The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced important changes in the board exam system for 2026. These changes will affect both class 10th and 12th students. The new reforms focus on three main subjects such as introduction of On screen marking (OSM) for class 12th two board exams for class 10th and a new question paper pattern based on NEP 2020.
These changes aim to reduce exam stress, improve transparency, and make exams more skills based instead of memory based.
On-screen Marking (OSM) for Class 12th
In a big step towards digital evaluation CBSE will introduce on screen marking (OSM) for the class 12th board exam from 2026. Every year CBSE conducts board exams for around 46 lakh students in India and 26 other countries. Before, teachers were required to physically check answer sheets at evaluation centres. From 2026, class 12th answer sheets will be checked online.
This means:
- The answer sheet will be scanned and uploaded digitally.
- Teachers will check landmark copies on a computer screen.
- Teachers will not need to travel to the checking centres.
- They can evaluate papers from their own schools.
- However, Class 10 answer sheets will still be checked in the traditional physical way in 2026.
According to the official circular of 9th February 2026, the new system has many benefits:
- No more total mistakes in marks.
- Less manual work and better coordination
- Faster checking process.
- Saving of travel time and transport costs
- Teachers can continue their regular school work.
- No need for post results verification of marks.
- Less manpower is needed for rechecking. All affiliated schools can participate
- Teachers from schools in other countries can also help.
- Environment-friendly digital process.
Two Board Exams for Class 10th
CBSE has also announced that class 10 students will get the option to appear in two boards exams from 2026. This notification was issued on 25th June 2025.
This change follows the recommendation of the National Education Policy 2020. The main aim is to reduce the pressure of one final high stakes exam.
Under the new system:
- Students can appear in two exams in the same academic year.
- They can choose to improve their scores.
- If they are not satisfied with their first result, they can attempt again.
- A better score may be considered.
This system will:
- Reduce exam stress
- Give flexibility
- Provide a second chance to improve marks
- Make exams less frightening for students
More detailed guidelines about how the two exams will be conducted will be shared separately by CBSE.
New Question Paper Pattern for Class 10th and 12th
Another major change is in the structure of question papers. CBSE has aligned its exam pattern with NEP 2020 through Circular No. Acad-30/2024 dated April 3, 2024.
Although this change started from the 2024–25 academic session, the 2026 board exams will be the first full cycle where students have been completely prepared under this new pattern.
The focus has shifted from rote learning (memorising answers) to understanding and application of concepts.
New Question Paper Structure:
For both Class 10 and Class 12 theory exams:
- 50% Competency-Based Questions: These include case-study questions, source-based questions, and application-based MCQs.Students will need to understand the concept and apply it to real-life situations.
- 20% Objective-Type Questions (MCQs): These are direct multiple-choice questions that test basic understanding and clarity.
- 30% Short and Long Answer Questions: Traditional descriptive questions are now reduced in weightage.
Earlier, long answers had a bigger share in the paper. Now, their weightage has decreased. This means students must focus more on understanding concepts rather than memorising long answers.
What This Means for Students
The 2026 CBSE board exams will be different in many ways. The new system focuses on digital evaluation, reduced stress, and skill-based learning.
Students should:
- Focus on understanding concepts clearly
- Practice case-based and application questions
- Avoid only memorising answers
- Stay updated with official CBSE notifications
These reforms aim to make exams fairer, more flexible, and aligned with modern education goals.
