CBSE Unveils New Exam Pattern for Class 10 & 12: Major Changes Effective from 2025 Boards
CBSE changes exam pattern for Class 10 and 12 students from 2025 to enhance conceptual learning and reduce stress.
CBSE Announces Big Changes in Exam Pattern for Class 10 and 12 – Here’s What You Need to Know
In a major move aimed at enhancing the quality of education
and reducing exam stress among students, the Central Board of Secondary
Education (CBSE) has officially announced changes in the exam pattern
for both Class 10 and Class 12, effective from the academic session
2025–26.
This decision is part of the board’s strategy to align
assessments with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing more
on critical thinking, analytical skills, and application-based learning.
What Has Changed in the
New CBSE Exam Pattern?
Here are the key highlights of the revised pattern:
- More
Competency-Based Questions:
- The
weightage of competency-based questions will increase to 50% in
both Class 10 and 12 board exams.
- These
include case-based, source-based, integrated questions, and
questions requiring application of concepts.
- Reduction
in Traditional Question Types:
- Short
and long answer-type questions will now make up a smaller portion
of the total paper (about 30%).
- This
shift ensures that students are assessed on understanding, not just
memorization.
- Objective
Questions Still Present:
- Around
20% of questions will remain objective (MCQs) to test clarity and
accuracy of concepts.
- Focus
on Real-Life Application:
- Many
questions will now be related to real-world scenarios, encouraging
students to think practically and logically.
Why This Change Is
Important?
The traditional rote-learning method has been under
criticism for years. The new exam pattern is designed to:
- Encourage
conceptual clarity and analytical thinking
- Reduce
rote memorization pressure
- Align
assessments with 21st-century skill demands
- Prepare
students for competitive exams and future careers more effectively
This change also aims to bridge the gap between school
learning and real-life problem-solving skills.
Teachers and
Schools to Undergo Orientation
To ensure a smooth transition, CBSE will conduct training
workshops for teachers across the country. Schools will also be provided
with model question papers and detailed guidelines to help adapt to the
new system effectively.
How Should
Students Prepare?
Students need to focus more on understanding core
concepts instead of relying solely on textbooks. Practice of case-based and
reasoning-type questions should become a regular part of their study routine.
NCERT textbooks and sample papers will continue to play a key role.
Conclusion
The revised CBSE exam pattern for Class 10 and 12 is
a welcome step toward improving learning outcomes and student well-being. By
focusing on competency and application-based evaluation, CBSE is shaping
a more practical and student-friendly assessment system.
