CBSE Exam Pattern 2025–26 (Revised): New Class 10 & 12 Changes, Weightage & Full Structure

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a significant change in the exam pattern for Class 10 and 12 board examinations 2026. As per the instructions of the NEP-2020, while the board exams for grades 10 and 12 will continue, the existing system of boards and entrance examinations shall be reformed to eliminate the need for coaching classes. It is mainly aimed to reduce the reliance on rote-learning and promote a better analytical thinking, deeper conceptual understanding, problem-solving ability and a better understanding of the subjects in the long term rather than a short-term recall.

Students will have more flexibility when it comes to choosing subjects they want to appear for in board exams, based on their individual interests. Board exams will also be made easier, in the sense that they will test primarily core capacities/competencies rather than months of coaching and memorisation. Any student who has been going to and making a basic effort in a school class will be able to pass and do well in the corresponding subject Board Exam without much additional effort.

Through this blog, students will understand more about the major redesign planned for the CBSE Board Exams Pattern for Class 10 and 12, 2026. Let’s dive in.

Action Taken By CBSE On Recommendations of NEP-2020

In short:

(1)   A draft scheme for the conduct of 2 examinations has been developed for Class 10 2026.

(2)   It is finalised that the scheme should be implemented from the 2026 examinations of Class 10.

 What’s New?

As discussed, now most questions will be competency-based, which means they will test real understanding, logic, and application of concepts.

• 50% questions will be based on applying concepts, like case studies, data interpretation, real-life situations, and source-based questions.
• 20% questions will be MCQs.
• 30% questions will be short and long answer types.

Before VS After Analysis: Scheme Development For 2 Examinations

Class 10, 2025 Pattern:

Examinations are scheduled	15 Feb. to 18 March
Students registered	24,12,072
Total duration of examination	14+18 = 32 days
The actual day required for the examination	17 days
Subjects offered	84
Answer books to be evaluated	About 1,56,78,468

Class 12, 2025 Pattern:

Examinations are scheduled	15th Feb. to 4 April
Students registered	17,88,165
Total duration of examination	14+31+4=49 days
The actual day required for the examination	38 days
Subjects offered	120
Answer books to be evaluated	1,07,28,990

The duration for the conduct of both Class 10 and 12 exams is 55 days.

Class 10, 2026 Pattern:

Examination scheduled	17 Feb. to 06 March- 1st Phase 05 May to 20 May – 2nd Phase
Students registered	26,60,000
Total duration of examination	18+16 = 34 days
Subjects offered	84
Answer to be evaluated	About 1,72,90,000

Also check: CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets 2026.

CBSE Class 10 Exam Structure 2025-26

The CBSE Class 10 exam paper is divided into three main components, mainly to balance objective, competency-based, and descriptive questions. Here’s the structure:

Component	Weightage	Details
Competency-based questions	50%	Includes MCQs, case study-based, and source-based questions.
Objective-type questions	20%	Short, fact-based, and direct-answer type questions (Usually in the form of MCQs).
Short and long answer questions	30%	Requires detailed explanation, analysis, and interpretation.

Theory Paper Components (80 Marks)

Component	Weightage	Details
Competency-Based Questions	50%	Includes MCQs, case study-based, and source-based questions.
Objective-Type Questions	20%	Short, fact-based, and direct-answer type questions (Usually in the form of MCQs).
Short & Long Answer Questions	30%	Requires detailed explanation, analysis, and interpretation.

Internal Assessment (20 Marks)

Apart from the written exam, students are also assessed on classroom performance and project-based work. The distribution is given below:

Component	Marks	Description
Periodic Tests	05	Regular tests are conducted by schools during the academic year.
Practical Work	05	Hands-on lab work and experiments (for Science/Maths/other practical subjects).
Assignments & Projects	05	Subject-specific projects to test creativity and application skills
Portfolio Assessments	05	Overall student performance, including class activities, participation, and submissions.

Check: Do Half-Yearly Marks Matter for Class 10 and 12?

CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Exam Pattern 2025-26

The CBSE Class 10 Mathematics paper for the 2025–26 board exams will follow the same pattern as in previous years. There is no change in the structure, and the exam pattern remains the same for both basic and standard mathematics papers.

Maths Question Paper Structure

Section	Question Type	Question Numbers	Marks per Question
A	MCQs + Assertion Reason	Q1–Q18, Q19–20	1 mark each
B	Very Short Answer	Q21–25	2 marks each
C	Short Answer	Q26–31	3 marks each
D	Long Answer	Q32–35	5 marks each
E	Case Study-Based	Q36–38	4 marks each (sub-parts 1,1,2)

Note: Internal choice is available in 2 questions each from Sections B, C & D, and all questions in Section E.

Chapter-Wise Weightage (Maths)

Unit	Name	Marks
I	Number Systems	6
II	Algebra	20
III	Coordinate Geometry	6
IV	Geometry	15
V	Trigonometry	12
VI	Mensuration	10
VII	Statistics & Probability	11
	Total	80

CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern 2025-26 (Revised)

For the 2026 board exams, the CBSE Class 10 Science paper pattern is different from that of 2024–25. The question paper has been divided into three subject-specific sections: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, with Biology carrying the highest weightage and equal marks are assigned to the Chemistry and Physics sections.

