CBSE has issued several notifications introducing 6 important changes for Class 10 and 12 Board Exams from 2026, including a new paper pattern, compulsory February exam, improved marking system, attendance rules, and restructuring of Science and Social Science papers. Students must follow the new answer-sheet rules strictly — otherwise answers may not be checked.
1. Science & Social Science Paper Structure Changed
From 2026 onwards,
✔ Science paper will have 3 sections — Biology, Chemistry, Physics
✔ Social Science paper will have 4 sections — History, Geography, Political Science, Economics
Students must write each answer in its respective section only.
🔴 If an answer is written in the wrong section, it will NOT be checked.
CBSE has also uploaded sample papers to guide students
SAMPLE PAPER- X SAMPLE PAPER- XII
2. Two Board Exams — February & May
The main exam will be held in February.
Students who fail or want to improve marks may appear in the Improvement Exam in May (maximum 3 subjects).
If a student fails/does not appear in more than 3 subjects, they will not be eligible for the May exam.
3. 75% Attendance Mandatory
Students of Classes 9 and 10 must have at least 75% attendance to be permitted for board exams. Only then will students
be eligible to appear for the board exams.
4. New Grading System
CBSE will implement a 9-point grading system focusing more on conceptual understanding rather than memorisation. Therefore, Students will be awarded nine different Grades, ranging from A1 to E, based on their marks.
5. Provisional Admission in Class 11
Students can take Provisional Admission in class 11. They will be able to take provisional admission to Class 11 based on their results in
the February main exam. However, Admission will be confirmed after the results of the improvement exam are declared.
6. New Paper Pattern for Class 10 & 12
From 2026 onward,
✔ 50% questions will be competency-based
including MCQs, case studies and source-based questions.
This aims to promote analytical and real-life application-based learning.
Important Note
Answers written in the wrong subject section WILL NOT BE CHECKED.
CBSE has clarified that such mistakes
❌ will NOT be corrected during re-evaluation
❌ will be marked as “not attempted”
So students must follow section-wise answering carefully.
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