CBSE Class 10 board exams 2026 for sports, olympiad students in second phase only

In a major update, the Central Board of Secondary Education has clarified that the special examination for Class 10 sports and olympiad students will be held only along the second board exams 2026 scheduled in the month of May. Starting from the 2025-26 session, the board will hold Class 10 board exams twice a year.

In view of the decision, CBSE has asked schools to ensure that sports and olympiad candidates fill the List of Candidates (LOC) for Class 10, 12 board exams. Such students will be allowed to take the second exams for the subjects whose exam dates coincide with their event or with the journey only.

No separate sports examination will be held after the first or second board exams, the board stated. In case, a sports or olympiad student is appearing for the second phase and is placed in compartment category, their supplementary exams will be held next year in February or March. Moreover, it is necessary to obtain permission from the CBSE for exemption from the first examination.

Only those students who are participating in the sports recognised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) or Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) and olympiads recognised by the Homi Bhabha Center for Science Education (HBCSE) are eligible to avail the opportunity. The facility is not available for practical exams, projects, internal assessments, and supplementary exams. The opportunity is also not available for participating in training or selection camps.

Also read Analysis: What CBSE’s holding Class 10 board exams twice a year means for schools, teachers, students

Accordingly, CBSE asked schools to ensure the following:

• Communicate these changes to students, parents, and teachers well in advance.
• Ensure timely submission of internal assessment marks as per CBSE timelines.
• CBSE will be issuing FAQs regarding maximum subject combinations to facilitate the schools as well as students.
• The LOC for all students participating in sports events will be completed along with that of other students, to ensure their eligibility to appear in the second board exams in case the exam dates coincide with their sports events.
• Schools are required to ensure that the internal assessment, practical components, and student records are updated and aligned with the prescribed schedule.

The board further made it clear that there are no changes in the policy for CBSE Class 12 board exams 2026. For the students whose journey or sport event will clash with the examination, exams will be held again after the main examinations are over.

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CBSE Board Exams 2026: Important dates for sports candidates

CBSE issued the following standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Class 10, 12 exams: