CBSE Class 10 Board Exam Rules: What Students Need to Know About Dual Exams and Compartments
CBSE has clarified important rules for Class 10 students regarding dual board exams. Students must appear in the first exam to qualify for the second attempt, with specific guidelines for compartment cases.
AC Team
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an important clarification for Class 10 students. If you want to appear in the second board exam, you must sit for the first exam. No exceptions. This rule applies to all students hoping to improve their performance through the dual exam system.
The board received several requests from students who wanted to skip the first exam and appear only in the second one. CBSE has rejected this idea completely. The second exam exists only for performance improvement, not as an alternative to the first attempt.
The First Exam is Non-Negotiable
Exam Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj made the position clear. Students must appear in at least three core subjects during the first exam. These subjects include Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages. You can choose any three from this list, but appearing in three is mandatory.
If you miss three or more subjects in the first exam, you lose your chance to sit for the second exam. The board will place such students in the 'Essential Repeat' category. This means you will have to wait until next year's main board exam. There are no shortcuts here.
What About the Second Exam?
Students who successfully appear in the first exam can use the second exam to improve their scores. But here is the catch: you can only choose three subjects for the second attempt. Pick wisely from Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages.
Think of the second exam as your safety net, not your primary plan. You cannot rely on it as your main attempt. The first exam remains the foundation of your Class 10 board results.
Compartment Rules Explained
Students who receive a compartment result in the first exam get another chance. CBSE allows these students to appear in the second exam under the 'Compartment' category. This gives them an opportunity to clear the subjects they failed in the first attempt.
However, this benefit only applies if you appeared in the first exam. If you skipped the first exam entirely, the compartment rule does not help you. The board will not entertain any requests or appeals on this matter.
No Additional Subjects After Passing
Once you pass Class 10, you cannot add extra subjects to your certificate. Some students think they can add a sixth subject or change their subject combination later. CBSE has closed this door. What you appear for is what you get. Plan your subject choices carefully before the first exam.
What About Class 12 Students?
Class 12 students have different rules. Unlike Class 10, there is no dual exam system for Class 12. However, CBSE offers other options for performance improvement.
After the main exam in February, Class 12 students can appear in the supplementary exam in July. But here is the limit: you can only improve your score in one subject during the supplementary exam.
If you want to improve in more than one subject, you must wait for the next year's main exam in February. This gives you a full year to prepare, but it also means a significant time investment.
Why These Rules Matter
CBSE introduced the dual exam system for Class 10 starting from the 2026 academic session. The idea came from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The policy recommended conducting board exams twice a year to reduce stress on students and eliminate the need for coaching classes.
The board designed these rules to make the exam process more transparent and organized. Students now have a second chance, but they must earn it by appearing in the first exam. This prevents misuse of the system and maintains the integrity of board examinations.
Important Points to Remember
You must appear in at least three core subjects in the first exam. These include Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages. Missing this requirement disqualifies you from the second exam.
The second exam allows you to improve performance in three subjects of your choice. This benefit only applies to students who appeared in the first exam.
Students with compartment results in the first exam can appear in the second exam under the compartment category. But again, you must have appeared in the first exam to qualify for this benefit.
No additional subjects can be added after passing Class 10. Your final certificate will only include the subjects you appeared for during the exams.
Class 12 students can improve one subject in the July supplementary exam. For improvement in multiple subjects, they must wait for next year's main exam.
The Bigger Picture
Over 46 lakh students from India and abroad are appearing for CBSE board exams this year. The exams started on Tuesday, and students are already feeling the pressure. These new rules add another layer of complexity, but they also provide genuine opportunities for improvement.
The key takeaway is simple: take the first exam seriously. Treat it as your main attempt, not a practice run. The second exam is your backup plan, not your primary strategy. Students who understand this distinction will benefit most from the dual exam system.
CBSE has made its position clear through Exam Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj. The board will not respond to any requests that violate these guidelines. The rules apply to everyone equally. No special cases, no exceptions, no last-minute changes.
For parents and students planning their exam strategy, these rules provide clarity. You know exactly what to expect and what the board requires. Use this information to prepare better and avoid any surprises during the exam season. The dual exam system offers opportunities, but only if you follow the rules from the start.
