# CBSE Examination Reforms 2026: Class 10 Twice-a-Year Boards & Digital Marking Explained

URL: https://technosports.co.in/cbse-examination-reforms-2026-class-10-twice/  
Published: 2026-02-18  
Updated: 2026-02-18  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is rolling out some of the **biggest examination reforms in years** — and if you have a child in Class 10 or 12, you absolutely need to know what’s changing. Here’s everything broken down simply.

## What’s Changing? CBSE Overview

| Reform | Class | Details |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Twice-a-Year Board Exams | Class 10 | Both exams mandatory; second for improvement/compartment |
| Subject Improvement Option | Class 10 | Improve up to 3 subjects (Science, Maths, SST, Languages) |
| Compartment Exam | Class 10 | Compartment students appear in 2nd exam |
| Subject-wise Evaluation | Class 10 | Science & SST marked by subject specialists |
| On-Screen Marking (OSM) | Class 12 | Digital evaluation for transparency & speed |

## Class 10: Two Board Exams Starting 2026

From **2026**, CBSE will conduct Class 10 Board Examinations **twice a year**. The first exam is **mandatory for all students**. Those who clear it can choose to improve their scores in **up to three subjects** — Science, Mathematics, Social Science, or Languages.

![CBSE](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/image-1113-1024x737.png)

Students who land in the **Compartment category** after the first attempt will get a second chance through the second examination under the compartment scheme. This is a student-friendly move that reduces exam pressure and gives learners a fair shot at improvement. Learn more about how board exams work on [Wikipedia’s page on CBSE](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Board_of_Secondary_Education).

## Class 12: Going Digital with On-Screen Marking (OSM)

For Class 12, CBSE is transitioning to a **digital On-Screen Marking system** — a game changer for accuracy and efficiency. Here’s why OSM matters:

- **No totalling errors** — automated calculation reduces human mistakes
- **Faster results** — wider teacher participation speeds up evaluation
- **Eco-friendly** — reduces paper usage and transport costs
- **Global reach** — overseas affiliated schools can also participate
- **No post-result verification needed** — saving time and manpower

This shift mirrors global best practices and positions CBSE among modern examination boards worldwide.

## Subject-wise Evaluation for Class 10

For **Science and Social Science**, answer scripts will now be evaluated **subject-wise by concerned experts**. This ensures specialised, accurate assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all approach — a much-needed upgrade for technical subjects.

> 📌 **Note:** Class 10 answer books will still be evaluated in **physical mode in 2026**, with digital evaluation expected in future phases.

For more tech and education updates, check out our coverage at [TechnoSports](https://technosports.co.in).

## FAQs

### **Q: Can all Class 10 students appear in the second CBSE Board Exam 2026?**

 Only students wishing to improve scores (up to 3 subjects) or those in the Compartment category are eligible for the second exam; the first exam is mandatory for everyone.

###    **Q: Will Class 12 CBSE results be faster with OSM?**

Yes — On-Screen Marking enables wider teacher participation and automated processing, significantly reducing evaluation time and improving result turnaround.