CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026: New Marking Scheme, Question Types & Key Changes

1. CBSE Class 10 Exams 2026 follow a competency-based, concept-focused pattern.

2. Each subject carries 100 marks — 80 theory + 20 internal assessment.

3. Around 50% questions are competency-based (case, source & application based).

4. MCQs form about 20% of the question paper.

5. Remaining questions include short & long answer type questions.

6. Internal assessment includes periodic tests, notebooks & subject enrichment.

7. Science & Social Science papers are section-wise structured.

8. Exams are offline (pen-paper) with a 3-hour duration.

9. CBSE conducts one main exam with an optional improvement attempt.

10. Students must score 33% in each subject to pass.

11. The pattern aligns with NEP 2020, reducing rote learning.

12. Smart preparation focuses on concepts, practice & application skills.