CBSE decision to conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year (starting from 2026)

 

The new CBSE decision to conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year (starting from 2026) may seem beneficial for students, but it presents several challenges for teachers and schools. Here’s a deeper analysis:

1. Increased Teaching Pressure & Syllabus Completion Issues

• Teachers will have to cover the full syllabus twice within the same academic year.
• Revisions and doubt-clearing sessions will need to be conducted twice, increasing workload.
• Students may delay serious preparation, thinking they have a second attempt, leading to irregular attendance in classes.

2. Double Workload for Paper Evaluation & Exam Duties

• Teachers will have to evaluate board exam answer sheets twice, doubling their correction work.
• Board exam duties (invigilation, supervision, coordination) will also occur twice a year, reducing free time for teachers.
• Schools will need to manage extra administrative tasks related to exam scheduling, invigilation, and student records.

3. Student Motivation & Discipline Issues

• Many students might take the first attempt lightly, relying on the second chance.
• This could lead to less seriousness in studies and affect classroom discipline.
• Some students may get mentally exhausted due to back-to-back exam stress.

4. Impact on Teachers' Work-Life Balance

• The second exam session (May) will reduce summer vacation time for teachers.
• With continuous exam-related work, teachers will have fewer breaks to plan for the next academic session.

5. Practical & Logistical Challenges for Schools

• Schools will have to arrange examination centers twice, increasing logistical and financial strain.
• Managing exam materials, seating plans, and security protocols twice a year will be a challenge.
• Schools will also need to streamline result compilation for students who take exams in both sessions.

6. No Supplementary Exam Option – Added Pressure

• With no supplementary exam, students who fail in both attempts may feel extra pressure.
• This might increase dropout rates if students don’t perform well in either exam.

Possible Solutions & Adjustments

✔ Better syllabus planning to ensure smooth coverage before both exams.
✔ Smart evaluation strategies to manage the increased workload.
✔ Guidance for students to help them decide whether to take one or both exams.
✔ Proper scheduling to ensure teachers get enough rest and preparation time.

Final Verdict:

While the new system reduces student stress and offers flexibility, it increases the workload for teachers and schools significantly. Without proper management, this could lead to burnout among teachers and logistical chaos for schools. Schools and education boards will need strong planning to balance these changes effectively.