CBSE has changed the pattern of 2026 board exam. Now 50% questions will be on concept application. Numbers will come by understanding, not by memorizing. Know the complete changes and easy tips to score high in CBSE Board Exam 2026.
CBSE Board Exam 2026 New Pattern: CBSE has made a big change in the pattern of 2026 board exam and now difficulties may increase for children who write questions by remembering them directly from the book. The board has made it clear that the real understanding, logic and reasoning skills of the students will be tested in the upcoming exam. That means, from 2026, board papers will now be based on more practical thinking and grasp of concepts. Schools have also started making changes in internal assessment so that instead of memorizing, children think for themselves, write answers in their own words and understand things by connecting them to real life.
CBSE New Pattern: How will CBSE Board Exam change from 2026?
CBSE said that now the paper will have more competency-based questions than ever before, such as case study, data interpretation, source-based questions, questions based on real-life situations, tasks based on logic and analysis. In the new pattern, 50% of the questions will be such that they will test your ability to apply concepts. Rest of the questions will be based on your understanding, reasoning and analytical ability. MCQs will be around 20% and 30% questions will be in short and long answer type. This means that now you will not get marks just by memorizing the definitions. Only those who have a strong base and who can think on their own and write answers will score in the paper.
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How can students increase their score in board exam?
Stop cramming, start understanding
Now just memorizing the definitions from the book will not suffice. Understand the reason behind each concept and connect it to everyday life. This will make case-based questions easier.
Write the answer in your own words
CBSE will now give more importance to such answers which show the student’s own understanding. Clear language, correct facts and simple sentences will increase the score.
Connect concepts to real life
Whenever a question asks a concept, write a small example related to it – like toppers do. This will make the answer seem strong and intelligent.
Practice competency based questions
MCQs, case-based questions, source-based integrated questions, data interpretation by reading graphs/charts/tables, situation-based problem solving questions will definitely be asked in your paper. That means, the more you practice, the more your chances of getting good marks will increase.
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