CBSE offers exam flexibility for Class 10, 12 students in sports and Olympiads

Balancing academic excellence with sporting or Olympiad achievements is no small feat. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced provisions to ensure that students representing India in national or international sports events or Olympiads are not hindered by exam schedules.

The circular issued on September 15 introduces rules to support such students and outlines responsibilities for schools.

CBSE’s measures, first introduced for sports in 2018 and extended to Olympiads in 2020, are designed to help students “stay fit and healthy while also teaching values like discipline, teamwork, and hard



work.”

This support aligns with the government’s focus on academic and co-curricular excellence.

For Class 10, CBSE has implemented a two-exam policy starting in 2026, with sessions in February and May. Students in qualifying events may take special exams only in the May cycle if a conflict arises.

Compartment students must attend exams in February or March; no special provision is available outside these periods.

For Class 12, existing rules continue. If a main board examination coincides with a recognised event, CBSE will arrange for the student to sit the exam after the regular cycle ends.