Good news for Class 10 students who are not happy with their Phase 1 results! The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the CBSE Class 10 Phase 2 Timetable 2026. This is a historic moment for the first time ever, CBSE is conducting board exams in two phases for Class 10, as part of its implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The Phase 2 exam gives students a second structured opportunity to improve their marks in up to three subjects, without waiting for the next academic year. The exams will be held from May 15 to June 1, 2026. Students who want to appear must ensure their school submits their name in the LOC before the deadline.
What Is the CBSE Class 10 Phase 2 Exam 2026?
The Phase 2 exam is not a supplementary or compartment exam in the traditional sense it is a formally recognised second board examination. Under CBSE’s new two-phase system announced on June 25, 2025, Class 10 students who appeared in Phase 1 (February 17 to March 11, 2026) can now re-appear in up to three theory subjects to improve their scores. The best score from both phases will be considered for the final result. This system is designed to reduce exam pressure and give every student a fair second chance.
CBSE Class 10 Phase 2 Date Sheet 2026: Subject-wise Schedule
All Phase 2 exams start at 10:30 AM and end at 1:30 PM. Students must report to the exam centre by 10:00 AM. Question papers are distributed at 10:15 AM for reading.
| Date | Day | Subject | Paper Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 15, 2026 | Friday | Mathematics Standard & Mathematics Basic | 041 / 241 |
| May 19, 2026 | Tuesday | Science | 086 |
| May 22, 2026 | Friday | Social Science | 087 |
| May 26 onwards | Languages (Hindi, English, Sanskrit, etc.) | As per subject code | |
| June 1, 2026 | Monday | Last exam day (Phase 2 concludes) |
The complete subject-wise schedule with all paper codes is available on the official CBSE website at cbse.gov.in.
Phase 1 vs Phase 2- Key Difference
| Feature | Phase 1 (Main Exam) | Phase 2 (Improvement Exam) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Dates | February 17 – March 11, 2026 | May 15 – June 1, 2026 |
| Mandatory/Optional | Mandatory for all students | Optional: only for eligible students |
| Purpose | Main board examination | Score improvement / Compartment |
| Subjects Allowed | All subjects | Maximum 3 subjects |
| Result Considered | Yes | Best of both phases is considered |
| Internal Assessment | Included | Cannot be improved — theory only |
Eligibility: Who Can Appear in CBSE Phase 2 Exam 2026?
Eligible Students
- Students who appeared in Phase 1 (main board exam) and want to improve marks in up to 3 subjects.
- Students placed in the compartment category in Phase 1.
- Students appearing for their first or third chance compartment exam.
- Students who passed Class 10 using a sixth subject replacement and now wish to improve in a core subject.
- Students under UFM (Unfair Means) Category 1 if separately deemed eligible by CBSE.
- Sports quota students with prior written CBSE approval.
- Students from the 2024-25 session placed in compartment category including those who did not appear earlier.
Not Eligible
- Students who were absent in 3 or more subjects in Phase 1.
- Students placed under the Essential Repeat (ER) category they must wait for the next academic year.
- Students who wish to change their subject (except in specific cases pre-approved by CBSE).
Exam Fee: CBSE Class 10 Phase 2
| Category | Fee Per Subject |
|---|---|
| Students in India (General) | Rs 320 per subject |
| Students Abroad | As per CBSE international fee structure |
Fee can be paid online via Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking through the official CBSE portal. The fee is non-refundable once submitted.
LOC (List of Candidates): What Is It and Why Is It Important?
LOC stands for List of Candidates. It is the official process through which schools register students for the Phase 2 exam. No student can appear in Phase 2 without their school completing this process on their behalf. CBSE has made LOC submission compulsory for every student wishing to appear in Phase 2.
- LOC submission deadline for schools was April 22, 2026.
- Schools must inform students in advance no corrections to student details are accepted after LOC submission.
- If your school has not submitted the LOC by the deadline, contact the school principal immediately and check with CBSE for any late submission provisions.
School Principals’ Responsibilities:
- Clearly communicate eligibility rules and guidelines to students and parents.
- Advise students to opt for Phase 2 only when there is a genuine need to improve marks.
- Inform students that exam centres may be limited and not always close to their home or school.
Important Rules for CBSE Phase 2 Exam 2026
- Exam centres for Phase 2 are the same as Phase 1- no new temporary centres will be created.
- Internal assessment marks from Phase 1 are final and cannot be changed.
- Only the theory component can be re-attempted in Phase 2.
- A student cannot change their subject between Phase 1 and Phase 2.
- CWSN (Children With Special Needs) facilities will only continue for students already registered under CWSN in Phase 1.
- Students who did not qualify in Phase 1 can still take Class 11 admission provisionally their final promotion will depend on Phase 2 results.
- Passing documents and merit certificates will be issued after Phase 2 results are declared.
Official Link- CBSE Class 10 Phase 2 Timetable 2026
| Details | Link |
|---|---|
| CBSE Official Website | cbse.gov.in |
| CBSE Academic Website | cbseacademic.nic.in |
The CBSE Class 10 Phase 2 exam is a golden opportunity for students who want to improve their scores. With exams starting on May 15, students have just enough time to revise smartly. Focus on the subjects you want to improve, practice previous year papers, and make the most of this second chance. Check the complete timetable PDF at cbse.gov.in and confirm your registration with your school today.
