CBSE Board Exams 2027: Two Exams for Class 10, Key Deadlines This Month, and When the Date Sheet Is Due

The two-exam system for Class 10

From the 2026 session, CBSE introduced a second board exam for Class 10, in line with the National Education Policy 2020. It continues in 2027.

• The first exam, held in February and March, is the main exam that all students must take.
• The second exam, in May, is optional. Reports say students can use it to improve their marks in up to three subjects.
• The second exam is held after the first exam's results are declared, so students know where they stand before deciding.

The aim is to reduce the pressure of a single high-stakes exam. A student who falls ill or has a bad day no longer has to wait a full year to improve. For the exact rules on subjects and which score counts, check the latest CBSE circular on cbse.gov.in.

Deadlines this month

For schools (List of Candidates, or LOC): schools submit the details of students who will appear in the boards.

• Submission opened on September 24.
• The regular deadline is October 21.
• From October 22 to 30, a late fee of ₹2,000 per student applies.
• A correction window is expected from November 2 to 4.

Parents should check that their child's name, date of birth, parents' names and subjects are spelt correctly on the school's list. Mistakes here end up on the marksheet.

For private candidates: students repeating the exam, those taking compartment exams, and some others can apply directly. The application window is open until October 23. Fees and eligibility are in the notification on cbse.gov.in.

How marks are divided

• Class 10 main subjects: 80 marks for the written exam and 20 for internal assessment.
• Class 12: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science and Geography have 70 marks for theory and 30 for practicals; most other subjects are 80 and 20.
• You need at least 33% in each subject to pass.
• Pre-board marks are not added to your final board marks.
• Results use grades from A-1 to D-2, each covering one-eighth of the students who passed, plus E for "essential repeat".

Practical exams come first

• Winter-bound schools (in cold regions that close in winter): Class 12 practicals are expected in November and December 2026.
• Other schools: practicals are expected from January to February 2027.

Where to find sample papers

CBSE has published sample question papers and marking schemes for 2026-27 on its academic website, cbseacademic.nic.in. These are the best guide to the pattern of questions.

A special exam for students in West Asia

CBSE is holding special Class 12 exams from October 23 to 28, 2026 for students in West Asia who could not sit some papers in March and April, according to Careers360.

A five-month study plan

1. October and November: finish the syllabus, and make short notes for revision.
2. December: start solving sample papers under timed conditions.
3. January: focus on weak chapters, and take full mock tests every week.
4. February: revise from your own notes, sleep well and avoid last-minute new topics.
5. During the exams: read every question carefully, and manage your time so you can attempt all questions.

Parents can help most by keeping the home calm, making sure children eat and sleep well, and avoiding comparisons with other students.

For other big exams this season, read our guides to JEE Main 2027 and NEET UG 2027's switch to computer-based testing.

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