Quick Summary: CBSE has announced new rules for the 2026-27 board exams. Class 10 and Class 12 board exams for the 2026–27 academic session are expected to be conducted in February 2027, as per the CBSE examination schedule to be announced. About 50% of the questions will be competency-based, and Class 10 students will get a second optional exam chance. A minimum of 75% attendance is required. Class 12 answer sheets will be checked through on-screen marking. In this blog, we have also explained exam day rules, allowed items, UFM rules, and the new paper pattern clearly.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has provided crucial announcements regarding the next teaching board examination in 2026-27. These CBSE Board Exam 2026-27 Changes follow the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and are planned to make exams better, lessen student stress, and improve the checking system. From starting a two-step exam format in Class 10 to bringing digital evaluation in Class 12 and changing question paper design in major subjects, this year brings a clear shift in the way the CBSE Board Exam 2026-27 will take (take with a grain of salt idiom synonym) place. The CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations for the 2026–27 academic session are expected to be conducted in February–April 2027. The detailed date sheet will be announced by CBSE.
Students who are appearing must carefully follow all CBSE Exam Rules 2026-27 for Class 10 & 12 during the examination period. Students must also be aware of the changes that are presented under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. They should keep visiting the official website, cbse.gov.in, to get regular notices, clear instructions, and any new updates connected with the CBSE Class 10 and 12 board exams 2026-27.
Read More:
- CBSE Board Exam Date Sheet For Class 10 and 12
- CBSE Class 12 Admit Card and CBSE Class 10 Admit Card Download
CBSE New Exam Rules Starting from 2026-27
Under the CBSE New Exam Rules 2026-27, the board has introduced three major steps for the 2026-27 academic session. These revisions are geared towards providing the students with greater flexibility, fairness, and transparency in exams. The main goal is to reduce exam pressure while maintaining proper academic standards. Let us look at these updates one by one.
To enhance the system further, CBSE has launched three major initiatives for 2026-27:
- Second Board Examination for Class 10 and Revised Exam Pattern.
- On-Screen Marking For Class 12
- Class 10 Division of Science and Social Studies question paper.
1. Two Board Examinations in Class 10 and Revised Exam Pattern
From 2026-27, Class 10 students will be associated with a two-stage board examination system.
- First Exam (Main Exam): Compulsory for every student; It is expected to be held in February 2027; results will be declared in April.
- Second Exam (Improvement Exam): Optional and expected to be conducted in May 2027; The results will be announced in June.
Students will have the choice to apply either in three subjects (Science, Maths, Social Science, Languages) to gain better marks or to take compartment examinations. Internal assessment will only be done once prior to the first examination and will be valid for the two attempts.
This step is meant to lower stress, provide another opportunity within the same academic year, and encourage better understanding instead of only memorising content.
Check Out: CBSE Class 10 Board Exams To Be Conducted Twice A Year From 2026
Revised Exam Pattern
Along with the two-exam system, the board has also updated the paper pattern to focus more on practical learning and thinking skills. As part of the updated structure, 50 per cent of the paper will include competency-based questions where case studies and real-life situations will feature. Questions focusing on objective type will have a weightage of 20 per cent, and the other 30 per cent will be made up of short and long answer questions. This trend will be adhered to in Class 10 and Class 12 examinations.
2. On-Screen Marking for Class XII
CBSE has introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM ) for evaluating Class 12 answer sheets, with the system continuing as part of the board’s digital evaluation process:
- Answer sheets will be scanned and evaluated online.
- This system will help avoid totalling mistakes and manual errors.
- The checking process will become quicker and clearer.
- Teachers can evaluate papers digitally without travelling to centres.
However, Class 10 answer sheets will continue to be checked manually. CBSE may announce changes if there are any updates in the future.
