Exam pattern & marking: 22 questions answered
How CBSE Class 10 and 12 board papers are structured for 2026-27: sections, marks, passing marks, internal assessment, practicals and question types.
What is the CBSE Class 10 board exam pattern for 2026-27?
Most Class 10 subjects have an 80-mark theory paper plus 20 marks of internal assessment by the school, and the paper is 3 hours long. Maths and Science papers have five sections (A to E): one-mark MCQs and assertion-reason questions, then 2-, 3- and 5-mark questions, and case-based questions. CBSE has said the 2026-27 pattern is unchanged from 2025-26. See the 2026-27 sample papers.
What is the CBSE Class 12 board exam pattern for 2026-27?
Subjects with practicals, such as Physics, Chemistry and Biology, have a 70-mark theory paper plus 30 marks of practicals. Subjects like Maths, Accountancy, Business Studies and Economics have an 80-mark theory paper plus 20 marks of project or internal assessment. Every theory paper is 3 hours long. 2026-27 sample papers.
Has the CBSE paper pattern changed for 2026-27?
No. According to the CBSE notice of 21 September 2026, the 2026-27 paper pattern is unchanged from 2025-26. So the 2025 and 2026 board papers and the 2026-27 sample papers are the best guide to what you will see.
How long is a CBSE board exam?
Each CBSE board theory paper is 3 hours long. You also get 15 minutes of reading time before writing begins.
What is the 15-minute reading time in CBSE board exams?
The question paper is handed out 15 minutes before writing starts (usually at 10:15 AM for a 10:30 AM start). You can only read during this time, not write. Use it to choose your internal-choice questions and plan the order you will answer in.
What are the passing marks in CBSE Class 10?
You need at least 33% in each subject, with theory and internal assessment counted together. For an 80 + 20 subject that means 33 marks out of 100.
What are the passing marks in CBSE Class 12?
You need at least 33% in each subject. In subjects with practicals you must pass the theory and the practical separately, scoring at least 33% in each.
What are competency-based questions in CBSE?
Competency-based questions test whether you can apply a concept to a real situation, not just recall it. They include case-based and source-based questions, assertion-reason questions and application MCQs. CBSE has steadily increased their share, so they now make up a large part of every paper.
What are case-based questions in CBSE board papers?
A case-based question gives you a short passage, data or a real-life situation, followed by sub-questions on it. In Class 10 and 12 Maths and Science they usually form the last section and carry 4 marks each, often with an internal choice in one part.
What are assertion-reason questions?
You get two statements, an Assertion (A) and a Reason (R). You choose whether both are true and R explains A, both are true but R does not explain A, only A is true, or only R is true. They are one-mark questions in Section A of science and maths papers.
Is there internal choice in CBSE board papers?
Yes. CBSE papers give internal choices ("OR" questions) in several questions across the 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-mark sections. You answer only one option of each.
What is the CBSE Class 10 Maths paper pattern?
80 marks in 5 sections: Section A has 20 one-mark questions (MCQs and assertion-reason), B has 5 two-mark questions, C has 6 three-mark questions, D has 4 five-mark questions, and E has 3 four-mark case-based questions. The same pattern applies to Maths Standard and Maths Basic. Class 10 Maths papers.
What is the CBSE Class 10 Science paper pattern?
80 marks: Section A has 20 one-mark questions (MCQs and assertion-reason), B has 6 two-mark questions, C has 7 three-mark questions, D has 3 five-mark questions, and E has 3 four-mark case-based questions. Class 10 Science papers.
What is the CBSE Class 12 Physics paper pattern?
70 marks: Section A has 16 one-mark questions, B has 5 two-mark questions, C has 7 three-mark questions, D has 2 four-mark case-based questions, and E has 3 five-mark questions. The other 30 marks are practicals. Class 12 Physics papers.
What is the CBSE Class 12 Chemistry paper pattern?
70 marks, in the same structure as Physics: 16 one-mark questions, 5 two-mark, 7 three-mark, 2 four-mark case-based and 3 five-mark questions. The other 30 marks are practicals. Class 12 Chemistry papers.
What is the CBSE Class 12 Maths paper pattern?
80 marks: Section A has 20 one-mark questions, B has 5 two-mark questions, C has 6 three-mark questions, D has 4 five-mark questions, and E has 3 four-mark case-based questions. The other 20 marks are internal assessment. Class 12 Maths papers.
What is the CBSE Class 12 Biology paper pattern?
70 marks: 16 one-mark questions, 5 two-mark, 7 three-mark, 2 four-mark case-based and 3 five-mark questions. The other 30 marks are practicals. Class 12 Biology papers.
What is the difference between Maths Standard and Maths Basic in Class 10?
Both follow the same NCERT syllabus and paper structure, but Maths Basic has easier questions. Students who pass Maths Basic cannot take Mathematics (041) in Class 11 but can take Applied Mathematics, so choose Standard if you want PCM. Check your school's current rules.
What is internal assessment in CBSE Class 10?
Internal assessment is 20 marks per subject, given by your school. It is based on periodic tests, your notebook or portfolio, and subject activities such as lab work, projects or speaking and listening. It is added to your 80-mark theory score.
How many marks are practicals in CBSE Class 12?
Science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer Science have 30 marks of practicals. Subjects like Maths, Accountancy and Economics usually have 20 marks of project work or internal assessment. Your subject's sample paper confirms the split. 2026-27 sample papers.
Are there two CBSE board exams for Class 10 now?
Yes. From 2026 CBSE holds the main Class 10 board exam in February and a second, optional exam later in the year that students can take to improve their scores. Check cbse.gov.in for which subjects are allowed and the dates for your year.
Does CBSE give step marks?
Yes. CBSE marking schemes award marks for each correct step, so a correct method with a small calculation slip still earns most of the marks. Always show your working, write formulas and include units.
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