Archive · 10 Dec 2025
CBSE Introduces Sectional Changes in Class 10 Board Exam
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made some big changes to the Class 10 board exams for 2026.
The Science and Social Science question papers are now divided 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 must write their answers in the correct sections and not mix them up.
The board has also changed the types of questions.
Half of the paper will have questions that test how well students understand and can use what they've learned.
The other half will have multiple-choice questions and questions that require short and long answers.
The exams will start on February 17, 2026, and end on March 10, 2026, for Class 10.
The board has also provided sample question papers to help students get used to the new format.
CBSE has divided the Class 10 Science question paper into three sections: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
The Social Science question paper is divided into four sections: History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics.
Students must write answers in the correct sections and not mix them up, as mixed answers will not be evaluated.
The new question paper format includes 50% competency-based questions, 20% multiple-choice questions, and 30% constructed-response questions.
The CBSE Class 10 board exams will start on February 17, 2026, and end on March 10, 2026.
- Who
- Class 10 students appearing for CBSE board exams in 2026
- What
- Changes in the question paper format for Science and Social Science subjects
- When
- Starting from the 2026 board exams
- Where
- India
- Why
- To improve the quality of evaluation and assess students' conceptual clarity and application skills
Students
Educators
Exam Structure
Students
Students may find the new sectional format challenging initially, requiring them to adapt to the new structure and manage their time effectively across different sections.
Educators
Educators believe the new sectional format will help students focus better on each subject area, improving their understanding and performance.
- Board
- Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
- Exam Year
- 2026
- Science Sections
- Section A (Biology), Section B (Chemistry), Section C (Physics)
- Social Science Sections
- Section A (History), Section B (Geography), Section C (Political Science), Section D (Economics)
- Question Types
- 50% competency-based, 20% MCQs, 30% constructed-response
- Exam Start Date
- February 17, 2026
- Class 10 Exam End Date
- March 10, 2026
- Class 12 Exam End Date
- April 9, 2026
Sources
SSC Exams Scheduled from March 14 to April 16
Telangana SSC 2026 exams from March 14; timetable released
CBSE Introduces Sectional Changes In Class 10 Board Exam, Check New Pattern Here
CBSE Revamps Class 10 Answer Books for 2026 Boards; Section-Wise Writing Made Mandatory
TS SSC Time Table 2026 Out: Check full BSE Telangana Class 10th exam schedule at bse.telangaan.gov.in, check date sheet here
