CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) introduced some important changes in the CBSE Class 10 exam pattern for Science and Social Science subjects. Under the new CBSE 10th pattern, the Science question paper will carry three sections- Biology (A), Chemistry (B) and Physics (C) , while the CBSE Exam Pattern Class 10 Social Science paper will include four sections covering History (A), Geography (B), Political Science (C) and Economics (D). CBSE has asked students to write each answer only in the space meant for that particular section. The Board also released the CBSE 10th marks distribution. As per this, 80 marks are allotted to the Theory paper and 20 marks for internal assessment in CBSE Class 10th 2026 exam. Read below for more details on CBSE 10th exam pattern 2026.
Latest Update
- CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
- CBSE Class 10 New Exam Pattern 2026
- CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026 for Maths
- CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026 for Science (Revised)
- CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026 for Social Science (Revised)
- CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026 for English (Language and Literature)
- Subject-wise CBSE 10th Marking Scheme 2026 PDFs
- FAQs on CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026
CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
CBSE's new CBSE Class 10 exam pattern focuses more on competency-based learning and flexible assessment giving less weigtage to the traditional long answer questions.
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Competency-Based Questions |
50% weightage (MCQs, case study-based, source-based) |
| Short & Long Answer Questions |
30% weightage (descriptive/analytical) |
| Objective-Type Questions |
20% weightage (short, fact-based) |
| Theory Exam |
80 marks |
| Internal Assessment |
20 marks (practicals, tests, assignments, projects) |
| Connduct of exams in a year |
Twice (Phase 1 & 2) |
| Grading System |
9-point grading system |
Commonly asked questions
CBSE has introduced major changes in the CBSE Class 10 exam pattern. From this year, the exam will be conducted in two phases. This reduces the exam stress and provides improvement opportunities within the same academic cycle. The Social Science and Science question papers will be divided into sections.
- Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Social Science: History, Geography, Political Science, Economics Students will answer section-wise, and evaluation will be done by subject- specific teachers.
The new CBSE Class 10 question paper 2026 format is given below.
Competency-Based Questions | 50% weightage (MCQs, case study-based, source-based) |
Short & Long Answer Questions | 30% weightage (descriptive/analytical) |
Objective-Type Questions | 20% weightage (short, fact-based) |
Theory Exam | 80 marks |
Internal Assessment | 20 marks (practicals, tests, assignments, projects) |
CBSE Class 10 New Exam Pattern 2026
CBSE prescribes the CBSE Class 10 exam pattern 2026. The exam pattern of CBSE mentions the kind of questions asked in the exam, difficulty level, duration, and more. Students must go through the CBSE 10th exam pattern 2026 carefully to strategize their preparation. The exam structure of CBSE Class 10 is given below.
Theory Paper Components (80 Marks)
| Component | Weightage | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Competency-Based Questions |
50% |
These include case-based questions, source-based integrated questions, application-driven MCQs. This test understanding of real-life contexts rather than memory recall. |
| Objective-Type Questions |
20% |
Standard objective questions that is designed to assess conceptual clarity quickly and precisely |
| Short & Long Answer Questions |
30% |
Traditional short and long answer questions is now reduced in weightage |
Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
| Component |
Marks |
|---|---|
| Periodic Tests |
05 |
| Practical Work |
05 |
| Assignments & Projects |
05 |
| Portfolio Assessments |
05 |
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
The CBSE uses a grading system that reflects the marks achieved in every subject. This system usually features grades ranging from A1 to E, with A1 representing the highest grade.
Each subject is assigned different marks, typically 100 for core subjects. For practical subjects, the marks may be distributed differently, such as 80 for theory and 20 for practical
.3. Calculate Total Marks.
Add the marks obtained in all subjects.
Example:
Subject 1: 85
Subject 2: 90
Subject 3: 75
Subject 4: 80
Subject 5: 95
Subject 6 (optional): 88
Total = 85 + 90 + 75 + 80 + 95 + 88 = 513
4. Convert to Percentage
To calculate the percentage, divide the total marks by the maximum possible marks and multiply by 100.
Example:
Total Marks = 513
Maximum Marks = 600 (assuming six subjects with 100 each)
Percentage = (513 / 600) * 100 = 85.5%
5. CGPA Calculation (if applicable)
CBSE may also provide a CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) system.
