CBSE Board Exam 2026: What Has Changed for Class 10 and 12 Students?

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the schedule for the Class 10 and Class 12 Board Exams 2026. Along with exam dates, CBSE has introduced several key reforms in the exam pattern, evaluation system, and eligibility rules, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These changes focus on reducing rote learning, increasing competency-based assessment, and easing academic pressure on students. Candidates appearing for the CBSE Board Exams 2026 must carefully understand these updates related to exam structure, attendance, sectional rules, and registration requirements to prepare effectively and avoid last-minute issues.

CBSE Board Exam 2026: Important Dates

CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations will begin from February 17, 2026.

• Class 10 Exams: February 17 to March 11, 2026

• Class 12 Exams: February 17 to April 10, 2026

Both exams will be conducted in pen-and-paper (offline) mode at exam centres in India and abroad.

CBSE Board Exam 2026: Major Changes at a Glance

For the 2026 academic session, CBSE has introduced multiple reforms aimed at promoting conceptual understanding and reducing exam stress. Key changes include:

• Two-attempt system for Class 10 students

• Increased weightage for competency-based questions

• Strict sectional answering rules in select subjects

• Mandatory minimum attendance requirement

• Digital student registration through APAAR ID

These reforms are part of CBSE’s shift from rote learning to skill-based and application-oriented assessment.

Revised CBSE Exam Structure 2026: Two-Attempt System

CBSE has revised the exam structure for Class 10 students by introducing a bi-annual examination system.

• First Attempt: Mandatory board exam starting February 17, 2026

• Second Attempt: Optional exam in May 2026 for students aiming to improve scores

The best score out of the two attempts will be considered for the final result.

What’s New in CBSE Exam Pattern 2026?

The CBSE exam pattern has been redesigned to focus more on application-based learning.

• 50% competency-based questions (case studies, real-life application)

• 20% objective-type questions

• 30% constructed response questions (short and long answers)

This revised pattern applies to both Class 10 and Class 12 board exams.

New Sectional Answering Rules in CBSE 2026

CBSE has introduced mandatory section-wise answering rules for certain subjects.

• Science: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics answers must be written in their designated sections

• Social Science: History, Geography, Civics, and related subjects must follow section-wise answering

Answers written in the wrong section will not be evaluated, even if correct.

Attendance & Internal Assessment Rules

CBSE has tightened eligibility norms for board examinations.

• Minimum 75% attendance is mandatory for all board students

• Internal assessment weightage will contribute 20% to 40% of total marks, depending on the subject

Students failing to meet attendance criteria may be barred from appearing in the board exams.

Mandatory Registration Through Pariksha Sangam Portal

All students appearing for CBSE Board Exams 2026 must be registered via the Pariksha Sangam Portal.

• Each student will be issued a unique APAAR ID

• The APAAR ID will be used for digital academic tracking and records

• Registration through schools is compulsory