CBSE: Mandatory To Appear & Attempt 3 Papers In 1st 10th Board Exam
If a student has not appeared in three or more subjects in the first examination, then he or she will not be allowed to appear in the second examination.
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2026-02-16 09:38 GMT
New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified that Class 10 students must appear in the first board exam, and those who do not attempt at least three subjects in the first edition will be placed in the "essential repeat" category, officials said. CBSE is starting with two board exams for Class 10 from 2026.
The clarification by the board comes after it received a few requests stating that, because of some reasons, Class 10 students will not be able to appear in the first board exam, hence they should be allowed to appear in the second board exam.
"It is mandatory for all the students to appear in the first board examination. All passed, and eligible students will be allowed to improve their performance in any of the three subjects out of Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages," said CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj.
"If a student has not appeared in three or more subjects in the first examination, then he or she will not be allowed to appear in 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 February next year," he added.
CBSE Board Examinations for classes X and XII will start from Tuesday, i.e., from 17th February 2026. This year, more than 46 lakh students will appear from India and 26 countries abroad.