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The landscape of education in India is undergoing significant transformation. From 2025 onwards, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce two board exams a year instead of one. This change aims to reduce stress among students, promote continuous learning, and align India’s examination system with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and global standards.
In this blog, we explore the implications of this shift for students, teachers, and schools. We’ll discuss syllabus division, exam schedules, benefits, challenges, and how forward-thinking institutions like SAGE International School are preparing for this new era.
Traditionally, CBSE students have faced a single, high-stakes exam at the end of the academic year—a system often criticized for intense pressure and limited flexibility. One failure or unexpected circumstance could derail a student’s academic progress.
The new twice-a-year examination system seeks to:
Rather than one massive exam, students will now have two chances—a mid-year exam and an annual exam—to showcase their knowledge and skills. This model encourages consistent study habits and eases anxiety associated with a single, “make-or-break” test.
The introduction of two board exams each year by CBSE is a well-considered reform, designed to bring several vital improvements to India’s educational landscape:
Reduce Exam Stress: Splitting the syllabus into two parts makes exam preparation more manageable and reduces the intense pressure of studying a vast curriculum all at once. This helps students focus better and avoid burnout.
Promote Continuous Learning: Regular assessments throughout the year motivate students to study consistently, moving away from last-minute cramming and fostering deeper understanding of concepts.
Provide Second Opportunities: The new system offers students the chance to improve their scores by retaking exams. This flexibility is crucial for those who might face challenges during the first attempt, ensuring that a single exam does not determine their entire academic future.
Help Teachers and Schools: Frequent exams allow teachers to monitor student progress more closely and adapt their teaching strategies accordingly. Schools can plan their academic calendars more effectively, ensuring smoother syllabus coverage and better resource allocation.
Adhere to NEP 2020 and International Standards: This reform aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing holistic, student-centric education. It also brings India’s examination practices closer to global standards, focusing on conceptual clarity, critical thinking, and application-based learning rather than rote memorization.
For more details on CBSE’s official policy regarding the two-exam system from 2025, read the official CBSE notification here.
First Exam (Mid-Year Board)
Held between November-December, covering approximately the first half of the syllabus.
Second Exam (Annual Board):
Conducted between March-April, covering the second half of the syllabus.
Registration: Students register for both exams at the start of the academic year through their schools.
Flexibility: Students can choose to attempt one or both exams. The higher score will count as the final result.
The syllabus will be split into two segments:
First Exam: Covers around 50% of the syllabus taught during the initial terms.
Second Exam: Covers the remaining 50% of the syllabus.
The exam pattern remains unchanged—including theory papers, practicals where applicable, and internal assessments. However, question papers will emphasize conceptual clarity, application skills, and analytical thinking rather than rote learning.
Lower Stress: Less pressure from spreading content over two exams.
More Opportunities: A chance to improve scores in a second attempt.
Enhanced Learning: Regular study habits encourage better retention and understanding.
Improved Mental Health: Reduced anxiety due to lower stakes per exam.
Despite the benefits, the two-exam system brings new challenges:
Ongoing Academic Pressure
Instead of one intense exam season, students face exam stress twice yearly, which might feel like a constant cycle.
Consistent Study Habits Required
Students must maintain focus year-round, balancing academics with extracurriculars and personal life.
Time Management Demands
Dividing the syllabus requires careful planning and disciplined study schedules.
Pressure for Consistent Performance
Some students might struggle to sustain high performance across both exams.
Adapting to New Patterns
New question styles and syllabus division could initially cause confusion without adequate guidance.
Impact on Mental Health
Increased assessments could still trigger anxiety in some students despite the system’s intentions.
Risk of Burnout
Continuous pressure and reduced downtime could lead to fatigue and disengagement.
Schools and teachers will also undergo significant changes:
Curriculum Planning: Schools must redesign academic calendars to fit two exam cycles while completing the syllabus on time.
Increased Workload: Teachers face additional responsibilities like preparing question papers, conducting exams, evaluating results, and managing administrative tasks.
Evolving Teaching Methods: More emphasis on formative assessments, frequent feedback, and modular teaching strategies.
Need for Resources: Schools may require extra training and resources to manage the transition smoothly.
At Sage International School, proactive measures are underway to help students thrive under this new system:
Synchronized Academic Calendar: Curriculum timelines are aligned to ensure complete syllabus coverage before each exam.
Mock Exams and Assessments: Regular tests and revision sessions familiarize students with the new format.
Workshops for Time Management: Focused sessions help students plan their studies effectively.
Parental Involvement: Parents are kept informed and engaged to support students at home.
Well-being Programs: Counseling and stress-management sessions ensure emotional support during the transition.
CBSE’s move to conduct two board exams annually is a significant step toward a student-centric, flexible, and modern education system. Splitting the syllabus into two manageable halves reduces stress, fosters continuous learning, and empowers students to perform at their best.
Though it presents new challenges, especially for teachers and administrators, the long-term benefits for students’ well-being and learning outcomes are promising. With institutions like SAGE International School leading the way in preparation and support, students can confidently embrace this change and unlock their full potential.
Q1: Will students be required to appear for both exams?
No. Students can appear for either one or both exams. The higher score between the two will be considered for their final result.
Q2: Will the syllabus change?
No. The syllabus remains the same but will be split into two parts corresponding to the two exams.
Q3: How will results be declared?
CBSE will announce results separately for both exams. The best score out of the two attempts will be counted.
Q4: Is this system applicable to both Class 10 and Class 12?
Yes. The new system will apply to both Class 10 and Class 12 from 2025 onward.
Q5: What happens if a student misses the first exam?
They can still appear for the second exam and complete the academic year without waiting an entire year.