CBSE New Exam Rules 2026: 3 Major Changes Every Student Must Know

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced significant reforms for the 2026 board examinations. These changes are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and are designed to improve assessment quality, reduce student stress, and modernise the evaluation system. From introducing a two-phase board exam system in Class 10 to implementing digital marking for Class 12 and restructuring question papers in key subjects, the 2026 session marks an important shift in how CBSE conducts examinations. Here’s a complete breakdown of the three major updates every student and parent should understand.

3 CBSE Changes Starting from 2026

CBSE has introduced three key initiatives for the 2026 academic session. These reforms focus on flexibility, fairness, and transparency in examinations. The board aims to reduce exam-related stress while maintaining academic standards. Let’s explore each change in detail.

Two Board Examinations in Class X

Starting 2026, CBSE will implement a two-phase board examination system for Class 10 students.

• First Exam (Main Exam): Mandatory for all students; begins February 17, 2026; results in April.
  
  

• Second Exam (Improvement Exam): Optional; held in May 2026; results in June.
  
  

Students can improve marks in up to three subjects (Science, Maths, Social Science, Languages) or appear for compartment exams. Internal assessment will be conducted only once before the first exam and will apply to both attempts.

This move aims to reduce pressure, provide a second opportunity within the same academic year, and shift focus from rote learning to conceptual understanding.

On-Screen Marking for Class XII

CBSE will introduce On-Screen Marking (OSM) for Class 12 board exams in 2026.

• Answer sheets will be scanned and evaluated digitally.

• Designed to reduce totalling errors and manual mistakes.

• Faster and more transparent evaluation process.

• Teachers can assess digitally without travelling to evaluation centres.

However, Class 10 answer sheets will continue with physical evaluation in 2026. This digital shift is expected to benefit nearly 46 lakh students globally.

Division of Question Paper in Science and Social Studies (Class X)

CBSE has restructured the Class 10 question paper pattern:

Science Paper

• Section A: Biology

• Section B: Chemistry

• Section C: Physics

Social Science Paper

• Section A: History

• Section B: Geography

• Section C: Political Science

• Section D: Economics

This division aims to improve subject clarity and structured assessment.

Key Instructions for Students Appearing for CBSE Board Exam 2026

• Carefully check eligibility before applying for the second exam.

• Internal assessment marks will not be repeated.

• Full syllabus applies to both exams.

• LOC (List of Candidates) is mandatory for the first exam.

• No subject changes allowed except in limited cases.

• Students failing the first exam may get provisional admission to Class 11.

• Schools must follow CBSE guidelines regarding exam conduct and webcast instructions.