CBSE Board Exam 2026 LIVE: Class 10th, 12th exams ends; paper analysis, exam pattern, marking scheme, updates

Students need to secure at least 33% of the total marks to pass in the CBSE 2026 examinations for classes 12th and 10th.

The board has released the CBSE sample paper 2026 for class 10th and 12th on the official website. Students can check the website to download and practice the sample papers for examinations.

The CBSE Board English Exams 2026 for Class 10 students have been concluded. The students will be able to check the unofficial answer keys and question papers with solutions once the exam is over.

Students need to score at least 33 percent in all subjects and a minimum aggregate of 33 percent to pass the CBSE 10th board exams.

Students can check the passing marks out of 70 given below:

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has stated that students who do not wear their school dress will not be allowed to enter the exam hall. 

CBSE Board Exam dates 2026 for the upcoming papers are shown in the table below.

CBSE Board English Exams 2026 for Class 10 students have begun. Once the exam is over, students will have access to unofficial answer keys and question papers with solutions so that they can calculate their probable scores. 

As per the CBSE board examination criteria, Class 10 and Class 12 students must secure at least 33% marks in every subject to pass. This includes theory, practical exams, and internal assessments. Students are also required to obtain a minimum of Grade D and must pass theory and practical components separately in subjects that include practical examinations

The CBSE Board has announced that the Class 12 practical examinations for private candidates in 2026 will be held from February 23 to March 17. Schools affiliated with the board have been instructed to ensure the availability of internal examiners. In cases where subject teachers are unavailable at the examination centre, schools must arrange for qualified teachers from nearby CBSE-affiliated institutions to conduct the exams.

CBSE has announced that Class 12 board exam answer sheets will be assessed using an on-screen marking system. Meanwhile, Class 10 answer scripts will continue to be evaluated manually in physical format. Before the commencement of the evaluation process, the first day will be dedicated to reviewing the marking scheme, conducting mock evaluations to maintain consistency, and training examiners on how to use the digital assessment platform.

CBSE explains how two Class 10 board exams 2026, on-screen marking for Class 12 will work

CBSE will conduct Class 10 English and Class 12 fashion studies, automotive exam today. Students must carry their hall tickets and reach the exam centres atleast 30 minutes before the exam begins. 

The types of questions asked in the CBSE 10th English exam today are shown in the table below. 

CBSE will introduce compulsory Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students of Classes 9 and 10.

• The board will design competency-based assessments for skill subjects.
• These assessments will be aligned with PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) standards.
• A new Semiconductor Technology skill subject will be introduced for students of Classes 8 to 12.
• The AI curriculum will begin from Class 3 onwards.
• These changes are set to be implemented from the 2026–27 academic session.

These guidelines apply to both Class 10 and Class 12 students.

• Students must reach the exam centre 30–45 minutes before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card.
• Entry will not be allowed after the specified reporting time.
• Carrying the CBSE-issued admit card is mandatory.
• Without a valid admit card, students will not be allowed to appear for the exam.
• Question papers and answer booklets will be distributed 15 minutes before the exam begins.
• Students should use this time to fill in required details and read the question paper carefully.

• Eleven students could not appear for the CBSE Class 10 Mathematics exam.
• The students were from Eucressi International School, Sector 9B.
• They were reportedly denied admit cards due to an affiliation dispute.
• Students alleged they were misled by the school.
• The school’s CBSE affiliation was valid only up to Class 8.

CBSE has made its rules stricter regarding the use of unfair means.

• Students caught cheating in a subject will have only that subject cancelled.
• Earlier, cancelled marks could be compensated using additional subjects (6th or 7th subject).
• Now, extra subjects cannot be used to replace cancelled scores to meet passing criteria.
• The revised policy is already in effect.

CBSE has introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) for Class 12 board exams starting 2026.

• Class 12 answer sheets will be evaluated digitally.
• Class 10 answer sheets will continue to be checked in physical mode.

The digital evaluation system aims to:

•  Improve efficiency
•  Increase transparency
•  Ensure greater accuracy in marking

Exam-day instructions for the CBSE Board exams in 2026 for both Class 10th and 12th.

• Students must arrive at the location at least 30 to 45 minutes prior to the reporting time.
• After the designated reporting time, students won't be permitted to enter the test room.
• Applicants must present their CBSE-issued admit cards. 
• Students will not be permitted to take the test if they do not have a valid hall ticket.
• 15 minutes prior to the start of the paper, question sheets and answer booklets will be distributed. 
• Students should read the question paper carefully and complete the necessary information during this time.

The board may award grace marks to students who fall short of passing marks by just one mark. According to CBSE regulations, the student would not be entitled for grace marks if the deficit is greater than one mark.

The CBSE will hold Class 10 board exams in 2026 for 83 topics.

The CBSE Board will hold Class 12 exams from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. The Class 10 paper will be conducted from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Applicants will be required to carry their original admit card. Regular students must bring their school ID, whereas private students require a government-issued photo ID.

The board will administer the CBSE 10th exam in two stages from this year. The second stage will start on May 15 and go until June 1, 2026. There will be distinct parts for the science and social science question papers. In order for their response sheets to be examined, candidates must respond in accordance with the sections that are provided.

As of 2026, 25,08,319 students are scheduled to take the CBSE Class 10 board exams. There are 10,99,771 female students and 14,08,546 male children.

The marking scheme for English (Communicative) and English language & Literature is 80 marks for theory paper and 20 for internal assessment.