HP Board to Use Common Question Papers for Class 10 and 12 from 2026; Focus on Fairness and Exam Reform

HPBOSE will introduce uniform papers for board exams, include 20% MCQs, and roll out digital progress reports for students.

Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) will introduce common question papers for Class 10 and Class 12 board exams starting March 2026. HPBOSE has decided to ensure all students face papers of same difficulty level, regardless of exam centre.

At present, multiple sets of question papers are used during board exams, which lead to differences in difficulty levels. However, from 2026 all students will answer same paper, though sequence of questions will vary across centres.

This time, the board will also include 20 percent multiple choice questions (MCQs), to be answered through OMR sheets, helping streamline evaluation process and reduce errors. To support transition, HPBOSE is also developing a central question bank and will conduct teacher training sessions before pilot rollout next year.

Besides new paper format board is working on digital progress reports that will record both academic and co-curricular performance. These reports will be gradually introduced after new exam system is implemented.

HPBOSE plans a trial run in select schools in 2025 before implementing changes all over Himachal. The board is also exploring digital evaluation tools to ensure faster and more consistent result processing.