CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026-27
The CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026-27 lays out the complete structure of the board examination — including the types of questions, marks distribution, duration, subject-wise paper design, and the competency-based assessment framework introduced under NEP 2020. Students appearing for the 2027 Board Examinations must understand this pattern thoroughly to prepare strategically and score well.
CBSE has maintained a consistent exam pattern since 2023-24, with no major structural changes expected for 2026-27. The 2027 board papers will continue to emphasise competency-based questions (50%), moving away from rote memorisation.
Key Highlights: CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026-27
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Board |
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
|
Exam Mode |
Offline (Pen and Paper based) |
|
Exam Duration |
3 Hours per subject |
|
Theory Marks |
80 Marks |
|
Internal Assessment |
20 Marks |
|
Total Marks |
100 Marks per subject |
|
Passing Marks |
33% in theory and internal assessment separately |
|
Negative Marking |
None |
|
Exam Schedule |
February – March 2027 |
|
Language of Paper |
English and Hindi (for most subjects) |
Overall Question Type Distribution (All Subjects)
|
Question Category |
Weightage in Paper |
Question Types Included |
|
Competency-Based Questions |
50% |
MCQs, Case-Based, Source-Based, Assertion-Reasoning |
|
Objective Type Questions |
20% |
Standalone MCQs, Fill-in-the-blanks type |
|
Constructed Response (Descriptive) |
30% |
Short Answer (2–3 marks), Long Answer (5 marks) |
This shift to 50% competency-based questions is the most significant change from the traditional exam format. These questions test students' ability to apply, analyse, and evaluate concepts rather than just recall them.
Subject-Wise Exam Pattern
Mathematics (Standard – Code 041 | Basic – Code 241)
|
Section |
Type |
Questions |
Marks Each |
Total |
|
A |
MCQs (including Assertion-Reasoning) |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
B |
Very Short Answer |
5 |
2 |
10 |
|
C |
Short Answer |
6 |
3 |
18 |
|
D |
Long Answer |
4 |
5 |
20 |
|
E |
Case-Based Integrated Questions |
3 |
4 |
12 |
|
Total |
38 |
80 |
Internal Choice: Provided in Sections B, C, D, and E (attempt any one from each choice).
Science (Code 086)
|
Section |
Type |
Questions |
Marks Each |
Total |
|
A |
MCQs + Assertion-Reasoning |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
B |
Short Answer – Type I |
6 |
2 |
12 |
|
C |
Short Answer – Type II |
7 |
3 |
21 |
|
D |
Long Answer |
3 |
5 |
15 |
|
E |
Case-Based Questions |
3 |
4 |
12 |
|
Total |
39 |
80 |
Social Science (Code 087)
|
Section |
Type |
Questions |
Marks Each |
Total |
|
A |
MCQs |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
B |
Very Short Answer |
4 |
2 |
8 |
|
C |
Short Answer |
5 |
3 |
15 |
|
D |
Long Answer |
4 |
5 |
20 |
|
E |
Source-Based + Map Questions |
2 sets |
— |
17 |
|
Total |
80 |
Map Work is a mandatory component of Social Science carrying 5 marks (locating and labelling on outline maps of India/World).
English Language & Literature (Code 184)
|
Section |
Area |
Marks |
|
A – Reading |
Unseen Passage 1 (Factual) + Passage 2 (Discursive/Literary) |
20 |
|
B – Writing & Grammar |
Formal Letter / Notice / Advertisement + Analytical Paragraph + Grammar |
20 |
|
C – Literature |
Extract from First Flight (Prose + Poetry) + Extract from Footprints Without Feet + Short/Long answers |
40 |
|
Total |
80 |
Hindi Course A (Code 002) and Hindi Course B (Code 085)
|
Component |
Marks |
|
Apathit Gadyansh (Unseen Passage) |
10 |
|
Vyavaharik Lekhan (Practical Writing) |
15–20 |
|
Grammar (Vyakaran) |
15–16 |
|
Literature (Pathyapustak) |
34–40 |
|
Total |
80 |
(Exact distribution varies slightly between Course A and Course B)
Competency-Based Questions: What to Expect
Competency-based questions (CBQs) are designed to test real-world application of knowledge.
|
Type |
Format |
Example |
|
Case-Based Questions |
A 3–4 line scenario or data table followed by MCQs/short answers |
A chemistry experiment described, with questions on reactions |
|
Source-Based Questions |
An excerpt, chart, or map with analytical questions |
A historical document excerpt with interpretation questions |
|
Assertion-Reasoning (A-R) |
Statement (A) + Reason (R); choose correct relationship |
"A: Plants perform photosynthesis. R: Chlorophyll absorbs light." |
|
Integrated Questions |
Questions combining concepts from multiple chapters |
A Maths problem applying Pythagoras theorem and mensuration together |
Internal Assessment Pattern (20 Marks)
|
Component |
Marks |
When Conducted |
|
Periodic Tests (written, syllabus-based) |
5 |
Twice in the year (best score counted) |
|
Multiple Assessments (oral, quizzes, group work) |
5 |
Throughout the year |
|
Portfolio (assignments, class work, projects) |
5 |
Ongoing |
|
Subject Enrichment (lab work, speaking tasks) |
5 |
Practical/activity-based |
Important Exam Rules for CBSE Class 10 Board 2027
|
Rule |
Detail |
|
Calculators |
Not permitted |
|
Extra time |
15 minutes reading time before the exam begins |
|
Rough work |
Use the space provided in the answer booklet |
|
Word limits |
Not strictly enforced but answers must be concise and relevant |
|
Diagrams |
Mandatory in Science wherever specified; labelling is compulsory |
|
Map work |
Use pencil for marking locations in Social Science |
CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: Changes Over the Years
|
Year |
Key Change |
|
2017-18 |
Introduction of internal assessment (20 marks) for all subjects |
|
2020-21 |
Syllabus reduction due to COVID-19 |
|
2021-22 |
Split into Term 1 (MCQ-based) + Term 2 (descriptive) |
|
2022-23 |
Reverted to a single annual board exam |
|
2023-24 onwards |
50% competency-based questions introduced |
|
2026-27 |
Continuation of NEP 2020 aligned pattern; no major structural change |
Tips for Attempting the CBSE Class 10 Board Paper
|
Strategy |
How to Apply |
|
Read the question paper carefully first |
Use the 15-minute reading time wisely |
|
Attempt MCQs first |
Quick marks build confidence |
|
Attempt case-based questions systematically |
Read the passage fully before answering |
|
Show all steps in Maths |
Step marking applies even if final answer is wrong |
|
Draw and label diagrams in Science |
Diagrams carry dedicated marks |
|
Attempt all questions |
No negative marking — never leave a question blank |
|
Manage time per section |
3 hours = ~2.25 minutes per mark on average |
Practising full-length papers under timed conditions is essential to master this pattern. Oswaal Books' Sample Papers with Board Pattern are structured exactly as per the 2026-27 exam format and include the latest competency-based question types — making them ideal for realistic practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
No major changes have been made. The pattern from 2023-24 — with 50% competency-based questions — continues for 2026-27.
The format is the same, but Mathematics Standard has questions of a higher difficulty level.
Students receive the question paper 15 minutes before the exam starts and can read and plan their answers. No writing is permitted during this time.
Internal choices are provided in specific sections (typically B, C, D, E) but not in Section A (MCQs).
