When exams and matches clash: CBSE’s New Rule for Class 10 Athletes

Starting 2026, CBSE will introduce two board examinations a year for Class 10 students — one in February (compulsory for all) and another in May. In a move aimed at supporting young athletes, the board has announced that students representing India in recognized national and international sporting events can shift their exam dates to avoid clashes with tournaments.

According to CBSE’s notification, this option will apply only if the event is approved by official bodies such as the Sports Authority of India (SAI) or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Events like training camps or internal matches will not qualify. Students must submit proof of participation and school recommendations through their schools by December 15, with approvals finalized by December 30 each year.

For these students, subjects that clash with tournaments can be written in the May exam cycle. This ensures that promising sportspersons don’t have to sacrifice academic performance for sporting commitments.

Fifteen-year-old Aarav Kulkarni, a Class 10 student from I.E.S School, Dadar who plays football at the state level, welcomed the decision:

“My football league matches often overlapped with exam prep. I once had to miss an important semi-final because of a test. Now I feel relieved that I won’t have to choose between the two.”

Teachers in Mumbai also see this as a step forward. Ms. Pooja Nair, a physical education teacher at Rajans Vidyalaya, said:

“We’ve seen talented students get demotivated when tournaments clashed with exams. This CBSE rule acknowledges their hard work and makes it easier for schools to support them.”

Parents are equally reassured. Karishma Mehta, from Jogeshwari, whose daughter plays badminton at the district level, explained:

“As parents, we want our children to pursue their passions without falling behind in academics. With this policy, I know my daughter can compete with confidence and still keep her studies on track.”

The CBSE clarified that this change applies to Class 10 from 2026. For Class 12 students, the existing policy continues: if there’s a clash, exams may be rescheduled after the main cycle.

The move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes balancing academics with extracurricular excellence. For many Mumbai students, it could mean fewer compromises and more opportunities to shine both in the classroom and on the field.