CBSE New Guidelines: Rules for Class 10 and 12 Explained!

Are you aware of the new CBSE guidelines?

The CBSE’s latest guidelines in 2026 included radical changes in the structure of the examination, online evaluation, assessment and flexibility in academic settings. 

The reforms are designed to meet contemporary needs of learning and national reforms to reduce exam stress and promote conceptual learning.

So let us look at the transition of the old system of board examination to a more accessible, skill-based system that focuses on competency-based education, digitalisation and systematic assessment.

What are the CBSE New Guidelines- 2026 Updated!

CBSE has already suggested the new guidelines that are related to deep learning and an intelligent pattern of assessment in 2026. These amendments decrease rote learning and promote competency-based learning. 

These guidelines include:

• Greater weightage to competency-based questions
• Flexible subject combinations
• Continued emphasis on internal assessment
• Stronger focus on skill-based education
• Two board exams for Class 10
• 75% attendance is mandatory

CBSE New Rules for Class 10 Board Exams 2026

There will also be a new format of the Class 10 board examinations of 2026. Students and schools should be aware of all the requirements of such alterations.

1. Two-Board Examination System Explained

In 2025-26, CBSE is to use a two-board system of examinations in Class 10 in which students will be given two opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge during the same academic year. 

The first exam is an obligatory test to be taken by all students, and the second is an optional attempt to improve. The latter score obtained in any attempt is automatically included in the final score since it is higher.

Exam	Dates	Who Must Appear	Purpose	Result
First Board Exam (Phase 1)	February 17 – March 11, 2026	All Class 10 students mandatory	Main board examination	Counts as the base result for all students
Second Board Exam (Phase 2)	May 15 – May 21, 2026	Optional only students who appeared in Phase 1 and wish to improve	Improvement attempt in up to 3 subjects (Science, Mathematics, Social Science, or Languages)	Only available for subjects with external assessment exceeding 50 marks
Final Result	Declared July 18, 2026	Applicable to all registered students	Higher score from either attempt is automatically taken	Combined pass percentage: 96.78%

2. New 9-Point Grading System

The grading system is still a well-organised system of 9-point A1-E. Grades provide a more detailed performance evaluation as opposed to marks and percentages.

In subject-based grading, the strengths and weaknesses of the students can be assessed independently. This eliminates unhealthy competition and promotes students’ learning as opposed to mark-seeking.

3. Revised Question Paper Pattern for Class 10

The form of the question paper is also revamped in such a way that it can test deeper knowledge. Approximately half of the paper consists of competency-based questions, which include case studies and problems of an analytical nature.

Objective questions help to test conceptual clarity, and descriptive questions help to test the explanation ability. There are internal options that are provided to be flexible. It is a balanced model in which equal portions of knowledge, understanding and action are considered.

4. Attendance and Eligibility Requirements

CBSE has also made it a point that there are strict eligibility requirements whereby the students should have not less than 75% attendance in the academic session. This will be to ensure that the classroom attendance is regular.

Limited relaxation may be granted on proper documentation. This has to be completed by internal examination and project submission to be eligible to take board examinations.

CBSE New Rules for Class 12 Board Exams 2026

The students of Class 12 also have their modifications in relation to the new rules, which should be implemented in 2026, and which are addressed to the analysis of transparency, the structure of examination, and the practical tests.

1. On-Screen Marking (Online Assessment)

CBSE has also introduced online marking in the format of an on-screen assessment. The marked papers are scanned and uploaded to a secure location where they are reviewed with the help of computer programmes.

This process conserves time because manual errors are reduced as well, and faster results are obtained. Online testing fosters the transparency and fairness of tests.

2. Class 12 Exam Pattern Changes

The Class 12 exam pattern has also changed so as to include more application and analytical questions. Students should demonstrate a better level of thinking and clarity of concepts.

Direct questions have been minimised to reduce rote learning. The board also publishes elaborate marking schemes and sample papers to give the students an idea of what they expect.

3. Practical Examination Guidelines 2025-26

Practical examinations are now more relevant in the whole test. The examination is conducted by external examiners to enhance uniformity and fairness. The performance of students is measured on the basis of practical performance, viva-voce and record work. 

The uploading of marks is digital to provide transparency. The practical nature of learning is an incentive that makes students acquire practical skills as opposed to theoretical knowledge.

