Latest CBSE Exam Pattern 2025-26 for Class 11 and 12
Check the new CBSE exam pattern for 2025-26, focusing on practical skills with a greater emphasis on competency-based questions. Learn how these changes will affect your Class 11 and 12 exams.
Mridula Sharma17 Apr, 2025
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CBSE Exam Pattern 2025-26: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a new exam pattern for classes 11 and 12, beginning with the 2025-26 academic year. The updated format aims to evaluate students' deeper grasp of concepts, moving away from memorization.
This change focuses on testing how well students can apply their knowledge to real-life situations, following the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP).CBSE Exam Pattern 2025-26
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made important changes to the exam pattern for students in classes 11 and 12, starting from the academic year 2025-26. These changes are designed to help students better understand their subjects instead of just memorizing facts. The new CBSE exam pattern will focus more on testing how well students can apply their knowledge to real-life situations. This means the questions will not just ask for definitions or straightforward answers but will challenge students to think critically and solve problems using their knowledge. These changes are part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to improve the quality of education in India by encouraging more practical learning and reducing the pressure of rote memorization. The goal is to prepare students not only for exams but also for real-world challenges they might face in the future.Major Changes in CBSE Exam Pattern 2025-26
Key changes in the CBSE Exam Pattern for Class 11 and 12 include:- Increased focus on competency-based questions.
- More multiple-choice questions (MCQs) included in the exams.
- Reduced focus on traditional long-form answers.
CBSE Exam Pattern 2025-26 Changes Detailed Breakdown
The CBSE Class 11 and 12 exam pattern has been updated to emphasize practical skills and critical thinking. Here’s a breakdown of the changes:1. 50% Weightage for Competency-Based Questions:
The new exam pattern focuses more on assessing how well students can use what they've learned in practical, real-world situations. This means half of the exam will now consist of competency-based questions. These questions are designed to see if students can think critically and solve problems by applying their knowledge. The types of questions in this category include:- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): These are questions where students choose the correct answer from several options.
- Case-Based Questions: These questions present a scenario or situation, and students need to apply their knowledge to answer related questions.
- Source-Based Integrated Questions: These questions provide information from various sources, like graphs, charts, or articles, and students must use this information to answer the questions.
2. 20% Weightage for Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
MCQs will make up 20% of the total marks in the exams. This type of question is included to encourage students to think quickly and make decisions efficiently. By practising MCQs, students can sharpen their analytical skills and become better at quickly identifying the right answers.3. 30% Weightage for Constructed Response Type Questions:
The traditional format of answering questions in detail, such as short and long answer questions, will now account for 30% of the exam marks. Previously, these types of questions made up 40% of the exam, but the reduction allows more room for the competency-based questions mentioned earlier. These questions are still important because they test students' understanding and ability to express their thoughts clearly in writing.Join PW Commerce Online Course and unlock your potential with quality education and dedicated learning support.
CBSE Exam Pattern 2025-26 FAQs
What are the key changes in the CBSE exam pattern for 2025-26?
The key changes include a 50% weightage for competency-based questions, 20% for MCQs, and 30% for constructed response questions, shifting from last year's pattern.
How will the new CBSE exam pattern affect my exam preparation?
You’ll need to focus more on applying knowledge to real-life situations and less on rote memorization. Practicing problem-solving and critical thinking will be crucial.
What types of questions will make up the 50% competency-based section?
This section will include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), case-based questions, and source-based integrated questions, designed to test practical application of knowledge.
Why has CBSE changed the exam pattern for 2025-26?
The changes align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to enhance practical learning and reduce rote memorization, preparing students better for real-world challenges.
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