Class 10 students appearing for the 2026 board examinations conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will be required to write their answers strictly section-wise in Science and Social Science papers, with officials warning that responses written outside designated sections will not be evaluated and will not fetch marks.
The directive was announced during a nationwide webinar for principals and heads of affiliated schools outlining the modalities for the 2026 board exams. The board has introduced three key reforms: offering two examination opportunities for Class 10 students within the same academic year, implementing On Screen Marking (OSM) for Class 12 answer sheets, and restructuring Class 10 Science and Social Science papers into clearly defined subject sections.
Additionally, post-result verification of marks for Class 12 has been discontinued in light of the digital evaluation system. The changes aim to improve transparency, flexibility and efficiency, though they also place new responsibilities on schools and students to adapt to revised procedures ahead of exams beginning on 17 February 2026.
Clear Section-Wise Writing Mandatory, Officials Clarify
During the pre-exam webinar, board officials stressed that Class 10 students must organise their answers strictly according to the structure of the question paper. The Science paper will now be divided into three distinct sections Physics, Chemistry and Biology while Social Science will comprise four sections: History, Geography, Political Science and Economics. Students are required to attempt questions within the corresponding section in the answer booklet.
“If answers are mixed across sections, they will not be evaluated by subject-specific examiners and no marks will be awarded,” officials cautioned, underlining that even at the stages of verification or re-evaluation, such responses would not be reconsidered.
According to the board, this structural change aligns with how these subjects are taught in schools, where different teachers often handle separate components of Science and Social Science. By allocating answer scripts section-wise to subject experts, the board hopes to ensure more accurate and specialised marking.
School leaders have been instructed to sensitise students well in advance, conduct mock tests following the revised pattern, and ensure invigilators guide candidates clearly on the day of examination. Officials emphasised that clarity in presentation will be as important as conceptual knowledge under the new format.
Dual Exams and Digital Evaluation Mark a Structural Shift
Beyond the section-wise writing mandate, the 2026 board cycle signals a broader transformation in the examination ecosystem. For the first time, Class 10 students will have the option to appear for two board examinations within the same academic year.
The first examination, beginning 17 February, will be compulsory, while the second will serve as an opportunity for students who wish to improve their scores in selected subjects. This move is intended to reduce the “one-exam pressure” traditionally associated with board assessments and offer students greater flexibility in demonstrating their abilities.
For Class 12, the board is introducing full-scale On Screen Marking (OSM), replacing the conventional physical evaluation of answer sheets. Under this system, answer scripts will be scanned and assessed digitally by examiners. Officials have stated that the digital platform minimises totalling errors, enhances monitoring, and ensures uniformity in marking standards across regions.
As part of this transition, the board has discontinued the post-result verification of marks process for Class 12, asserting that the digital system significantly reduces the scope for calculation discrepancies. Re-evaluation procedures, however, will continue in line with existing guidelines.
Approximately 46 lakh students are expected to appear for the 2026 board examinations across Classes 10 and 12, making it one of the largest annual academic exercises in the country. The reforms are being positioned as a step towards modernising assessment practices, strengthening credibility, and aligning evaluation methods with technological advancements. Schools have been advised to provide technical orientation to teachers and ensure that administrative systems are prepared for the digital workflow.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Examination reforms are always sensitive, especially in a country where board results significantly influence academic and career trajectories. The introduction of section-wise answer writing, dual examination opportunities and digital evaluation reflects an effort to create a more structured and transparent assessment framework.
Specialised marking may enhance fairness, while digital processes could reduce human error and administrative delays. The option of a second attempt for Class 10 students also acknowledges the emotional and psychological pressure often associated with a single high-stakes exam.
