CBSE clarifies rules for compartment, improvement under 2026 board reform

The Central Board of Secondary Education has made it compulsory for Class 10 students to appear in the first board examination under the two-exam system that will take effect in 2026.

The board said students must take the initial examination to remain eligible for the second attempt. Those who do not appear in at least three subjects in the first phase will be placed in the essential repeat category and will not be permitted to sit for the second exam in the same year.

"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," CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj said.

"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," Bhardwaj said.

"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," he added.

Students placed in the compartment category after the first exam will be allowed to appear in the second phase for the concerned subjects.

"Additional subjects will not be permitted after passing class 10, students will not be allowed in stand-alone subjects. Because of any reason if a student is not able to appear in 3 or more subjects in main examination, he or she cannot be permitted to appear in second board exams as per policy. Any request received by CBSE about this not be responded to," Bhardwaj said.

If a student misses only one paper in the first examination, he or she can reappear for that subject alone in the second phase under the compartment or special case category.

In cases such as absence from the Mathematics paper, the student must submit a medical certificate within 15 days of the start of the examination through the school to the regional office.

The provision allows students who miss a single subject to clear it in the same academic year without repeating all papers.

The revised system aligns with the National Education Policy, which recommends conducting board examinations twice a year to offer flexibility and reduce high-stakes pressure.

Over 46 lakh students are set to appear for the ongoing Class 10 and 12 board examinations in India and abroad.