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By rohit.pandey1
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Updated on 19 Sep 2025, 13:05 IST
CBSE new exam rules for 2026 are here, and they're going to change how you study and take tests in a big way! Don't worry, these changes are designed to make school less stressful and more about real learning. Think of it as an upgrade to your school life.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about these new CBSE rules in simple words.
One of the biggest and coolest changes is about the Class 10 board exams. Right now, students take one big exam at the end of the year. It can be super stressful!
But starting in 2026, CBSE will give you two chances to take your board exams!
This means one bad day won't ruin your hard work. It’s a second chance to show what you really know.
Imagine taking a test where you can use your textbook! That's what a CBSE open book exam is. Starting from the 2026-27 school year, Class 9 students will have these for their internal school exams in subjects like English, Math, Science, and Social Science.
This new rule helps you learn how to find and use information, which is a super important skill for the future.
CBSE has made it very clear that you need to attend school regularly. To be able to give your board exams, you must have at least 75% attendance.
CBSE has also updated the rules for choosing extra subjects.
The way questions are asked in your board exams is also changing. CBSE wants you to understand your subjects, not just memorize them.
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Two more small but important changes are coming.
CBSE is the most popular board, but it's not the only one. If you're curious, here are some other options:
These new CBSE rules are all about making education better and more fun for you. It’s a step towards a future where exams are not scary, and learning is an exciting adventure!
| Feature / Aspect | Old Rule (Before 2026) | New Rule (From 2026) |
| Class 10 Board Exams | One final, high-stakes exam per year. | Two exams per year; the best score is taken. |
| Assessment Focus | Primarily focused on memorization and recall. | Emphasis on real-world application; Open Book Assessments for Class 9 internals. |
| Question Paper Style | Fewer application-based questions. | Up to 50% competency-based questions that test thinking skills. |
| Attendance Requirement | The 75% rule existed but was less strictly linked to final assessment. | Strictly enforced 75% attendance is mandatory and tied to internal marks. |
| Grading System | A 5-tier grading system (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, etc.). | A more detailed 9-point grading system. |
| Additional Subjects | Private candidates could appear for one additional subject. | Option discontinued for private candidates. |
| Student ID | No unified digital academic ID system. | Mandatory APAAR ID ("One Nation, One Student ID") to track academic records. |
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No, the second exam is completely optional. You must take the first main exam in February. The second exam in May is only for students who want a chance to improve their scores in up to three subjects.
No, your marks will not go down. CBSE will take the best score you get in each subject across the two exams. The second exam is a no-risk opportunity to do better.
The difficulty level of both exams is expected to be the same. The second exam is not designed to be harder; it's simply another opportunity to test the same knowledge and skills.
As of now, the two board exams rule is only for Class 10 students, starting from the 2026 batch. There is no official announcement about this system being implemented for Class 12.
No, not at all. The questions in an open-book exam are not direct questions from the book. They will be tricky, situation-based questions that require you to find, understand, and apply information from your book to solve a problem. It's a test of your thinking skills, not your memory or copying speed.
No. The open-book exam is a pilot project being introduced for Class 9 internal school exams in subjects like Math, Science, and English, starting from the 2026-27 session. It is not for the final board exams.
It's a "thinking" question, not a "memory" question. It checks if you can use what you've learned in a real-life situation.
Schools and the CBSE board have provisions for genuine medical cases. If you have a legitimate reason supported by a medical certificate, your case will be considered by the school authorities. However, the goal of the rule is to ensure students attend school regularly.
Yes, the APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID is mandatory. Think of it as a unique digital locker for all your school achievements. It's part of the "One Nation, One Student ID" plan and will be required for board exam registration.