To calculate CGPA:
Convert the grades of each subject to grade points.
Average the grade points.
Example:
A1 = 10, A2 = 9, B1 = 8, B2 = 7, etc.
Total Grade Points = (10 + 9 + 8 + 8 + 9) = 54
CGPA = Total Grade Points / Number of Subjects
CGPA = 54 / 5 = 10.8
Yes, the board has made certain changes in the CBSE exam pattern 2026. For CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2026, question papers will include 40% MCQs (multiple choice questions). 20% will be competency-based questions and the remaining 40% will be subjective or short/long answer type questions. CBSE Class 10 Science and SST ques papers will also be divided into different sections and students need to answer them accordingly.
Yes, CBSE released the final CBSE 10th date sheet 2026 for Phase 1 board exams. The Phase 1 board exams were held between Feb 17 and March 11, 2026.
CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026 for Maths
There is no change in the CBSE Class 10 Maths exam pattern. It is same as previous years. The structure is given below.
| Type of Questions |
No. of Questions |
Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Mark |
20 |
20 × 1= 20 |
| 2 Marks |
5 |
5 × 2= 10 |
| 3 Marks |
6 |
6× 3= 18 |
| 4 Marks |
3 |
3 × 4= 12 |
| 5 Marks |
4 |
5 × 4 = 20 |
| Total |
38 |
80 |
CBSE 10th Exam Pattern for Maths - Internal Assessment
| Internal Assessment |
Marks |
Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Pen Paper Test and Multiple Assessment (5+5) |
10 |
20 marks |
| Lab Practical (Lab activities to be done from the prescribed books) |
5 |
|
| Portfolio |
5 |
Also Read: CBSE Class 10 Maths Sample Paper 2025-2026 PDF Download
CBSE Class 10 Maths Marking Scheme 1016 - Chapter-wise Weightage
| Unit |
Name |
Marks |
|---|---|---|
| I |
Number Systems |
6 |
| II |
Algebra |
20 |
| III |
Coordinate Geometry |
6 |
| IV |
Geometry |
15 |
| V |
Trigonometry |
12 |
| VI |
Mensuration |
10 |
| VII |
Statistics & Probability |
11 |
| Total |
80 |
Commonly asked questions
Students must ensure to solve atleast one previous year CBSE 10th Mathematics question paper every day to efficiently prepare for the CBSE 10th Mathematics board exam. The more, the better.
Make sure to practice the question papers during the last month of the preparation.
CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026 for Science (Revised)
This year, the CBSE Clas 10 Science question paper has been divided into three subject-specific sections: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics with Biology carrying the hghjest weightage and equal marks are assigned to Chemistry and Physics sections. Students must be careful while answeing the questions. they must write the answers in the allotted sections.
CBSE Class 10 Science Exam 2026 - Question Types
Students can check the marks wise questions asked in the Science exam.
| Type of Questions |
No. of Questions |
Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Mark |
20 |
20 × 1= 20 |
| 2 Marks |
6 |
6 × 2= 12 |
| 3 Marks |
7 |
7× 3= 21 |
| 4 Marks |
3 |
3 × 4= 12 |
| 5 Marks |
3 |
5 × 3 = 15 |
| Total |
39 |
80 |
| Internal assessment |
- |
20 |
Also read: CBSE Class 10 Science Sample Paper 2025-2026 PDF Download
CBSE Class 10 Science Exam 2026 - Unit-Wise Weightage
| Unit |
Marks |
|---|---|
| I. Chemical Substances – Nature & Behaviour |
25 |
| II. World of Living |
25 |
| III. Natural Phenomena |
12 |
| IV. Effects of Current |
13 |
| V. Natural Resources |
5 |
| Total |
80 |
Commonly asked questions
You can refer to the pattern listed below for CBSE 10th Science exam 2025:
CBSE Class 10 Science 2025: Topic-wise Weightage
Unit and Topic | Weightage (marks) |
Unit 1: Chemical Substances: Nature and Behaviour | 25 |
Unit 2: World of Living | 25 |
Unit 3: Natural Phenomena | 12 |
Unit 4: Effects of Current | 13 |
Unit 5: Natural Resources | 5 |
TOTAL MARKS (THEORY) | 80 |
TOTAL MARKS (INTERNAL ASSESSMENT) | 20 |
GRAND TOTAL | 100 |
CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026 for Social Science (Revised)
For CBSE Class 10 board exams 2026, the board has revised the CBSE exam pattern 2026 Class 10 Social Science. The SST exam will now have four sections - Section A - History, Section B - Geography, Section C - Political Science, and Section D - Economics. Students must write the answers accordingto different sections or else their answers will not be marked. This makes the paper more structured and subject-focused.
CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2026
| Type of Questions |
No. of Questions |
Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Mark Questions |
20 |
20 |
| 2 Mark Questions |
4 |
8 |
| 3 Mark Questions |
5 |
15 |
| 5 Marks Questions |
5 |
25 |
| 4 Mark Questions |
3 |
12 |
| Total |
37 |
80 |
CBSE 10th Exam Pattern for Social Science- Internal Assessment
| Internal Assessment |
Marks |
Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Periodic Assessment |
10 |
20 marks |
| Subject Enrichment Activity |
5 |
|
| Portfolio |
5 |
Also read: CBSE Class 10 Science Sample Paper 2025-2026 PDF Download
CBSE 10th Social Science 2026 Weightage
| Unit |
Marks |
|---|---|
| History (India & the Contemporary World – II) |
18 + 2 (map) |
| Geography (Contemporary India – II) |
17 + 3 (map) |
| Political Science (Democratic Politics – II) |
20 |
| Economics (Understanding Economic Development) |
20 |
| Total |
80 |
Commonly asked questions
No, CBSE does not deduct marks for exceeding the word limit in the board exams. However, marks may be deducted for spelling mistakes and other errors in language papers.
Yes, questions are of the same pattern as given in the sample papers. Students must also solve and practice the practice questions and previous years question papers as released by the board.
CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026 for English (Language and Literature)
The CBSE Class 10 English paper 2026 will assess students across Reading, Writing & Grammar, and Literature sections. Students can check the structure of the question paper below for a better understanding..
| Section |
Type of Questions |
Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Reading (20 Marks) |
Discursive passage |
10 |
|
|
Case-based factual passage with visual input |
10 |
| Writing & Grammar (20 Marks) |
Grammar questions |
10 |
|
|
Formal Letter Writing |
5 |
|
|
Analytical Paragraph Writing |
5 |
| Literature (40 Marks) |
Extract-based (Drama/Prose) |
5 |
|
|
Extract-based (Poetry) |
5 |
|
|
Short Answer Questions – First Flight |
12 |
|
|
Short Answer Questions – Footprints Without Feet |
6 |
|
|
Long Answer Questions – First Flight |
6 |
|
|
Long Answer Questions – Footprints Without Feet |
6 |
| Total |
|
80 |
Commonly asked questions
CBSE Class 10 English exam pattern is given below.
Section | Type of Questions | Marks |
Reading (20 Marks) | Discursive passage | 10 |
| Case-based factual passage with visual input | 10 |
Writing & Grammar (20 Marks) | Grammar questions | 10 |
| Formal Letter Writing | 5 |
| Analytical Paragraph Writing | 5 |
Literature (40 Marks) | Extract-based (Drama/Prose) | 5 |
| Extract-based (Poetry) | 5 |
| Short Answer Questions – First Flight | 12 |
| Short Answer Questions – Footprints Without Feet | 6 |
| Long Answer Questions – First Flight | 6 |
| Long Answer Questions – Footprints Without Feet | 6 |
Total |
| 80 |
Students need to score at least 33 percent in all subjects and a minimum aggregate of 33 percent in CBSE 10th board exams 2025 in order to clear the examinations.
The Board has released the CBSE 10th syllabus and marking scheme for all subjects. Students must ensure to complete their syllabus and know the exam pattern well. They must nalso download and solve the CBSE 10th sample papers and previous years' question papers to perform well in the exams.
Once done with the syllabus and practice, students will be able to clear the 10th board examinations will good percentage.
It is actually different for everyone since everyone has their own speed. It also depends on the paper- if its lengthy or not. There is a Cool-off time of 15 minutes in addition to the writing time. Use the 'Cool-off time' to get familiar with questions and to plan your answers. Read questions carefully before answering. Read the instructions carefully and you can analyze your entire question paper no matter which subject is it, and mentally set time for each sections. Since there are mcqs too, you can solve them in the 15 mins cool off time and thus save you a lot of time.
