CBSE rolls out key rules for Class 10 second board exam 2026, detailing eligibility, LOC process, and strict participation guidelines.
With the declaration of the CBSE Class 10 Session 1 results, attention has now turned to the Second Board Examination 2026, which is scheduled to be held from May 15 to June 1.
This year marks a significant shift in the examination system, as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) rolls out the two-board exam format in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
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The new system is designed to reduce exam pressure and provide students with a second opportunity to improve their performance within the same academic year.
Following the result announcement, CBSE has issued detailed guidelines regarding eligibility, submission of the List of Candidates (LOC), and the examination process.
According to the board, the LOC will be submitted by schools on behalf of students who wish to appear for the second examination.
This step is crucial for CBSE to determine the exact number of candidates and the subjects they intend to take.
CBSE has also released a three-phase schedule for LOC submission and fee payment. The process began on April 16 and will continue till April 20 for both submission and fee payment.
A final window with a late fee will be available from April 21 to April 22.
Who can appear?
- Students must have appeared in the first CBSE Class 10 board examination.
- Students who have passed can improve performance in up to three subjects.
- Candidates in the compartment category can reappear under the same category.
- Students who missed three or more subjects in the first exam are not eligible.
- Only candidates already listed in the LOC will be allowed to appear.
The board has made it clear that strict rules will govern participation in the second examination.
No new candidates will be added to the LOC, and no corrections in student data submitted earlier will be permitted.
Additionally, students will not be allowed to change their subjects, except for Mathematics, as per CBSE policy.
CBSE has also clarified provisions for Children With Special Needs (CWSN). Only those candidates who were registered under the CWSN category during the first examination will continue to receive necessary facilities. No new entries under this category will be accepted.
Another key point highlighted by the board is that there will be no provision for improvement in internal assessment marks.
Since internal assessments are conducted throughout the academic year, they will remain unchanged for the second examination.
The introduction of the second board exam offers a major advantage for students aiming to boost their scores without waiting for an entire year.
By allowing limited subject-wise improvement, CBSE aims to make the evaluation system more flexible and student-friendly, in line with the broader goals of NEP 2020.
Published: 16 Apr 2026, 10:11 am IST
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