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CBSE Board Exam Pattern 2026 Class 10: Key Changes, Marking Scheme & Subject-Wise Structure

Written ByAnkita Singha
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Updated on27 Feb, 2026
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Examination plays a major role in students life especially when it comes to class 10 boards. From the latest information shared by officials before examination to exam pattern everything is important. 

As students need to prepare early for good marks, it’s important to understand the examination pattern to boost confidence. 

Students often stressed out to know the highlights of upcoming class 10 exams. That’s why this guide is all about what you want to know on the CBSE board exam pattern 2025 class 10.

What is the CBSE Board Exam Pattern 2025 Class 10?

The CBSE board exam pattern 2025 class 10 defines the structure and detailed rules from types of questions to marking scheme which help students to prepare for examination. 

It includes subject-wise marks and structure, internal assessment components, question types, duration and passing criteria. 

CBSE Board Exam Pattern 2025 Class 10: Key Highlights

Check out the key highlights of the CBSE board exam pattern 2025 class 10 includes:

S No. ParticularsDetails
1.Total number of subjectsTotal number of subjects include:
MathematicsScienceSocial ScienceEnglishHindiSome schools may offer additional electives/subjects.
2.Total marks per subjectEach subject is of 100 marks. It is divided into two parts 80 marks for theory exam and 20 marks for internal assessment. 
3.Theory vs internal assessment weightageTheory Paper: 80 marks. Internal Assessment: 20 marks. 
4.Question paper duration3 hours for each subject. 
5.Passing criteriaA student needs a total of 33% marks (33 out of 100) in each subject. 
6.Important TimelineFor 2026, the main exam is scheduled from February 17 to March 10, 2026. And the second phase from May 15 to June 1, 2026.

Types of Questions in the CBSE Board Exam Pattern 2025 Class 10

Check out different types of questions in the CBSE board exam pattern 2025 class 10 to prepare for exams: 

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Multiple Choice Questions or MCQs are simple objective type questions in which students get options to pick the right answer to get marks in exams. 

2. Very Short Answer Questions

In very short answer questions of CBSE board class 10 exam students need to write direct factual answers in a few lines. 

3. Short Answer Questions

Short answer questions require detailed explanation and analysis. 

4. Long Answer Questions

In the long answer questions students need to write in-depth and more analytical answers then short answer questions.

As it is for higher marks, detailed answers writing is important especially for step marking. 

5. Case-study and competency-based questions

Case-study and competency-based questions are ideal for students because it helps them to understand the real-world application, interpretation, and higher-order thinking skills

Major Changes in the CBSE Board Exam Pattern 2025 Class 10

As compared to previous years, some of the main changes CBSE board exam pattern 2025 class 10 aligned with NEP 2020 includes: 

1. Increased Competency-Based Questions

Competency-focused questions form around 50% of the paper which includes case-based, source-based, data interpretation, and situational problems. 

2. Updated Question Paper Format

Students get the combination of questions including MCQs, short answers, long answers, case-study and competency-based questions. 

3. Focus on Application

The main focus on:

  • problem-solving
  • analytical skills 
  • conceptual clarity in real-life scenarios

4. Meaningful Internal Assessments

In internal assessments CBSE Class 10 consider:

  • project work
  • practicals
  • class activities
  • holistic development

5. Resumption of Single Board Exam 

Starting from 2026, CBSE will conduct Class 10 board exams TWICE a year CBSE Exam Pattern Changes For Class 10 Students In 2026

A main exam in February and an optional improvement exam in May. This is a major policy change aligned with NEP 2020.

Subject-Wise CBSE Board Exam Pattern 2025 Class 10

Given below subjects of CBSE board exam pattern 2025 class 10 follows a common pattern in which the theoretical marks is 80 and internal assessment includes 20. 

Go through the subjects structure of CBSE Board Exam Pattern 2025 Class 10: 

1. Mathematics

Students can pursue the subject in two ways: either “Mathematics Basic” or “Mathematics Standard”. 

Here,  the basic one is for those who don’t want to continue mathematics after 10th. While the standard one is for students who want to continue their career with mathematics. 

Some common types of questions students encounter during mathematics examinations are:

  • MCQs
  • case-based problems
  • short and long answers

2. Science

Science is a class 10th subject which consists of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. 

The subject includes hands-on work, diagrams and experiments. The exam contains a combination of:

  • MCQs 
  • short answer 
  • long answer
  • case-based questions

3. Social Science

Social Science is a popular subject which consists of: 

  • History
  • Geography
  • Civics
  • Economics

In this subject the questions are mainly based on application and use of maps in geography. 

4. English

English in class 10 is a comprehension-based subject. It mainly considers reading, writing, grammar, and literature sections from prescribed books. 

5. Hindi

There are two ways such as course A which focuses on literature while course B focuses on practical use and grammar. 

Note: To know more detailed information go through CBSE board official website for syllabus

CBSE Board Exam Pattern 2025 Class 10: Internal Assessment and Practical Exams 

Check out the quick table on internal assessment and practical exams of CBSE board exam pattern 2025 class 10: 

S No. ParticularsTheoryPractical/InternalActivities
1.Hindi8020written tasksreading logs
2.English8020listening activitiesspeaking activitiesoral activities
3.Social Science8020various projectsassignmentsmap activities
4.Science8020practical fileslab workviva 
5.Maths8020testsprojectsnotebook reviews

Marking Scheme of CBSE Board Exam Pattern 2025 Class 10

The marking scheme of CBSE board examination pattern 2025 class 10

  • Theoretical Examination

80 marks

  • Internal Assessment

20 marks

  • Minimum Passing Criteria

33% per subject

  • Grading System

9-point (A1 to E)

Conclusion

Class 10th is a milestone for students to succeed in both professional and personal life. 

Hopefully, the guide helped you to understand the desired information about CBSE board exam pattern 2025 class 10 to prepare for upcoming examinations

To know more information on CBSE board class 10 attendance required or CBSE grading system go through the latest blogs. 

FAQs

Yes, the CBSE has introduced significant changes to the Class 10 examination pattern for the 2026 board exams. 

Some of the changes include competency-based focus, strict answer writing, sectional division etc. 

Students can prepare for CBSE class 10 exams 2025 by:

  • create a study plan 
  • focus on NCERT books
  • practice previous year papers and sample papers
  • revise regularly  
  • prioritise high-weightage topics

Yes, 92% in 10th good for a student to follow the desired career and job. 

Students can download the latest CBSE sample papers and blueprint by following:

  • Go to the CBSE Academic portal
  • Click on the “Sample Question Paper”
  • Get the Sample Question Paper and the Marking Scheme
  • Click each subject PDF to download

For the CBSE Class 10 Board Exams in 2026, expect multiple sets of question papers per subject. 

 

CBSE doesn’t have a “best of 4 or 5” board. It has a “best of five” rule for Class 10th. However, the “Best of Five” rule applies when students take 6 subjects. The board considers the best 5 subjects for percentage calculation, but CBSE doesn’t officially declare percentages.

Ankita Singha

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I, Ankita Singha is a passionate content writer at 21kschool with 1.5 years of experience in crafting engaging digital content in different domains. With a talent for storytelling and visual expression, I blend creativity and strategy seamlessly. Outside of work, I enjoy crafting new things, calligraphy, and dancing.

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