CBSE announces major board exam pattern change in 2026 for 10th and 12th classes

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has implemented many crucial changes to the exam pattern for the CBSE Board Exam 2026 for Class 10 and Class 12. The new changes in the question paper are designed to improve students’ analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and long-term comprehension of subjects rather than just short-term memory. Read the complete article to know what the most important revision CBSE Board has included for class 10th and 12th Board Exams for 2026.

CBSE announces major board exam pattern change in 2026

The goal of changing the pattern of CBSE Board Exam 2026 is to reduce dependency on rote memorisation and encourage deeper conceptual learning.

New Changes in the CBSE Board Exam 2026

1. CBSE has revised the question paper format to coincide with the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP).
2. From 2026 forward, 50% of the questions will be competency-based, such as multiple-choice questions, case-based questions, source-based integrated questions, data interpretation, and situational difficulties.
3. Select-response (MCQ) questions will take up 20% of the paper.
4. The remaining 30% will include constructed-response questions with both short and extended answers. This means that half of each exam will assess conceptual understanding and application of knowledge, rather than memorising material.
5. Two CBSE Board Exams for Class 10 Starting in 2026. CBSE will implement two board examinations per year for Class 10 students, as proposed by NEP 2020. This will provide more flexibility and opportunity for students to improve their performance and exhibit learning outcomes.

CBSE Board Exams 2026: Key Takeaways

• According to the Board’s notification, the Class 10 and 12 Board Exams will begin on February 17, 2026.
• Class 10th and 12th exam timing is – 10.30 AM to 1.30 PM.
• The practical exams and internal assessments will begin on January 1, 2026, in most schools.
• The CBSE Class 10 exams 2026 will end on March 10, 2026.
• Class 12 exams will end on April 9, 2026.

Check the class 12th exam dates for science streams –

Benefits of Major Changes in CBSE Board Exam Pattern

The recent redesigned structure in board exams encourages many positive things in the curriculum –

• This new pattern boosts Understanding-Based learning among students.
• 50% competency-based questions improved thinking and reasoning abilities
• Less memorization reduces exam stress through flexibility.
• This new pattern has improved balance with worldwide educational norms.

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