CBSE dual exam proposal draws mixed reactions
The Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) recent announcement to introduce a dual board exam system for Class X students from 2026 has drawn mixed reactions from educationists and parents. While some view it as a stress-relieving move for students, others feel it will compromise academic standards and delay admission to higher classes.
Under the proposed system, CBSE will conduct board exams in two cycles —in February and May. Students will have the option to appear in both exams, with the better of the two scores being considered as their final result.
The CBSE claims this model is aimed at reducing the pressure of a single high-stakes exam and giving students an opportunity to improve their performance without losing an academic year. The format aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for more flexible assessment systems.
However, the proposal has triggered a heated debate. Jaspreet Singh, PhD (Mathematics) and General Secretary of Coaching Federation of India, Punjab unit, expressed concerns that the plan might make students complacent. “Knowing they have a second chance, many students will not take the first exam seriously. This will create a sense of leniency, which is against the spirit of competitive learning. Moreover, students who rely on the May exam will face delayed admission to Class XI, affecting their preparation for competitive exams like NEET and JEE,” he said.
He added that the current board exam pattern already lacks rigour. “With 20 marks for internal practical assessment and 20 marks for multiple-choice questions (MCQs), students are tested more on rote learning than conceptual clarity. Introducing a second exam will further weaken the importance of comprehensive subjective evaluation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Saksham Singh, Principal, Army Public School, has welcomed the decision, saying it would benefit students struggling with exam anxiety or other reasons. “Many students do not perform their best under pressure, so this system will allow them to rectify their mistakes without losing an entire academic year,” she said. Sangeeta Nistandra, Principal of Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, said since the CBSE is the largest exam-conducting body with expert minds drafting policies to benefit lakhs of students, the introduction of the dual pattern exam is undoubtedly the result of thorough research and consideration of all pros and cons. She added that it is too early to judge whether the change is good or bad, as its impact will only become clear once implemented. However, the new pattern is certainly designed to promote students’ mental wellness.
Parents have also voiced their concerns about the timing of the exams. Dr Atul Mahajan, a parent from the city, suggested that instead of February and May, the CBSE should conduct the two exams in November and February. “This would allow academically bright students to secure their marks early and focus on competitive exams preparation. The May exam only benefits average and below-average students, not those aiming for higher goals,” he said.
He further said the proposal was allegedly favouring mediocre and below-average students, while potentially disadvantageous to high achievers.
