The second Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 10 board examination started on Friday with the mathematics paper. Students found the exam paper to be moderate.

In an effort to enhance students’ performance and reduce their burden, the CBSE decided to hold two board exams for Class 10 students from 2026. Students can improve marks in up to three subjects, excluding languages, and the better score out of the two examinations will be treated as final.

Nivetha S., a Class 10 student wanted to sit for the exam to improve her mathematics score. “The mathematics paper in the previous exam was tough, which had reduced my marks. I opted for this exam so I can get better marks to get into my preferred stream,” she said.

The students welcomed the move for two exams as it helped them improve their scores if they were not satisfied with the first attempt. However, many students who took up the exam pointed out that they wanted to ensure that their scores were better, so they can get admission to their preferred streams at their schools.

Radha (name changed), parent of a Class 12 student, said: “She had performed poorly in math, which could hinder her chances for getting admission. This way, she gets another shot.”

However, teachers pointed out that this was a misconception as schools should admit their students in their preferred choice of stream. B. Purushothaman, founder and senior principal of Everwin group of schools, added that many students were waiting with bated breath in the hopes that their new scores would help them secure seats in their preferred streams. “Many parents also complained as the number of students taking up the exam was few, and the allotted centres were far. The need to travel seven to 10 km to write the exam put them to hardship,” he added.

Some students also pointed out that this was an unnecessary exercise. “I applied thinking that I should better my marks. But in actuality, I had to revise for the exam and miss my vacation. The paper was easy, but I missed the time to relax,” said Dhikshitha L., a Class 10 student.

Teachers, however, are now worried about the results. “As classes begin in the first week of June, the results might not come by then. The students might have to start classes in other streams before they can move to their preferred ones. This will cause delays in many educational procedures,” a teacher pointed out.