CBSE Board Exams 2026: Class 10 & 12 Sample Papers, Marking Scheme & Pattern Explained

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the 2026 Sample Question Papers (SQPs) along with Marking Schemes (MS) for Classes 10 and 12. This move gives students, teachers, and parents clarity on what to expect in the upcoming board exams.

Here’s a comprehensive guide covering:

1. What’s new (or what’s unchanged)

2. Key features & highlights

3. How to download the SQPs & Marking Schemes

4. Exam pattern & weightage (Class 10 & 12)

5. Tips to use the sample papers for preparation

6. Common doubts & pitfalls
   
   Because there’s continuity in pattern, students and schools can rely on existing strategies with minor adjustments rather than drastic restructuring.
   
   

   What’s Changed — Or Not Changed

   • CBSE has confirmed no change in the exam pattern for the 2025–26 session. The format, weightage, and evaluation methodology remain the same as last year. 

   • The release of sample papers and marking schemes is timely, giving students more lead time to practice. 

   • For Class 12, the SQPs and marking schemes are already hosted on the CBSE academic site. CBSE Academic

   Because there’s continuity in pattern, students and schools can rely on existing strategies with minor adjustments rather than drastic restructuring.

   ---

   2. Key Features & Highlights of 2026 Sample Papers

   These sample papers are more than mere practice tests — they serve as a blueprint for expectations. Some highlights:

   • Exact structure mimicry — types of questions, section divisions, and marks distribution closely mirror the actual board exam. 

   • Marking schemes with stepwise answers — students can see how marks are allocated, including in long-answer or subjective questions. 

   • Uniform academic guidance — schools are encouraged to align teaching and mock exams with these sample papers to reduce guesswork.
     Mediums & languages — in most cases, sample papers are provided in English and Hindi.

   • Subject coverage — all major subjects (Science, Mathematics, English, Social Science, etc.) are included.

   ---

   3. How to Download SQPs & Marking Schemes

   Here’s a step‑by‑step:

   1. Visit CBSE’s academic website — cbseacademic.nic.in. 

   2. Look for the link “CBSE Sample Papers 2026” or similar on the homepage. 

   3. The site will open a PDF or a directory of PDFs for Class 10 and Class 12, subject-wise. 

   4. Click on the desired subject, and you’ll find both the question paper PDF and marking scheme PDF. Download and save. It’s a good idea to print at least one hard copy for daily practice.

   Tip: Bookmark the CBSE “SQP & MS” pages and periodically check for errata or updates, in case CBSE issues corrections.

   ---

   4. Exam Pattern & Marking Weightage (Class 10 & 12)

   Since the pattern hasn’t changed, here’s a generalized overview based on recent years, adapted to 2026:

   Class 10 Pattern (Tentative Based on Past Years)

   Section / Question Type	Marks	Notes
   Very Short Answer (VSA) / MCQs	1–2 marks each	Quick recall & objective questions
   Short Answer (SA)	3–5 marks	Requires brief explanation
   Long Answer (LA)	8–10 marks	More detailed, often with sub-parts
   Case-based / Source-based Questions	Varies	Often 4–6 marks each
   Internal Assessment / Projects / Practical	Separate	Carried over from school-based assessments

   The exact number of questions, division among sections, and optional questions depend on subject and CBSE’s latest blueprint.

   Class 12 Pattern (Typical)

   • Objective / MCQ / Assertion-Reason type

   • Short Answer (SA)

   • Long Answer (LA)

   • Internal / Practical / Project components (for labs, practical-based subjects)

   • Option-based questions (i.e. “answer any X out of Y”)

   • Case studies or passages with questions (“value-based/competency-based”)

   Because the 2026 pattern is unchanged, you can reference last year’s mark distribution as a close guide. 

   Important: In questions where students are asked to answer “any X out of Y,” if a student answers more than X, typically the answer with higher marks is retained and the rest may be excluded by the evaluator. (Students sometimes attempt extra ones as a “bonus” strategy.) 

   ---

   5. How to Use Sample Papers Effectively

   To maximize your preparation using these SQPs and marking schemes:

   • Simulate exam conditions — solve the full paper in one go, under timed, exam-like circumstances.

   • Use the marking scheme as a guide — after completing, compare your responses with the detailed answers and understand how marks were distributed.

   • Self‑evaluate — note which types of questions you miss most (MCQs, short answer, long answer, case-based) and allocate more revision to those areas.

   • Alternate with past year papers (PYQs) — sample papers are great, but solving actual board exams gives additional insight into examiner quirks.

   • Revise presentation & structure — sample papers show how to frame answers, how many points to include, and how much detail to provide.

   • Coaching & group study — teachers can use these in mock tests; students can peer-check with friends to spot gaps.

   One practical tip from students: if the sample paper has errors (e.g. missing statements or typos), you’ll find them during your solving — keep a note and always cross-check with official errata if released. 

   ---

   6. Common Doubts & Pitfalls

   Q: Will the actual board paper differ from sample paper?
   A: While CBSE aims for high alignment, there may be minor deviations. The sample paper is more a “model” than a guarantee. Some students mention sample papers sometimes appear tougher than real exams. 

   Q: Are “extra answered” optional questions accepted?
   A: If you answer more than the required number, typically the evaluator retains the highest‑scoring responses and ignores extras. But this depends on evaluator discipline. 

   Q: Are there typos or mistakes in SQPs / marking schemes?
   A: Occasionally yes — some students have pointed out missing statements or mismatches. Always cross-check with any corrigendum. 

   Q: Should I depend only on sample papers?
   A: No — sample papers are a powerful tool but should be used along with NCERT textbooks, previous year papers, and concept revision.