17, 2026, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified that skipping the first set of examinations will bar students from any subsequent opportunities. The national education board emphasized that every registered and eligible Class 10 student must compulsorily appear for these exams, with no provision for those absent to participate in the second board exams intended for improvements.
The clarification comes in response to several requests from parents seeking exemptions for their children from the February exams. "CBSE has received few requests stating that because of some reasons, student will not able to appear in the 1st Board Examination of Class X, hence the student may be allowed to appear in 2nd Board Examination," CBSE stated, underscoring the influx of such inquiries.
CBSE reiterated that "it is mandatory for all the students to appear in the first Board examination." Only students who have passed and are eligible will be permitted to improve their performance in any of three subjects out of Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages during the second board exams.
Students must check their eligibility carefully for the second examination. If a student fails to appear in three or more subjects during the first examination held in February 2026, they will not be allowed to take the second examination. "Such students will be placed in the 'Essential Repeat' category and can take the examination only next year in the main examinations in the month of February next year," CBSE explained.
For those whose results from the first examination fall under the Compartment category, they will be allowed to appear in the second examination specifically under the Compartment Category. This structured approach ensures accountability while providing limited avenues for rectification.
CBSE also specified that additional subjects will not be permitted after passing Class 10, and students will not be allowed to appear for stand-alone subjects. This policy aims to maintain the integrity and timeline of the board examinations, leaving no room for deferrals without consequences.