Internal Assessment & Evaluation Changes Under CBSE New Guidelines

In most subjects, there are 20 marks of practical in Class 10 and Class 12 in the CBSE Internal assessment. The scheme of obtaining these marks has become better structured and understandable.

Internal assessment calculation may only be provided in Class 10, and the calculation of the internal assessment is only done with the use of the two best tests.

Besides regular examinations, internal assessment involves the marks of subject enrichment activities, portfolio or project work and practical or lab work according to the subject.

CBSE has instructed schools to keep full documentation on the activities with regard to internal assessment and to make those fully available in case of need. CBSE has also created what it calls the Holistic Progress Card for students in foundational and middle schools in line with NEP 2020. 

Registration, APAAR ID & Pariksha Sangam Portal

CBSE has incorporated electronic systems in order to facilitate the smooth administration. Registration of Classes 9, 10, 11 and 12 has been made an obligatory online exercise, which is carried out through the Pariksha Sangam portal on the official CBSE website.

Schools normally enrol students (LOC) during the period from as early as July to October ahead of the next board examinations, and the personal information along with a photograph, signature and APAAR ID is required. The payments are made online, and corrections are normally made in December.

1. APAAR ID 

CBSE has required that all students be given an APAAR ID, which is abbreviated as Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry. It is a special 12-digit academic identification number that is associated with Aadhaar and the academic records of a student. 

The APAAR ID develops an academic profile of every student throughout his or her lifetime, which stores his or her academic credits, achievements and certificates. The schools have the task of ensuring that their students go through the process of generating an APAAR ID.

2. Pariksha Sangam Portal 

CBSE has also introduced the Pariksha Sangam portal, which has been a centralised portal to handle examination-related processes. Schools, through this portal, can provide details of student registration, internal assessment marks, manage and generate admit cards and generate result-related information. 

The portal is also used to track students and parents on the examination schedules and to download the CBSE admit card and the results. The portal will assist in establishing additional efficiency and transparency in examination management.

Additional Subject Rules and Special Provisions

The students who decide to take more subjects must follow the board stipulations as far as the subject combination and the time limits are concerned.

The situation exists where marks of one more subject can be awarded instead of the failed one, according to the board rules. CBSE also provides accommodation to sports students, children with special needs and candidates with struggling medical conditions.

1. Additional Subject Guidelines

CBSE also offers the student the choice of an additional 6th subject to the five compulsory ones in Class 10 and Class 12 board exams. This additional subject can, for Class 12 students, be used to advantage in best-of-five calculations if the mark in the added subject is higher than that in one of the core subjects.

Students who want to have an extra subject should specify the same during registration and are not allowed to add or change it after the time of registration.

2. Sports Students and Special Categories

CBSE has certain arrangements for students who are required to represent their state or country in accepted sports events or other activities at the national level. Relaxations of attendance could be given to these students as it is in the eligibility provision.

It also gives disabled students allowances, such as the Divyangjan category, in which special students are given special time during the test, the option to use a scribe and exemption on certain aspects of the test according to the type of disability.

Why Has CBSE Introduced New Guidelines? (NEP 2020 Context)?

The most significant reason which led to the introduction of new guidelines by CBSE is the National Education Policy 2020, which presupposes radical changes in the system of Indian schools. 

The memorisation applied on a large scale, a single high-stakes test, the lack of skills and practice-based learning and inadequate variety of subject choice are some of the systemic problems mentioned in NEP 2020.

• Conceptual clarity instead of rote memorisation
• Skill-based and experiential learning
• Flexibility in subject selection
• Continuous and comprehensive assessment
• Use of technology in evaluation

CBSE, being the largest national board in India, has recognised the need to adopt these reforms to implement a modernised board examination system. 

It is aimed towards minimising academic pressures, enhancing multidisciplinary education, as well as equipping the students with higher education skills and a competitive environment.

How to Prepare for CBSE Board Exams Under New Guidelines?

Since the learning process in students is bound to vary in accordance with the new structure adopted by the CBSE, it is high time that the students should stop learning through memorisation and learn intelligently in a concept-based approach.

CBSE exams emphasise competency-based learning, critical thinking, and practical application. The next one is a detailed preparation plan.

1. Focus on Conceptual Clarity

It does not mean reading the textbook line-by-line, but comprehending the main ideas of every chapter.

Ensure that you are able to conceptualise issues. When you know why and how, you will be in a position to answer the questions in case studies and applications without problems.

