On Tuesday, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) approved draft norms for conducting Class 10 board exams twice a year, starting in 2026. The first exam will be held in February, followed by the second in May. Students will have the flexibility to appear for both exams if they choose. Additionally, they can skip specific subjects in the second attempt if they are satisfied with their scores from the first examination. Similarly, they may opt out of certain subjects in the first attempt if they prefer to take them later.
Shortly after the announcement, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains objected to CBSE’s draft policy for not including Punjabi among the listed second languages, while other regional languages were mentioned.

CBSE’s clarification

However, the Central Board of Secondary Education has clarified that there is no change in the subjects currently offered for the Class 10 board examinations, addressing concerns over the exclusion of Punjabi (Code 004) from the newly drafted policy.
“There is no change in the subjects offered today. This list is indicative,” CBSE’s Controller of Examination Sanyam Bhardwaj. He further added that all the subjects that are offered today will continue in both the board examination.
As per a TNN report the first phase of the Class 10 board exams will take place from February 17 to March 6, 2026, while the second phase will be conducted from May 5 to May 20, 2026. Both exams will follow the full syllabus and prescribed textbooks, ensuring uniformity in assessment.