CBSE Board Exam 2026: Controller Reveals Exact Formula for Class 10 Marks Calculation
Class 10 Marks Calculation Decoded! CBSE Controller Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj confirms a "Zero-Mark Rule" for answers written in the wrong subject section. Science & SST papers are now split into strict segments (Bio/Chem/Phy). Stick to the 80+20 split and step-marking to secure your 2026 results!
In the latest high-level webinar for the CBSE Board Exam 2026, the Controller of Examinations, Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, has sent a clear warning to 46 lakh students: "Your placement of answers is now as important as the answer itself." As the CBSE board moves toward a more structured evaluation, the "mix-and-match" style of answering is officially dead for Class 10.
The "Subject-Section" Rule: Why You Could Get 0 Marks
The most critical update for CBSE board exam 2026 is the mandatory division of Class 10 Science and Social Science papers.
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Science: Divided into Physics, Chemistry, and Biology sections.
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Social Science: Divided into History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics.
The Catch: The Controller confirmed that if a student writes a Biology answer in the Physics section, it will not be evaluated, and zero marks will be awarded, even if the answer is 100% correct. Students must manually divide their answer books and label sections clearly.
Calculation Breakdown: 80 + 20 Formula
The CBSE exam guidelines reiterate the 100-mark subject structure:
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Theory (80 Marks): Conducted at external centers starting February 17, 2026.
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Internal Assessment (20 Marks): Divided into:
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Periodic Tests: 5 Marks
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Multiple Assessments: 5 Marks
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Portfolio: 5 Marks
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Subject Enrichment: 5 Marks
Step-Marking & Competency-Based Scoring
Good news for students: the CBSE board will continue the Step-Marking System.
"Even if the final answer is wrong, marks will be awarded for correct formulas, steps, and attempted concepts," the Controller noted during the webinar.
However, 50% of the questions will now be "Competency-Based" (MCQs, Case Studies, and Assertion-Reasoning), meaning rote learning won't help in the calculation of the final merit.