Check Out: CBSE Passing/Grace Marks 2026-27 – How Many Marks Required to Pass Class 10th & 12th Exam
3. Division of Class 10 Question Paper Structure: Science & Social Studies
According to the updated pattern, the board exams of Class 10 in Science and Social Studies will be distinctly subject-wise to make the examination more systematic and comprehensible:
Science Question Paper Layout
| Section | Subject Area |
| Section A | Biology |
| Section B | Chemistry |
| Section C | Physics |
Social Science Question Paper Layout
| Section | Subject Area |
| Section A | History |
| Section B | Geography |
| Section C | Political Science |
| Section D | Economics |
Check Out: How to Write Perfect Answers in CBSE 12th Board Exams 2026-27 for Best Results
CBSE Exam Rules 2026-27: Strict Sectional Answering Rules
Under the latest CBSE Board Exam 2026-27 Changes, strict sectional answering rules have been introduced in certain subjects. In Science papers, students should only answer questions in their respective sections of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. In Social Science, one is required to write answers section by section, in case of subjects like History and Geography. Any response written in the wrong section will not be considered for evaluation during the CBSE Board Exam 2026-27.
As per CBSE Exam Rules 2026-27 for Class 10 & 12, eligibility conditions have become stricter. Students must now have a minimum of 75 per cent attendance to appear in the exams. Internal assessment will carry 20 to 40 per cent weightage in the final marks, depending on the subject. In addition, registration through the Pariksha Sangam Portal is compulsory. Every student will be given a unique APAAR ID for digital academic tracking for CBSE Class 10 and 12 board exams 2026-27.
All exams will be held in offline pen-and-paper mode at approved centres in India and also in selected centres abroad for both CBSE Class 10 board exams and CBSE Class 12 board exams.
Check Out: CBSE Board Exams 2026-27: Know Actions on Unfair Means and Cheating Penalties
Key Instructions for Students Appearing for CBSE Board Exam 2026-27
- Check the eligibility conditions properly before applying for the second exam.
- Internal assessment marks will not be conducted again.
- The complete syllabus will apply to both exams.
- LOC (List of Candidates) is compulsory for the first exam.
- Subject change will not be allowed except in special situations.
- Students failing the first examination can be provisionally admitted into Class 11.
- Schools need to adhere to the guidelines of the CBSE regarding the conduct of exams and webcasts.
CBSE Exam Day Guidelines for Students
According to updated instructions under CBSE New Exams Rules 2026-27, students must follow these exam day rules carefully:
- No one will be admitted to the examination centre after 10 am. The students are thus expected to arrive at the centre at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the exam.
- The students are required to wear school uniform and bring with them their school ID card and admit card issued by CBSE.
- Any directions on the admit card must be properly read in order to be adhered to.
- None of the candidates will be allowed to exit the exam hall before the termination of the exam.
- Students must maintain discipline, avoid damaging property, keep the centre clean, and not throw waste inside the premises.
Check Out: CBSE Dress Code 2026-27 for Class 10th and 12th: Permitted and Prohibited Items
CBSE Exam Rules 2026-27: Do’s and Don’ts in Examination Hall
- Students should not write their name or sign anywhere in the answer booklet if it reveals their identity to the examiner.
- If any student is found using unfair means in the CBSE Board Exam 2026-27, the board will withhold their result and mark it under Unfair Means (UFM).
- Students can also be forbidden to take the test that year, in case they are caught cheating. The board, in severe cases, may impose disqualification for up to five years or permanently prohibit the student from appearing in any CBSE examination.
Items Students Can Carry to The CBSE Exam Hall
Students appearing for CBSE Class 10 board exams and CBSE Class 12 board exams should bring the following items to the centre:
- Important Documents: Original CBSE Admit Card and School ID Card.
- Stationery (kept in a transparent pouch): Blue or royal blue pens (ballpoint, gel, or fountain), pencils, eraser, sharpener, ruler.
- Geometry Instruments: Compass, divider, and protractor for drawing work.
- Other Permitted Items: Transparent water bottle and an analogue wristwatch (smartwatch not allowed).
- Personal Items: Small amount of cash, Metro Card, or Bus Pass.
Items Students Cannot Carry to the CBSE Examination Hall
For CBSE Class 10 and 12 board exams 2026-27, students are strictly prohibited from carrying the following items inside the hall:
- Electronic Devices: Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, earphones, microphones, fitness bands, pagers, cameras, and scanners.
- Study Materials: Books, notebooks, written or printed notes, textual materials, log tables, and calculators, except where they are specifically allowed in the case of some disabilities.
- Personal Belongings: Handbags, purses, wallets, sunglasses, and pencil boxes. Only transparent pouches are allowed; metallic boxes are not allowed.
