As the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) begins its second board exam for Class 10 on May 15, questions remain among students and parents about who can appear for the second board exam, how improvement works, and how final scores will be calculated.
In this Q&A, Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations at CBSE, clarifies eligibility, subject choices, marking policies, and what the second attempt means for Class 11 admissions.
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Who exactly can appear for the second Class 10 board exam? Is it only for compartment students or also for improvement?
The following category of students is allowed to appear in the second Board Examinations:-
1. Any student who has passed the first examination and wishes to improve their performance.
2. Students placed in the Compartment category may also appear under the same category.
3. Students of 3rd Chance Compartment.
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Can a student choose specific subjects for improvement, or do they have to reappear in all subjects?
Yes. Students can choose a maximum of three subjects out of Science, Mathematics, Social Science and Language. Students are not allowed to appear in all subjects.
Will internal assessment marks (practicals, internals) be carried forward or reassessed?
Internal assessment is a yearlong exercise. Hence, improvement is not allowed. Marks once awarded by the school are final and considered for result computation.
If a student appears in both main and second exams, which score will be considered final?
Better of the two marks will be considered for computation of result.
Will the better of the two scores be automatically retained, or will students need to apply for it?
As per policy, CBSE will consider the better of the two marks. Students need not to make any request.
Will mark sheets reflect both attempts or only the best score?
Passing documents will have performance of both main and second Board examination, and final result computed based on better of the two marks.
Will the second exam follow the same syllabus and pattern? Should students expect the same level of difficulty, or could it vary?
As the second Board examination is an extension of first Board examination, hence, syllabus and pattern etc. all will be the same.
Question papers are based on the Sample Question Papers issued by the CBSE, hence, scientifically all will be of similar difficulty level. However, paper is difficult or easy is depending on the preparation of the students.
What happens if Class 11 admissions begin before the second exam results are out? Can students provisionally take admission in Class 11 while awaiting second exam results?
Schools can take provisional admission of a student if placed in compartment category. Rest of the passed students are allowed to seek regular admission.
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