The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a significant change in the Class 10 board examination pattern starting from the academic session 2026. This new approach is designed to reduce exam-related stress, improve learning outcomes, and encourage competency-based education. Here’s everything you need to know about this new format:
New Exam Format
- Two-phase exam system: CBSE will conduct the Class 10 board exams in two phases — one in February-March and another in May 2026.
- Mandatory first phase: All students will be required to appear in the first board exam.
- Optional second phase: The May exam will be optional and can be taken by students looking to improve their scores in one or more subjects.
- Best score counted: CBSE will consider the best score from either attempt for each subject in the final result.
This change aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes flexibility, reduced academic pressure, and multiple opportunities for learning and improvement.
Exam Pattern Changes
- Competency-based questions: The board is shifting toward real-world problem-solving and analytical questions, discouraging rote memorization.
- Up to 50% MCQs and skill-based questions: Expect multiple-choice and application-based questions to take up nearly half of the paper.
- Reduced focus on long answers: Descriptive and long-answer questions will carry a maximum of 30% weightage, making way for concise, skill-testing formats.
This transformation in question pattern ensures that students learn to apply concepts instead of just memorizing textbooks.
Internal Assessments
- Conducted once per academic year: Unlike earlier models, internal assessments will be conducted only once throughout the academic year.
- Weightage in final results: Internal assessments will contribute 20–30% to final grades, depending on the subject.
- Focus on application-based learning: Students will be assessed through projects, lab experiments, practical activities, and presentations—all aimed at encouraging hands-on learning.
This helps schools assess students’ understanding in a more practical and skill-oriented manner.
✅ Benefits of the New Format
- Lower stress, higher flexibility: With two chances to appear for board exams, students can plan better and relieve the pressure of a single final exam.
- More chances to improve: Students not satisfied with their performance in the first phase can appear in the second phase for improvement without losing their previous score.
- Better evaluation of knowledge: The inclusion of competency-based assessments ensures that students are judged on understanding and application, not just memory.
- NEP-aligned structure: The new exam system aligns with the National Education Policy’s goal to foster critical thinking and foundational literacy among students.
📅 What Students and Parents Should Start Preparing For
With this change becoming effective from the 2026 academic session, students currently in Class 8 (in 2024) will be the first batch to experience the new exam format. Schools, teachers, and parents are advised to:
- Start introducing competency-based learning methods
- Encourage project work and real-world discussions
- Train students in MCQ-solving strategies and critical thinking
- Focus on conceptual understanding from early grades
This system not only changes how students are evaluated but also how they are taught and how they learn throughout the year.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of two CBSE Class 10 board exams is a revolutionary step toward modernizing India’s school education system. It gives students a chance to perform without fear, promotes better learning outcomes, and provides more opportunities to succeed.
Students will now not only have flexibility in exams but also multiple pathways to strengthen their academic journey with confidence.
📌 Stay tuned with Kumar Home Tutor for updates, tips, and expert home tuition to help your child succeed under the new CBSE format. Our experienced tutors are trained in the latest curriculum and competency-based learning techniques to ensure your child is fully prepared—whenever the exam comes.