CBSE announces new section-wise format for class 10 papers ahead of 2026 boards

As preparations intensify for the 2026 board examinations, the Central Board of Secondary Education has issued a fresh circular outlining a stricter, more organized format for Class 10 Science and Social Science papers.

The board said the revised structure is meant to make the evaluation process more uniform, reduce discrepancies in marking, and help students present their work in a clear and consistent way.

CBSE has also published the final datesheet for Classes 10 and 12. Both sets of exams will begin on February 17, 2026, and the Class 10 schedule will conclude on March 10, 2026.

According to the circular, the Science paper will now be split into three parts for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Students will have to divide their answer sheets in the same manner before starting the exam.

They have been instructed to write answers only within the designated area for each subject. Mixing responses or placing an answer in the wrong part of the booklet has been strictly forbidden.

A similar format change has been introduced for Social Science. The paper will carry separate sections for History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics.

Students must clearly mark these sections in their answer scripts and place each response in the correct location. The board has warned that any answer appearing under the wrong section will not be checked.

CBSE has made it clear that these rules will be enforced during evaluation. Answers found outside the assigned section will simply not be assessed, and such mistakes cannot be corrected at the time of verification or re-evaluation. The circular states that the marking policy is final.

Schools have been asked to begin training students immediately by using answer sheets that mirror the new format in routine tests, internal assessments, and pre-board examinations.

Students have also been advised to download the latest sample papers from the board’s academic website to understand the updated layout.

CBSE has said the restructuring is intended to improve clarity for both students and evaluators. While the guidelines may demand greater precision, the board believes they will ultimately reduce confusion during checking.

For those appearing in the 2026 exams, the instruction is straightforward: follow the section-wise format accurately, as any deviation could result in lost marks with no remedy afterward.