Archive · 11 Dec 2025
CBSE Introduces Sectional Changes in Class 10 Board Exam
The CBSE has made some big changes to the Class 10 board exams for 2026.
They've split the Science and Social Science papers into different sections.
For Science, there are three sections: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
For Social Science, there are four sections: History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics.
Students have to write their answers in the right sections, or they won't get any marks.
The CBSE has also changed how questions are asked.
Half of the questions will be about understanding and using what you've learned, not just remembering facts.
They've also added that there will be two board exams for Class 10, giving students more chances to show what they've learned.
The exams will start on February 17 and go until March 10 for Class 10, and until April 9 for Class 12.
CBSE has introduced sectional changes in Class 10 Science and Social Science question papers for 2026 board exams.
Science paper is divided into three sections: Biology (A), Chemistry (B), and Physics (C).
Social Science paper is divided into four sections: History (A), Geography (B), Political Science (C), and Economics (D).
Students must write answers in the correct sections; mixing sections will result in no marks.
50% of the questions will be competency-based, 20% will be MCQs, and 30% will be constructed-response questions.
- Who
- Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
- What
- Changes in Class 10 board exam pattern for 2026
- When
- Starting from 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To improve the quality of evaluation and align with NEP 2020
Students
CBSE
Exam Format
Students
Students may find the new sectional format challenging and require additional preparation to adapt to the structured answer sheets.
CBSE
CBSE believes the new format will streamline the evaluation process and reduce marking errors, ensuring a more accurate assessment.
- Organization
- Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
- Exam Year
- 2026
- Subjects Affected
- Science, Social Science
- Science Sections
- Biology (A), Chemistry (B), Physics (C)
- Social Science Sections
- History (A), Geography (B), Political Science (C), Economics (D)
- Exam Dates
- February 17 to March 10 (Class 10), February 17 to April 9 (Class 12)
- Question Types
- 50% competency-based, 20% MCQs, 30% constructed-response
Sources
CBSE Introduces Sectional Changes In Class 10 Board Exam, Check New Pattern Here
CBSE Class 10th Board Exams 2026: Check mandatory section-wise answer writing rules for Science, Social Science
CBSE rolls out structured exam format for Class 10 Science, SST papers ahead of 2026 boards
Teachers’ Federation Seeks Revision Of SSC Timetable
CBSE Board Exam 2026: Science Sample Paper With Revised Pattern
CBSE Class 12 Science Board Exam 2026: Expert Shares Smart Prep & Revision Strategies