CBSE Class 10 and 12 Exam: Board made big changes
CBSE Class 10 and 12 Exam: As the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 10 and 12 Board Exams for 2026 are set to begin on February 17, 2026, the board has implemented several landmark changes to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
These reforms aim to reduce student stress and shift the focus from rote memorization to real-world application.
CBSE Class 10 and 12 Exam critical updates every student must know:
- The Two-Exam System (Class 10 Only):
For the first time, Class 10 students have two opportunities to sit for their board exams in a single academic year.
First Phase (Main): February 17 to March 11, 2026. This attempt is compulsory.
Second Phase (Optional): May 15 to June 1, 2026. This is for students who wish to improve their scores or those placed in the “Compartment” category.
Best Score Counts: The board will consider the higher of the two scores for the final marksheet.
Eligibility for 2nd Attempt: To sit for the second exam, a student must have appeared in at least three subjects during the first phase.
- Revised Paper Structure (Competency-Focused):
The question paper typology has shifted significantly to test analytical thinking.
50% Competency-Based Questions: These include MCQs, Case-based studies, Source-based integrated questions, and data interpretation.
20% Objective Questions: Standard Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
30% Constructed Response: Traditional Short and Long answer questions.
- New “Section-Wise” Answering Rules:
A major change in 2026 is the strict subject segregation within a single paper for Class 10.
Science: Divided into three distinct sections: Section A (Biology), Section B (Chemistry), and Section C (Physics).
Social Science: Divided into four sections: History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics.
Crucial Rule: Answers must be written strictly within the designated section space in the answer booklet. Answers written in the wrong section will not be evaluated, even if they are correct.
- Mandatory Registration & APAAR ID:
APAAR ID: All students (except those in overseas schools) must now have an APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) for digital academic tracking via the Pariksha Sangam portal.
Correction Window: Ensure your data (Name, Date of Birth, Subjects) is accurate, as the board has strictly enforced that no corrections are allowed after the registration process concludes.
- Stricter Attendance & Internal Assessment:
75% Attendance: A minimum of 75% attendance is mandatory for eligibility.
Internal Weightage: Internal assessments (practicals, projects, and periodic tests) now contribute 20% to 40% of the total score. Missing these can result in an “Essential Repeat” status, barring you from the board exams entirely.
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