The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced several significant changes for the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations in 2026, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to promote competency-based learning, reduce exam pressure, and enhance transparency. The exams for both classes commenced on February 17, 2026, with Class 10 concluding around March 11 and Class 12 extending to early April. These reforms focus on application-oriented assessments, stricter eligibility norms, and modernized evaluation processes.

One of the most notable updates is the two-attempt system exclusively for Class 10 students. The first main examination, mandatory for all, ran from February 17 to March 9, while the optional second attempt for improvement is scheduled from May 15 to June 1. Both sessions cover the same syllabus, and the best score will count toward the final result. This provision allows students to improve performance in up to three subjects without reappearing in all, though it is strictly for enhancement and not a fallback for failures in multiple subjects.

The exam pattern has been revised for both Class 10 and Class 12 to emphasize analytical and practical skills over rote learning. Competency-based questions, including case studies, real-life problem-solving, and data interpretation, now constitute 50% of the paper. Objective-type questions (such as MCQs) account for 20%, while the remaining 30% comprises short and long constructed response questions. This shift applies uniformly across subjects, encouraging deeper understanding and application of concepts.

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Evaluation criteria have also seen modernization. For Class 12, CBSE has implemented On-Screen Marking (OSM), where answer sheets are scanned and evaluated digitally by trained examiners to improve accuracy, reduce errors, and enhance transparency. Class 10 evaluation remains traditional and manual for 2026. Internal assessments continue to contribute 20% to 40% of final grades, depending on the subject, with practical components playing a key role. A mandatory 75% attendance requirement in Classes 9 and 10 (and corresponding for Class 11-12) has been strictly enforced for eligibility.

Additional rules include strict sectional answering guidelines—students must write answers in designated sections (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics for Science papers) to avoid mark deductions—and provisional admissions to Class 11 based on the main exam performance, confirmed after final results. These changes aim to foster holistic development and better prepare students for higher education and real-world challenges. Students and parents are advised to refer to official CBSE circulars and sample papers for detailed preparation.

Also Read: CBSE Announces On-Screen Marking Revolution for Class 12 Board Exams from 2026