The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a significant change in its examination policy for 10th-grade students. Starting from 2026, all students will be required to take the first board exam under a new two-exam system. If students do not participate in the first exam or skip more than three subjects, they will not be allowed to sit for the second exam and will need to retake their board exams the following year.

This decision was communicated by CBSE's examination controller, Sayam Bhardwaj, who mentioned that the board received requests from some students seeking exemptions to allow them to take the second exam directly if they missed the first. However, the board has firmly stated that such allowances will not be made, emphasizing the necessity of participating in the first exam to maintain academic rigor and accountability.

The implication of this new rule raises questions about preparedness and the pressure it places on students, especially those who may face genuine difficulties in attending the first examination. By enforcing this mandatory structure, CBSE aims to streamline the evaluation process but also highlights the increasing academic demands placed on students during crucial educational phases.