In a significant overhaul of the Indian education system, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced plans to conduct board examinations twice a year for Class X students from 2026. Additionally, the board will roll out a CBSE Global Curriculum for its 260 affiliated international schools starting from the 2026-27 academic year.
The decision follows extensive discussions led by the Ministry of Education, involving key stakeholders from CBSE, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). The draft proposals will be made available for public consultation.
Aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the new assessment model allows students to attempt board exams twice a year, retaining their best score. This reform aims to reduce the pressure of high-stakes exams, fostering a more student-friendly and flexible evaluation system. The revised structure prioritises competency-based assessments over rote learning, promoting conceptual understanding and skill mastery.
By offering multiple attempts, the initiative ensures inclusivity, especially benefiting students facing exam anxiety or unforeseen challenges. To facilitate the transition, CBSE is also focusing on teacher training programmes to support the implementation of this progressive assessment approach.
The board’s upcoming Global Curriculum for foreign schools will integrate Indian core subjects while aligning with international educational standards. These reforms mark a significant shift towards a balanced and stress-free learning environment, supporting holistic student development.