2. Practice Competency-Based Questions

The paper can potentially contain competency-based or case-study questions, assertion-reason questions, data-based problems and real-life application questions regularly. Complete sample papers published by CBSE to be familiar with the new pattern.

3. Make a Structured Study Plan

Develop a practical schedule which involves day-to-day revision, practice questions, and internal assessment. Break down the topics based on the level of difficulty and devote more time to the weaker areas.

4. Revise Using NCERT First

Read all the chapters, learn examples, and solve back-exercise questions and read other guides only after you have completed your NCERT.

5. Solve Sample Papers & Previous Year Questions

Practice official samples of the exam to realise the structure, the marking scheme, and time management. At least examine your failures and work on weak points.

What Parents Need to Know and Do?

The role of parents in the school life of the child has become significant. Parents have been given more opportunities to participate in subject selections, assessments, and general planning of academics. Knowledge of these changes and active participation will make a significant contribution to the success of a child.

1. Understand the New Exam Pattern

Parents must also get used to the competency-based format of the exam. The exams now require application and analytical ability; it is necessary to encourage children to learn concepts and not memorise the answers. 

Knowledge of the new pattern assists parents in designing study habits appropriately.

2. Encourage Consistent Study Habits

The new system is very attentive to internal evaluations and regular examinations. Parents should promote study habits as opposed to studying before final exams. The revision of assignments is required on a daily basis, and handing them in a timely manner.

3. Monitor Attendance and Eligibility

CBSE requires a minimum attendance of 75% to be able to take board exams. The parents are expected to understand that the child attends school regularly and records well, and this is because failure to attend school might affect his/her examination eligibility.

4. Reduce Exam Pressure

The concept of CBSE is moving towards non-stress, flexible learning (with a possibility of improvement, in some cases), and the parents should not exert more pressure on the matter of marks. Emotional support and motivation are more effective than comparison and criticism.

5. Stay Updated with Official Notifications

It is recommended that parents should constantly read the official CBSE circulars and school messages so that they are kept up to date on the schedule of any exams, registration, the need for an APAAR ID and any other changes in the process.

Guidance for Teachers and Schools

Schools and teachers play a crucial role in bringing the reforms through the introduction of the New Guidelines 2026 of the Central Board of Secondary Education. It will need to take stages in the changes which teachers and institutions will need to undergo.

1. Guide Students in Practical and Project Work

Practical examination, viva-voce and project submission are currently receiving more weight. Teachers need to monitor students and give them feedback, as well as make sure that all documentation is correct. Promoting practical work and real-life learning improves cognition and performance.

2. Communicate With Parents Effectively

The school and teachers should also ensure that they inform parents about the new guidelines frequently, the pattern of exams and student progress. The parents need to be made aware of the need to support their children in the reformed system, which can be achieved through workshops or newsletters.

The communication may assist in removing misunderstandings and creating teamwork to assist the students.

3. Monitor Attendance and Eligibility Compliance

Good records of attendance have to be kept also since a minimum of 75% of attendance is required to take examinations in CBSE.

Schools are supposed to ensure that there is regular checking of attendance, in-house testing, and shortcomings should be dealt with beforehand so that the cases of students failing to take board examinations do not occur.

4. Conduct Regular Internal Assessments

Internal evaluation has gained a lot of significance for final outcomes. CBSE suggests that schools and teachers should undertake regular assessment, project assessment, practical assessment and subject enrichment activities. 

To be fair and compliant, proper records of marks in proper order have to be kept.

5. Promote Holistic and Skill-Based Learning

In addition to the academic curriculum, teachers are supposed to incorporate life skills, environmental awareness and social values in the curriculum. Promotion of multidisciplinary projects, coding, entrepreneurship courses, or sports activities is consistent with this.

Conclusion

The CBSE new guidelines in 2025-26 are one of the most radical changes towards the organisation of the board. All the elements of board examination have been well reviewed in the two-examination system and the new grading scale of Class 10, in on-screen-to-screen marking and new practical guidelines of Class 12. 

These changes will reflect CBSE’s interest in de-stressing students, introducing transparency in assessment, and aligning Indian school education with the vision of NEP 2020. 

To make the most of these positive and widespread reforms, students, parents and teachers must be informed to adhere to the official CBSE statements and reform their preparation and teaching strategies accordingly.

CBSE