Key Features of the Question Paper

1. Total Questions: 39, all compulsory.

2. Division of Sections (with Question Numbers):

• Section A – Biology (Q.1 to Q.16)
• Section B – Chemistry (Q.17 to Q.29)
• Section C – Physics (Q.30 to Q.39)

3. Marks Distribution:

• Biology – 30 marks
• Chemistry – 25 marks
• Physics – 25 marks
• Total – 80 marks

4. Question Types:

• Very Short Answer (VSA) / MCQs: 1 mark each
• Short Answer (SA): 2–3 marks each (40–60 words)
• Long Answer (LA): 4–5 marks each (100–120 words)
• Assertion–Reason Questions: Included in all 3 sections (1 mark each)
• Case/Experiment/Diagram Based Questions: 3–4 marks each

5. Choice: No overall choice, but an internal choice is given in some questions. Students must attempt only one option in such cases.

6. Special Provision for Visually Impaired Candidates: Alternative questions will be provided in place of diagram/figure-based ones. With this structure, each branch of Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) gets a balanced representation in the exam, ensuring conceptual, practical, and application-based testing.

Unit-Wise Weightage (Science)

Unit	Marks
Chemical Substances – Nature & Behaviour	25
World of Living	25
Natural Phenomena	12
Effects of Current	13
Natural Resources	5
Total	80

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Question Paper Structure 2025-26 (Revised)

For the 2026 board exams, CBSE has revised the paper pattern of Class 10 Social Science. Now, each section is dedicated to one subject: Section A to History, Section B to Geography, Section C to Political Science, and Section D to Economics. This makes the paper more structured and subject-focused.

1. The question paper will consist of 38 questions, all compulsory.

2. The paper is divided into four sections:

• Section A – History
• Section B – Geography
• Section C – Political Science
• Section D – Economics

3. Each section will carry 20 marks.

4. Very Short Answer (VSA) questions: 2 marks each, answers in about 40 words.

5. Short Answer (SA) questions: 3 marks each, answers in about 60 words.

6. Long Answer (LA) questions: 5 marks each, answers in about 120 words.

7. Case-Based Questions (CBQ): Each carries 4 marks with three sub-questions; answers in about 100 words.

8. Map-Based Questions: Total 5 marks.

• Q9 from History (2 marks).
• Q19 from Geography (3 marks).

9. Choice: No overall choice, but an internal choice is provided in some questions. Students must attempt only one option.

10. Special facilities provided for Visually Impaired candidates: Alternative questions (in place of visual/map-based ones) will be provided and must be attempted by them only.

Unit-Wise Weightage (Social Science)

Unit	Marks
History (India & the Contemporary World – II)	18 + 2 (map)
Geography (Contemporary India – II)	17 + 3 (map)
Political Science (Democratic Politics – II)	20
Economics (Understanding Economic Development)	20
Total	80

CBSE Class 10 English Exam Pattern 2025–26 (80 Marks Theory)

The CBSE Class 10 English paper for the 2025–26 board exams will be of 80 marks theory and will assess students across Reading, Writing & Grammar, and Literature sections. The structure remains the same as the previous years, ensuring a balanced focus on comprehension, expression, and literary understanding.

Key Features of the Question Paper:

Section	Type of Questions	Marks
Reading (20 Marks)	Discursive passage	10
	Case-based factual passage with visual input	10
Writing & Grammar (20 Marks)	Grammar questions	10
	Formal Letter Writing	5
	Analytical Paragraph Writing	5
Literature (40 Marks)	Extract-based (Drama/Prose)	5
	Extract-based (Poetry)	5
	Short Answer Questions – First Flight	12
	Short Answer Questions – Footprints Without Feet	6
	Long Answer Questions – First Flight	6
	Long Answer Questions – Footprints Without Feet	6
Total		80

CBSE Class 10 English Communicative Exam Pattern 2025–26 (80 Marks Theory)

The CBSE Class 10 English Communicative paper for 2025–26 will follow the same assessment scheme as 2024–25. The question paper is divided into four major sections: Reading, Writing, Grammar, and Literature. This structure ensures balanced testing of comprehension, expression, accuracy, and literary interpretation.

Note: The exam consists of 12 questions across four sections – Reading, Writing, Grammar, and Literature.

