City, February 12: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced significant changes for the 2026 board exams affecting Class 10 and Class 12 students. These new regulations aim to reduce exam stress, promote conceptual understanding, and enhance assessment methods, making it essential for students to familiarize themselves with the updates that will influence their study approach.
Two Attempt System for Class 10
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a two-attempt system for Class 10 students. This system allows students to take two attempts at the board exam:
• The first exam will take place in February–March 2026.
• Students wishing to improve their scores can take a second attempt in May 2026.
• The better score from the two attempts will be considered final.
This rule enables students to retake the exam without impacting their academic records, thereby alleviating exam-related stress.
Changes in Question Paper Pattern
CBSE has revamped the exam structure to improve understanding and application skills. The new pattern includes:
• Approximately 50% competency-based questions.
• 20% objective-type questions, including multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
• 30% short and long answer questions.
This shift encourages students to grasp fundamental concepts rather than rely on rote memorization.
Sectional Structure in Some Subjects
Class 10 subjects will now feature specific sections. For instance:
• The Science paper will be divided into three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
• The Social Science paper will have separate sections for History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics.
Students must answer questions in the designated sections and adhere to instructions.
On-Screen Marking for Class 12
A major change for Class 12 involves the implementation of an on-screen marking system. Under this system:
• Answer sheets will be scanned post-exam.
• Examiners will evaluate papers digitally on computers.
• Marks will be directly entered into the system.
This method enhances processing speed, reduces errors, and increases efficiency, while Class 10 answer sheets will continue to be checked manually for the time being.
Admit Card and Entry Rules
Students are required to present their admit cards at the examination center, as entry will not be permitted without them. Key points include:
• Verify all details on the admit card.
• Arrive at the exam center at the scheduled time.
• Follow the prescribed reporting time.
Allowed and Prohibited Items
Students may bring:
• Admit card
• Blue or black pen
• Basic stationery
However, they must not carry:
• Mobile phones
• Smart watches
• Electronic gadgets
• Any written notes
Possession of prohibited items can lead to strict disciplinary actions.
What Students Should Focus On
To prepare effectively, students should:
• Practice competency-based questions.
• Develop a strong understanding of concepts.
• Work through sample papers aligned with the new format.
• Manage their time efficiently during assessments.
The changes in the CBSE Board Exams 2026 aim to create a more relevant evaluation process. Students who understand these new rules and adapt their preparation accordingly will be better equipped and more confident for their exams.
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.
