CBSE Two-Tier Exam System 2026 EXPLAINED: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct Class 10 exam in a new format in 2026, the 10th
exam is scheduled to be held in two phases, while Class 12 exam will be held in a single phase from February. For the past three years, CBSE Class 10 and 12 exams started from February 15, so students can expect their 10th and 12th exam to commence from February 15.
For students who are preparing for CBSE 10th and 12th exams, revised exam format, paper pattern, curriculum, pass percentage EXPLAINED-
CBSE 10th, 12th two-tier exam format
From next year, CBSE Class 10, 12 exams will be held in two phases; the first phase which is mandatory will be held from mid-February while second exam which is optional be held in May. The students should note that the optional paper is for those who wish to improve their performance. CBSE Class 12 exam will commence from mid-February.
Who can appear in CBSE's optional paper
CBSE's optional exam will be held in May for students who wish to improve their performance in any of the three subjects out of Science, Mathematics, Social Science and languages. If a student has not appeared in 3 or more subjects in first examination, then s/he 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 the month of February next year, CBSE notification mentioned.
Paper Pattern
The CBSE papers are likely to have two sections from 2026- objective multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and another is descriptive-type questions. Students may attempt core subjects at two levels- Standard and Higher to check their academic capabilities that will help them to shape their career.
Revised curriculum
For CBSE 10th, the students now choose one out of three skilled subjects- Computer Applications, Information Technology, or Artificial Intelligence and can choose English or either Hindi as their language subjects.
The CBSE Class 12 curriculum will see new additions, four skill-based subjects have been introduced- Land Transportation Associate, Electronics and Hardware, Physical Activity Trainer, and Design Thinking and Innovation. There will be seven major learning areas in CBSE 12th syllabus- Languages, Humanities, Mathematics, Sciences, Skill Subjects, General Studies, Health and Physical Education.
CBSE 10, 12th Result Date 2026
CBSE 10th result for February exam will be declared in the month of April, while for May exam, the result is scheduled to be out in the month of June. Performance of main examination will be made available in DigiLocker. This could be used for admission to Class 11 if the student does not wish to appear in 2nd examinations for improvement, CBSE release read. For CBSE Class 12 exam, students can expect their result in April.
CBSE Compartment Exam
Students who secured compartment in the first exam (February), such students will be allowed to appear in second examination under Compartment Category. Additional Subjects will not be permitted after passing class, students will not be allowed in stand-alone subjects, read CBSE notification.
CBSE's New Passing Criteria
CBSE has tweaked the passing criteria for Class 10, 12. For CBSE Class 10, if a student fails in Science, Maths, Social Science, they can substitute it with a passed skill subject or optional language subject. CBSE 10th exam will follow a 9-point grading system from 2025-26. CBSE 10th exam will be held for 80 marks, while 20 marks for internal assessment.
The CBSE Class 10, 12 passing criteria is 33 per cent in each subject. The students need to secure 33 per cent pass marks in theory papers, while there is internal assessment for practical exam.
