CBSE Board Exams 2026 From Feb 17: Major Revamp in Question Paper Pattern
- Rekha Pal
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a significant overhaul of the question paper pattern for the 2026 board examinations, marking a shift from rote memorisation to deeper conceptual understanding. The revised structure aims to strengthen students’ analytical, problem-solving, and application-based skills—ensuring long-term learning instead of short-term recall.
Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the new pattern restructures Class 10 and Class 12 papers as follows:
50% competency-based questions(including MCQs, case-based questions, source-based integrated questions, data interpretation, and situational problems)
20% select-response questions (MCQs)
30% constructed-response questions (short and long answer formats)
This means half of every question paper will now test students' ability to apply concepts, not just remember them.
Two Board Exams for Class 10 From 2026
In accordance with NEP 2020, CBSE will conduct two board examinations for Class 10 students each year, beginning in 2026. This will offer students greater flexibility and reduce academic pressure by allowing them more than one opportunity to demonstrate learning outcomes.
2025 Board Exam Schedule
The CBSE Class 10 and 12 exams will begin on February 1.
Class 10: Mathematics Standard and Mathematics Basic papers are scheduled for Day 1. Exams will conclude on March 10.
Class 12: The first exams will be Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, and Shorthand (Hindi and English). Class 12 exams end on April 9.
The revised exam pattern is expected to encourage meaningful learning, better retention, and a stronger academic foundation for all students.