Section-Wise Question Marks Distribution

Section	Question Numbers	Details	Marks
A. Reading Skills	Q1–2	Two passages (discursive & factual/case-based) with comprehension questions.	22
B. Writing Skills	Q3–6	Q3: Application (3 marks) Q4: Factual description (4 marks) Q5: Letter to the editor (choice-based, 7 marks) Q6: Article writing (choice-based, 8 marks)	22
C. Grammar	Q7–9	Q7: Fill in the blanks (3 marks) Q8: Omission (4 marks) Q9: Transformation (rearranging/reporting – 3 marks)	10
D. Literature	Q10–12	Q10: Extract-based (2 out of 3 extracts, 8 marks). Q11: Short answer Qs (5 out of 6, 10 marks) Q12: Long answer Q (choice-based, 8 marks)	26
Total	Q1–12		80

CBSE Class 10 Hindi (Course A) Exam Pattern 2025–26 (80 Marks Theory)

The CBSE Class 10 Hindi A Question Paper 2025-26 will be of 80 marks and divided into four sections – A, B, C, and D. The total time allotted for the exam is 3 hours. All questions are compulsory, with internal choices in some. The exam duration will be 3 Hours.

Question Paper Structure (Hindi A)

Section	Details	Marks
A – अपठित बोध (Unseen Comprehension)	1. गद्यांश आधारित प्रश्न (MCQs + लघु उत्तरीय) – 72. काव्यांश आधारित प्रश्न (MCQs + लघु उत्तरीय) – 7	14
B – व्यावहारिक व्याकरण (Applied Grammar)	3. वाक्य भेद (4 Qs) – 44. वाच्य परिवर्तन (4 Qs) – 45. पद परिचय (4 Qs) – 46. अलंकार पहचान (4 Qs) – 4	16
C – पाठ्य पुस्तक एवं पूरक पाठ्य पुस्तक (Textbook & Supplementary Reader)	7. गद्यांश आधारित MCQs – 58. गद्य पाठमाला से लघु उत्तरीय (3/4 Qs × 2 marks) – 69. काव्यांश आधारित MCQs – 510. काव्य पाठमाला से लघु उत्तरीय (3/4 Qs × 2 marks) – 611. पूरक पुस्तक से दीर्घ उत्तरीय (2/3 Qs × 4 marks) – 8	30
D – रचनात्मक लेखन (Creative Writing)	12. अनुच्छेद लेखन (120 शब्द) – 613. पत्र लेखन / औपचारिक पत्र – 514. स्ववृत्त / आवेदन / ई-मेल – 515. विज्ञापन / संदेश लेखन – 4	20

CBSE Class 10 Hindi (Course B) Exam Pattern 2025–26 (80 Marks Theory)

The CBSE Class 10 Hindi B Question Paper 2025-26 will carry a total of 80 marks and will be divided into four sections – A, B, C, and D. Students will get 3 hours to attempt all 16 questions, with internal choices available in some parts.

Question Paper Structure (Hindi B)

Section	Details	Marks
A – अपठित बोध (Unseen Comprehension)	1. गद्यांश आधारित प्रश्न (MCQs + लघु उत्तरीय) – 72. गद्यांश आधारित प्रश्न (MCQs + लघु उत्तरीय) – 7	14
B – व्यावहारिक व्याकरण (Applied Grammar)	3. पदबंध (5 में से 4) – 44. वाक्य रूपांतरण (5 में से 4) – 45. समास (5 में से 4) – 46. मुहावरे (5 में से 4) – 4	16
C – पाठ्य पुस्तक एवं पूरक पाठ्य पुस्तक (Textbook & Supplementary Reader)	7. गद्यांश आधारित MCQs – 58. गद्य पाठमाला से लघु उत्तरीय (3/4 Qs × 2 marks) – 69. काव्यांश आधारित MCQs – 510. काव्य पाठमाला से लघु उत्तरीय (3/4 Qs × 2 marks) – 611. पूरक पुस्तक से दीर्घ उत्तरीय (2/3 Qs × 3 marks) – 6	28
D – रचनात्मक लेखन (Creative Writing)	12. अनुच्छेद लेखन (120 शब्द) – 513. पत्र लेखन (100 शब्द) – 514. सूचना लेखन (60 शब्द) – 415. विज्ञापन लेखन (40 शब्द) – 316. लघु कथा / ई-मेल लेखन – 5	22

How Students Can Boost Scores in CBSE Exams 2026

• As mentioned by the official guidelines of CBSE Exam Pattern 2026, rote-learning will not help this time as the exam pattern is now designed to test real understanding. Hence, stop rote-learning and start understanding. Don’t just memorise answers, understand concepts and relate them to your daily life.
•  Write in your own words, as clear language and correct facts to show your understanding, leaving a good impression on the examiner, and directly fetching better marks.
• Try linking concepts to real life by adding small examples in order to justify your answers, which will make your answer stronger.
•  Lastly, practice competency-based questions, solve MCQs, case studies, source-based questions, and data interpretation questions regularly to score higher.

 For sample study material, you can check: CBSE Class 10 and 12 sample study material.

Conclusion

Understanding the CBSE Class 10 and 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 is crucial for students to effectively prepare and score well in the board exams. With clearly defined subject-wise structures, marking schemes, and chapter/unit weightages, students can plan their study strategies, focus on important sections, and approach the 2026 board exams with confidence regardless of the changes in the pattern, sooner or later, enhancing their performance across all subjects.

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