The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce a major examination reform from 2026, conducting Class 10 board examinations twice a year and transitioning Class 12 evaluations to a digital On-Screen Marking (OSM) system. The current board examinations began on February 17, marking what will be among the last cycles under the existing format.
For thousands of students studying in CBSE-affiliated schools across Guwahati, including institutions in areas such as Beltola, Dispur, Maligaon, and Khanapara, the changes are expected to significantly alter examination and evaluation processes from the 2026 academic year onward.
From 2026, CBSE will conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year and shift Class 12 evaluation to a digital On-Screen Marking system. The first exam will be mandatory, with an option to improve in selected subjects in the second phase. Class 10 evaluation will remain physical initially.
Two Board Exams for Class 10
Under the revised format:
- All Class 10 students must appear in the first board examination.
- Students who pass can improve performance in up to three subjects in the second examination.
- Improvement subjects include Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages.
- Students placed in the Compartment category after the first exam can also appear in the second exam.
The two-phase model is designed to reduce high-stakes pressure and offer flexibility.
In Guwahati, where many families rely on CBSE schools for competitive exam preparation, the option to improve marks may influence academic planning and coaching schedules.
Subject-Wise Evaluation for Better Accuracy
CBSE has also announced that answer scripts for Science and Social Science will be evaluated subject-wise by designated subject experts.
The aim is to ensure greater accuracy and specialised marking, potentially improving consistency in assessment standards.
For Guwahati-based teachers who participate in board evaluations, this move may bring changes in examiner allocation and training processes.
Digital Evaluation for Class 12
From 2026, CBSE will implement a digital On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for Class 12 board examinations.
The OSM system is expected to:
- Eliminate totalling errors
- Reduce manual intervention
- Accelerate evaluation timelines
- Reduce transportation time and costs
- Enable wider participation of teachers
Teachers in Guwahati and across Assam affiliated with CBSE schools will be able to participate in digital evaluation while continuing regular school duties.
The system is also expected to reduce the need for post-result verification of marks.
Environmental and Logistical Impact
CBSE stated that the digital shift will promote environmentally sustainable practices by reducing the physical handling and transportation of answer scripts.
Affiliated schools overseas will also be able to participate seamlessly in the evaluation process under the new digital framework.
However, evaluation of Class 10 answer scripts will continue in physical mode in 2026.
What This Means for Guwahati Students
Guwahati hosts a growing number of CBSE-affiliated schools, with students preparing not only for board exams but also for national-level competitive tests.
The twice-a-year Class 10 format may allow students in the city to better balance board preparation with entrance exam coaching.
School administrators in Guwahati are expected to revise academic calendars and internal assessment strategies to align with the new examination structure.
What Happens Next?
The new system will be implemented from the 2026 academic session.
CBSE is expected to release detailed operational guidelines regarding exam scheduling, evaluation timelines, and improvement exam procedures in due course.
For now, the ongoing board examinations continue under the current format.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will CBSE start conducting Class 10 exams twice a year?
The new twice-a-year format for Class 10 will begin from 2026.
Will students have to appear in both exams?
The first exam is mandatory. The second exam is optional for improvement or for Compartment candidates.
What changes are coming for Class 12?
Class 12 answer scripts will be evaluated digitally through the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system from 2026.