CBSE opens List of Candidates submission for Class 10 second board exam from April 16 to 20 with fees due the same period.
The Central Board of Secondary Education has rolled out detailed guidelines for the Class 10 Second Board Examination 2026, marking a major shift in India’s school assessment system.
This reform, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, allows students to reappear for exams within the same academic year to improve their scores, reducing pressure and offering flexibility.
CBSE Class 10 Second Board Exam 2026: Key Dates
The second board exams (also known as Phase 2 exams) are scheduled to be conducted between:
- May 15 to June 1, 2026
LOC (List of Candidates) Submission Timeline
CBSE has introduced a three-phase LOC submission system:
| Phase | Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | LOC Submission | March 18 – March 31, 2026 |
| Phase 2 | LOC + Fee Submission | From next day after result (5 days) |
| Phase 3 | LOC + Late Fee | From 7th day after result (2 days) |
This phased system allows students to decide after seeing their results whether they want to reappear.
Who Is Eligible for the Second Board Exam?
CBSE has clearly defined eligibility criteria:
- Students who appeared in the main board exam (Feb–March 2026)
- Students who have passed but want to improve marks
- Students can improve performance in up to three subjects
- Eligible subjects include Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages
However:
- Students absent in multiple subjects may not be eligible
- The exam follows the same syllabus as the main board exam
Fee Structure and Payment Rules
CBSE has also issued strict fee-related guidelines:
- Exam fee must be paid only during LOC phases 2 and 3
- No fee is required during Phase 1 (initial LOC submission)
- Schools are not allowed to collect any extra or unauthorised fees
- Late fee applies in Phase 3 (approx. ₹2000 extra)
The board has warned that violations by schools will attract strict action, ensuring transparency in the process.
Why CBSE Introduced Second Board Exams
The dual-exam system is one of the biggest changes in CBSE’s evaluation approach. It aims to:
- Reduce exam pressure and “one-shot” performance stress
- Give students a second opportunity to improve scores
- Promote continuous learning instead of rote memorisation
- Align with global education practices
Experts believe this system will make assessments more student-friendly and flexible.
