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CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026-27: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has a comprehensive evaluation structure for the Class 10 Board Examinations 2026-27, whereby there is a total mark value of 100 for each subject made up of 80 theory marks and 20 internal assessment marks. There are 50% competency-based questions, which comprise of MCQs, case based integrated study, assertion reasoning etc., which aim at measuring higher-order thinking skills and not memorizing skills. The other 50% includes 20% of short answer and 30% long answer type constructed responses.
At the same time, the 20 marks internal assessment assesses continuous learning during the year. It is structured over four main learning areas, namely: 5 marks for periodic pen and paper tests, 5 marks for multiple assessments, 5 marks for maintenance of portfolios involving class room work and self-reflections and 5 marks for enrichment activities in the subjects. It is mandatory to obtain a minimum of 33% marks separately in both theory and internal assessments in order to pass in each subject. The datesheet of the main theory examinations scheduled to commence from mid-February 2027 will be published at cbse.gov.in.
Also Read: CBSE Class 10 Maths (Basic) Sample Paper 2027 with Solutions: Download Official PDF & Marking Scheme
CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026-27: Structure Overview
Below are the complete overview of the CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026-27:
|
Parameter |
Pattern & Specifications |
|
Total Marks per Subject |
100 Marks (80 Theory + 20 Internal Assessment) |
|
Exam Duration |
3 Hours (180 minutes) per theory paper |
|
Overall Choice |
No overall choice; internal choices provided within sections |
|
Negative Marking |
No negative marking for incorrect answers |
|
Passing Criteria |
Minimum 33% marks separately in theory and internal assessment |
|
Question Paper Focus |
50% Competency-Based, 20% Short Answer, 30% Long Answer |
CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026-27: Internal Assessment Breakdown
The element of the assessment worth 20 marks is constantly assessed by schools based on four separate criteria:
|
Component |
Weightage |
Evaluation Methods |
|
Periodic Tests |
5 Marks |
Best 2 out of 3 pen-paper periodic tests conducted during the session |
|
Multiple Assessments |
5 Marks |
Quizzes, debates, group discussions, concept maps, and viva voce |
|
Portfolio |
5 Marks |
Notebook maintenance, classwork quality, assignments, and self-reflections |
|
Subject Enrichment |
5 Marks |
Lab practicals (Science), Map work (Social Science), Speaking/Listening (Languages) |
CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026-27: Theory Paper Question Breakdown
The 80-mark theory paper for core subjects namely Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and English consists of five different sections as follows: Section A - 20 Objective questions (MCQs/ Assertion-Reasoning) [20 marks]
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Section B – 5 to 6 very short answer questions (2 marks each) [10 to 12 marks]
-
Section C – 6 to 7 short answer questions (3 marks each) [18 to 21 marks]
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Section D – 3 to 4 long answer questions (5 marks each) [15 to 20 marks]
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Section E – 3 Case based/source based integrated questions (4 marks each) [12 marks]
