The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that the Class X and Class XII board examinations will commence on February 17 next year. In a significant change, the board is introducing a two-session model for Class X students, designed to ease academic pressure and provide greater flexibility in performance evaluation.

New Exam Schedule Announced

According to the schedule, both Class X and XII examinations will begin on February 17. While Class XII will follow the traditional single-exam format, Class X students will now have the option of appearing in two sessions. The first session will be mandatory for all candidates, while the second session is optional and intended for those who wish to improve their scores.

Optional Second Session for Class X

The second round of exams for Class X is planned between May 15 and June 1. This additional opportunity allows students who may not have performed to their expectations in the first session to attempt improvement without waiting an entire academic year. By offering this flexibility, CBSE aims to reduce the anxiety often associated with high-stakes examinations.

A Step Toward Reducing Student Stress

One of the key objectives behind this reform is to address the growing concern over student stress during board examinations. The two-session system is expected to distribute pressure more evenly across the academic calendar, giving students a chance to learn from their first attempt and prepare better for the second if needed. This approach aligns with broader educational goals of nurturing confidence rather than fear around assessments.

Alignment with Global Assessment Practices

CBSE has emphasized that this initiative also brings India’s school assessment framework closer to international standards. Many global education systems already provide multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning outcomes within a single academic cycle. By adopting a similar model, CBSE seeks to modernize its evaluation process while ensuring fairness and inclusivity for all candidates.

Large Number of Candidates Expected

The upcoming examination cycle is expected to see participation from approximately 45 lakh students across both classes combined. Managing such a large number of candidates under a revised system highlights CBSE’s efforts toward logistical preparedness and its commitment to implementing reforms at scale without disrupting academic continuity.

The introduction of a two-session examination format marks a notable shift in India’s school assessment landscape. While it maintains the rigor associated with board exams, it also provides students with more control over their performance outcomes. With millions of candidates preparing under this new structure, the initiative could set an important precedent for future educational reforms in the country.