Has the CBSE exam pattern changed for 2025–26?

The CBSE exam pattern has undergone significant changes for the 2025-26 academic session, particularly for Class 10. These changes are in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aim to reduce exam pressure, promote holistic learning, and encourage conceptual understanding over rote memorization.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the key changes for the CBSE 2025-26 board exams:

1. Two Board Exams for Class 10

This is one of the most significant reforms. For Class 10 students, CBSE will now conduct two board examinations in a single academic year:

• Main Exam: To be held in mid-February.
• Second Exam: To be held in May.

This new "best-of-two" system allows students to appear for the second exam if they wish to improve their score from the first one. The final mark sheet and certificate will reflect the best performance from either of the two exams. This aims to lessen stress and give students a second chance to perform better without having to wait a full year.

2. Shift to Competency-Based Questions

The focus has shifted from memory-based questions to questions that test critical thinking and application of concepts. The new question paper structure for both Class 10 and 12 will have a higher weightage for competency-based questions:

• Competency-Based Questions: These will constitute a significant portion (around 40-50%) of the paper. This includes Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), case-study-based questions, and source-based questions.
• Constructed Response Questions: Short and long answer type questions will still be present, but their weightage may be reduced.

This change is designed to move students away from rote learning and towards a deeper understanding of the subjects.

3. Revised Grading and Internal Assessment

• 9-Point Grading System: A new 9-point grading system has been introduced to provide a more flexible and comprehensive assessment structure. This system will grade students based on their relative performance across the country.
• Increased Weightage for Internal Assessment: The internal assessment component has been made more meaningful. It now carries 20 marks and includes projects, practical work, and periodic tests. This change ensures a more continuous and holistic evaluation of a student's performance throughout the year.

4. Subject-Specific Changes

While the general pattern has changed, specific subjects also have updated structures. For example:

• Social Science (Class 10): The paper is now more structured, with dedicated sections for History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics.
• Science and Mathematics (Class 10): The question papers are also aligned with the new pattern, with a greater emphasis on application and analytical skills.