- CBSE has introduced two board examinations for Class 10 from 2026
- Phase 1 ran from 17 February to 11 March 2026 and Phase 2 from 15 to 21 May 2026, with the better of the two scores counting
- The board is now headed by chairperson Lokhande Prashant Sitaram, a senior IAS officer appointed in June 2026
- CBSE today affiliates over 27,000 schools in India and 240 schools across 28 foreign countries.
What Is CBSE and When Was It Established?
CBSE stands for the Central Board of Secondary Education, a national-level board governing public and private schools in India under the Union Government. It was set up in its present form in 1962, with the first such board dating to 1929. Headquartered in New Delhi, it follows the NCERT curriculum in English and Hindi.
CBSE is managed by the Union Government of India and affiliates over 27,000 schools across the country, around 29,179 as of 2024, along with 240 schools in 28 foreign countries. All affiliated schools follow the NCERT curriculum. The board is currently headed by chairperson Lokhande Prashant Sitaram, a senior IAS officer appointed in June 2026.
CBSE Class 12: Complete GuideRead →How Does CBSE Conduct Class 10 Board Exams?
CBSE conducts Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations every academic year and is responsible for setting question papers, evaluating answer scripts and declaring results. The Class 10 board is designed to be accessible, testing core understanding of the NCERT syllabus so that well-prepared students can comfortably pass and earn a recognised national qualification.
Class 10 students can choose between two levels of mathematics, Mathematics Standard and Mathematics Basic, a system introduced from the 2020 session. The choice is made at the time of registration, letting students opt for the level that suits their strengths and future subject plans.
How to Convert CGPA to PercentageRead →What Is the New Two-Exam Pattern for Class 10 in 2026?
From 2026, CBSE holds the Class 10 board examination twice in the same academic year. Phase 1 is the main exam held in February and March, while Phase 2 in May is optional for students wanting to improve. The better of the two scores is counted, giving every student a second genuine chance.
In 2026, the first phase was held from 17 February to 11 March, with results declared on 15 April 2026. The second phase ran from 15 to 21 May 2026, with results expected by the end of June. Appearing in Phase 1 is mandatory; Phase 2 lets students improve their scores or clear compartment papers.
| Phase (2026) | Exam Dates | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 (Main) | 17 Feb to 11 Mar 2026 | 15 Apr 2026 |
| Phase 2 (Improvement) | 15 to 21 May 2026 | By end of June 2026 |
How Is CBSE Class 10 Graded?
CBSE Class 10 results are reported using a nine-point grading scale alongside marks, with grades from A1 (highest) down to E. The board also uses CGPA, the Cumulative Grade Point Average across subjects. Grade cut-offs are not fixed in advance; they are set each year based on the relative performance of candidates.
Because cut-offs vary from year to year, the same marks can map to slightly different grades in different sessions. Under the two-exam system from 2026, the grade is calculated from the better of a student's Phase 1 and Phase 2 scores in each subject.
| Grade (2026) | What It Means |
|---|---|
| A1 | Highest grade |
| A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D | Intermediate grades, high to low |
| E | Lowest grade, needs improvement |
How Can You Prepare for the Class 10 Boards?
Strong board preparation starts early and stays consistent. Build a realistic timetable that gives every subject regular time, study the full syllabus and exam pattern, and practise previous years' papers and sample papers to manage timing. Take planned breaks, limit phone distractions, and revise steadily rather than cramming in the final days.
- Begin early and do not wait until the last days to start studying and revising.
- Make a proper study plan with a timetable that allots time to each subject by difficulty.
- Know the complete syllabus and the latest exam pattern, including the two-phase 2026 structure.
- Take regular, planned breaks so preparation stays effective rather than exhausting.
- Stay focused and minimise distractions from phones and other electronic devices.
- Solve previous years' papers and sample papers to learn the difficulty level and time management.