The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announces major changes for the 2026 examinations. Starting this year, students will face two board exams in an academic session, along with the introduction of open book assessments for selected subjects.
The decision is aimed at reducing exam pressure and encouraging analytical thinking among students. With two board exams, candidates will get an opportunity to improve their performance without waiting for a full academic year. The open book assessment model will test students’ ability to apply concepts rather than rely on memorization.
According to officials, the new framework aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) and focuses on holistic learning. Detailed guidelines regarding the format of assessments, subjects covered, and evaluation criteria will be released soon on the CBSE portal.
Key highlights
- Two board exams in an academic year from 2026
- Open book assessments to be introduced in selected subjects
- Aimed at reducing stress and testing application skills
- Guidelines to be issued on the CBSE website
For detailed updates and official notifications, visit the official CBSE portal.