CBSE Class 10 Exam 2026: Revised Science, SST Pattern Out
Varnika Srivastava10 Dec, 2025
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As the CBSE Class 10 board exam 2026 approaches, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a new circular announcing major changes to the CBSE exam pattern for Class 10 Science and Social Science. The CBSE circular 2026 outlines a stricter, section-wise structure intended to bring clarity to answer scripts and reduce errors during evaluation. These revised norms form part of the updated CBSE Class 10 guidelines 2026.
CBSE has also released the final datesheet for the board exam 2026, confirming that Class 10 and Class 12 papers will begin on February 17, 2026. The CBSE 10th board exam will conclude on March 10, 2026.
Revised Pattern for Class 10 Science
Under the new CBSE Science exam pattern 2026, the 10th Science board paper will be divided into three mandatory sections:
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Section A – Biology
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Section B – Chemistry
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Section C – Physics
Students must replicate the same sectioning in their answer sheets. Every response must stay within the allocated section. Any answer written in the wrong section—such as a Chemistry answer placed under Biology—will not be evaluated. Mixing content across sections has been prohibited under the updated CBSE new rules 2026.
New Format for Class 10 Social Science
The CBSE Social Science exam pattern 2026 restructures the paper into four parts based on subject components:
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Section A – History
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Section B – Geography
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Section C – Political Science
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Section D – Economics
Students appearing for the Class 10 Social Science board exam must divide their answer booklets accordingly. CBSE has clearly stated that misplaced answers will not be checked under the firm Class 10 board exam rules.
Strict Consequences Mentioned
The board has warned that violation of the updated guidelines will directly impact evaluation. Responses placed outside the designated section will not be reviewed, and such mistakes cannot be rectified during verification or re-evaluation.
Schools and Students Directed to Prepare for the Change
Schools have been instructed to use section-wise answer sheets during internal tests, pre-boards, and practice sessions so that students become familiar with the format. Candidates have been advised to download the latest sample papers from the CBSE academic website to understand the CBSE exam pattern change clearly.
A Step Toward Clarity and Transparency
CBSE has stated that the revised structure has been introduced to minimise confusion during checking and bring uniformity to the evaluation process. With the new rules being final, students preparing for the CBSE 10th board exam are expected to follow the format carefully. Any deviation may result in loss of marks, with no provision for correction later.