- Food Items: All eatables, whether opened or packed, are banned. Only diabetic students with prior approval may carry food.
- Specific Accessories: Items that may hide communication devices, such as thick-soled shoes or certain jewellery.
Note: In case any prohibited material is detected during the exam, it will be considered an Unfair Means case, and the paper could be cancelled. Physical checking of all the students will occur before entering the exam hall.
CBSE General Exam Rules for Schools
- The board exam will be conducted only after approval from the Chairman, and the plan for exam centres is prepared by the Controller of Examinations as per CBSE Exam Rules 2026-27.
- The CBSE Board Exam 2026-27 will take place only at board-approved centres, and question papers will be distributed at the same time (race against time phrase meaning) across all centres according to Indian Standard Time (IST).
- According to the Affiliation Bye-Laws, affiliated schools are required to offer their buildings and furniture at no cost to be used to conduct exams and provide spot evaluation. The school management and Principal must fully cooperate with the board during exam conduct and answer sheet checking.
- Schools need to organize instructors to perform the examinations and assessment of answer scripts.
FAQs on CBSE Exam Rules 2026-27 for Class 10 & 12
Q1: Is the second Class 10 board exam compulsory?
No, the second board exam for Class 10 held in May is not compulsory for students. It is an optional improvement exam introduced under the CBSE Board Exam 2026-27 Changes to help students boost their marks. The February exam remains compulsory, but the second chance allows students to improve their scores in up to three subjects in the CBSE Class 10 board exams.
Q2: Will the syllabus change for the 2026-27 10 and 12 Board exams?
The basic syllabus is expected to remain almost the same, but the question paper style will change to focus more on understanding and less on memorising. As part of the CBSE New Exams Rules 2026-27, nearly 50% of the paper will include competency-based questions like case studies and MCQs in CBSE Class 10 and 12 board exams 2026-27.
Q3: Does on-screen marking apply to Class 10 students?
No, on-screen marking will not be used for Class 10 papers. For the CBSE Board Exam 2026-27, this digital checking method is only for CBSE Class 12 board exams. Class 10 answer sheets will still be evaluated in the usual physical manner.
Q4: Is 75% attendance compulsory for CBSE Board exams?
Yes, students must maintain at least 75% attendance to sit for the CBSE Board Exam 2026-27, except in genuine emergency or medical cases approved by the board as per CBSE Exam Rules 2026-27 for Class 10 & 12.
Q5: What is the new question paper pattern for CBSE Boards?
From 2026-27 onwards, both CBSE Class 10 board exams and CBSE Class 12 board exams will follow a revised pattern based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Around 50% of the questions will be competency-based, including case studies and MCQs, reducing stress on rote learning.
Q6: What are the new sectional answer rules given by CBSE?
In Science subjects, answers must be written separately for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. In Social Science, answers must follow section-wise division such as History and Geography. If written in the wrong section, answers may not be evaluated under CBSE exam rules and regulations.
Q7: Will Class 12 also have two board exams in 2026-27?
No, the two-exam system introduced under CBSE New Exams Rules 2026-27 applies only to Class 10. Students appearing in CBSE Class 12 board exams will continue to have only one board exam each year.
Q8: Which items are not allowed inside the CBSE Board exam hall?
Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, and all electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited during the CBSE Board Exam 2026-27. Students are allowed to carry only transparent pouches, pens, pencils, and required geometry tools inside the hall.
Q9: What is the passing rule for Class 12 and Class 10?
In CBSE Class 12 board exams, students need to score at least 33% separately in theory and practical papers. For Class 10, students must secure 33% overall, which includes both theory and internal assessment marks together.
Q10: What if a student misses internal assessment?
If a student fails to attend the internal assessment without a valid reason such as a medical issue, the result may be withheld or marked as ‘Essential Repeat’ according to CBSE Exam Rules 2026-27.
Q11: Is there any fixed dress code for the CBSE Board Exam?
There is no fixed uniform colour across the country, but students must follow the simple and decent dress code decided by their school or exam centre. Restricted accessories are not permitted as per CBSE Exam Day Guidelines.
Written by: Saumya Sarin
Content Team: Motion Academic Team
Reviewed by: Senior Foundation Faculty – Motion Education
Last Updated: September 2026
