HP board introduces identical question papers, MCQs for Class 10, 12 annual exams 2026

The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) has introduced major changes to the exam pattern for the Class 10 and 12 annual exams 2026 to make the exams fairer and more transparent. Under this reform, 20% of the total marks in each paper will be based on multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

As per the HP Board exam schedule, the HP Board will conduct the HPBOSE Class 10 exams from March 3 to 28, while the Class 12 exams are scheduled from March 3 to April 1.

The HPBOSE Class 10, 12 practical exam will be held between February 20 and 28, 2026. The admit card for the practical examination will be issued soon.

According to the TOI media report, the HPBOSE Chairman Rajesh Sharma said in a press conference that the board has made major changes to the question paper format for the benefit of students.

Also read UP board Class 12 practical 2026 on January 29, 30 due to change in UPTET dates

HPBOSE introduces uniform papers for Class 10, 12

“Previously, dissatisfaction arose because the difficulty level of the question papers varied across different sets, such as series A, B, and C. Now, all sets will contain the same questions; only their order will be rearranged, Sharma said”, the TOI added.

Following the National Education Policy (NEP), HPBOSE has updated the Class 10 and 12 exam pattern to help students prepare better for competitive exams like JEE and NEET, the TOI stated.

The HP Board plans to announce the Class 10 and 12 examination results by April 30. For this purpose, special evaluation centres have been set up, and the exam results will be declared on a fast-track basis, the TOI added.

“Sharma added that all exam centres will be monitored from the Dharamshala headquarters via CCTV, and special flying squads have been sent to sensitive centres,” the Times of India said.

HPBOSE will introduce the ‘one school, one syllabus’ scheme for Class 10 from next year to reduce stress and improve learning outcomes.