CBSE has released a new circular clarifying a better method for students of Class 10 to write their answers in Science and Social Science subjects, just in time for the 2026 board exams. By implementing this new pattern, teachers will find it quite convenient to check papers, as they will have the same layout of answer sheets in front of them. Besides, it will definitely encourage students to write their answers in a clear way, and they will be less likely to commit errors. Moreover, CBSE has announced the final timetable for the 2026 board exams. The board exams for Classes 10 and 12 will commence from February 17, 2026. The Class 10 exams will be over by March 10, 2026.
New Format for CBSE Class 10 Science Exam
The Class 10 Science question paper is going to be divided into three parts as per the new regulations, with each part being clearly labelled:
Section A - Biology
Section B - Chemistry
Section C - Physics
Students are required to reflect this section division in their answer sheets and indicate each part by a label before writing. No student shall write answers in a section other than the one meant for that subject. It is forbidden for students to misplace their answers in the incorrect sections or to mix answers from different sections.
New Pattern for CBSE Class 10 Science Exam
Similarly, the Class 10 Social Science paper will be divided into four sections as per the subjects:
Students are required to divide their answer sheets into these sections and ensure that each answer is written in the proper section. CBSE has communicated explicitly that in the case of a student writing an answer in the wrong section, for example, a Geography answer in the History section, the answer will not be checked.
CBSE to Disqualify Misplaced Answers
CBSE has emphasised that non-compliance with these instructions will lead to the scoring or marking being affected. They will not check any answer that is wrongly placed, and hence these errors cannot be rectified at the time of the verification or re-evaluation. The board has mentioned in the notice that the marking scheme is final and there is no provision for a change.
CBSE claims that the revised format is aimed at making the assessment process more understandable and transparent. Even if the regulations seem inflexible, the board believes they will benefit students by reducing confusion during checks.
It is clear enough for students who will sit for examinations in 2026 that they have to obey the section-wise writing format. In case answers are wrongly located in a given section, the students may lose marks, and such errors cannot be rectified afterward.
