Dual board exams for class 10 from 2026 – what it means for India's education system

India's education system is set to undergo a major change with the introduction of dual board exams for Class 10 students starting in the 2025-26 academic year.

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Announced by the Ministry of Education, this move is part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to ease the high-pressure environment of board examinations by allowing students two chances each year.

Beginning in February 2026, students will be able to take the board exams twice—once in February and again in April/May —with the option to keep their best score. While this change is designed to offer students more flexibility and reduce stress, it also brings up important questions about its effects on students, teachers, and the wider education framework.

No supplementary examinations: A shift in the approach to academic recovery

Under the new dual board exam system, students will not have the option of supplementary examinations, which have traditionally been offered to those who fail in one or more subjects. Instead, students will be able to retake the exam in the same academic year—either in February or April/May—providing them with a second opportunity to improve their scores. This approach aims to reduce the stigma associated with supplementary exams while maintaining a focus on continuous learning and performance improvement.

Exam structure and financial considerations: New challenges to navigate