Subject-wise CBSE 10th Marking Scheme 2026 PDFs
CBSE released the CBSE 10th exam pattern 2026. Students can check the CBSE 10th marking scheme 2026 for all subjects below.
Commonly asked questions
CBSE conducts the CBSE 10th supplementary exam for those who are unable to clear the CBSE 10th exam. Students will have to appear for the Supplementary exam which will be conducted by the Board in June/July. The details will be announced by the Board after the declaration of the CBSE 10th result. The students will have to apply and pay the requisite fee to appear for the Supplementary exams.
Students need not worry about the accuracy of the CBSE 10th result released online. CBSE Class 10 result is released after undergoing various checking processes thus, there are very low chances for the CBSE 10th result released online to be incorrect. Students are advised to collect the marklist from the school after the CBSE 10th result is announced.
FAQs on CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026
You can check and get the CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Sample Paper 2026 by clicking the link below. It is advised that you solve the sample paper in one sitting in the stipulated time for better practice.
To download the CBSE 10th sample papers 2026 for other subjects- Click here.
Students have to collect their CBSE 10th original certificate from their schools. They will be notified by the schools after the release of the results. Usually students receive the CBSE 10th mark list within 2 weeks after the announcement of results.
Students can click on CBSE 10th Science sample paper 2026 to download and practice the Science sample questions. Alternatively, they can click on CBSE 10th sample question papers 2026 to download the papers for all other subjects.
Students are advised to download and practice CBSE Class 10 sample papers 2026 for all subjects for better preparation of the exams.
The CBSE 10th Home Science syllabus 2025 PDF download is provided below. Students can check here the distribution of marks for different chapters-
1 Concept and scope of Home Science Education and recent trends - 03 marks
2 Human growth & Development – I 08 marks
3 Family and Values- 08 marks
4 Food, Nutrition and Health -15 marks
5 Fiber and Fabric -15 marks
6 Resource Management -14 marks
7 Measures of Safety and Management of Emergencies -07 marks
Practical exams will be conducted for 30 marks.
Click here to download the complete CBSE 10th Home Science Syllabus 2025
You can click on CBSE Class 10 English sample paper 2026 to download and practice the sample questions. If you wish to download the CBSE 10th sample papers 2026 for all subjects, click on the link provided.
Students are advised to download and practice the CBSE question papers and sample papers 2025 for better preparation of the examination. These will help them know the pattern, the duration and marking scheme. They can also get to know the type of questions that will be asked in the exam.
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CBSE 10th Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
CBSE 10th Phase 2 exam 2026 will be conducted from May 15 to June 1. This is conducted for students who want to improve their scores. Only those who appeared in the first board exams can appear for this.
B
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
A score above 90% is considered outstanding. A score between 80 to 90% is excellent. Score between 75 to 80% is also good.
C
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
Students are required to secure 35% to pass the ICSE Class 10 board exam 2026. The subjects follow an 80:20 evaluation pattern. A total of 80 marks is allotted to the external board exam and 20 to the internal assessment.
A
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
| Parameter | Your Score | Impact |
| CAT | 72.33%ile | Tier-2/3 Eligibility |
| NMAT | 187 | Target non-Mumbai NMIMS campuses |
| 10th/12th | 72.6% / 65.4% | Average; may limit "Old IIMs" even if scores were higher |
| BE | 77.6% | Strong Point helps in engineering-preferred pools |
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
BSEB has announced the Bihar Board Matric compartment exams 2026. As per the announced date, BSEB class 10th compartment exams 2026 will be held from May 2 to May 6, 2026. Students can check the detailed BSEB class 10th compartment exam date 2026 on this page.
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
HPBOSE 10th result can be downloaded by logging with the required details. Students can check their results online only.
I
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
The process to check HPBOSE 10th result is given below.
- Visit Board's website
- Click link of HP Board Result 2026
- Enter required details
- Result appears on screen
- Download and save it
B
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
After the declaration of HPBOSE 10th result, students need to collect the marksheet from the schools. They can apply for Class 11 admission.
J
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
HPBOSE 10th result comprises student's name, roll number, parents' names, subject-wise marks (theory and practical), total marks, qualifying status (Pass/Fail/Compartment), percentage, and grade.
C
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
HPBOSE 10th result 2026 is declared online. Students can check their results by logging with the required details.
A
Contributor-Level 10
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