The Central Board of Secondary Education has overhauled the Class 10 Science and Social Science exam pattern for 2026, introducing mandatory section-wise answer-writing and warning that misplaced responses will not be evaluated. The move comes alongside the release of the final datesheet for the 2026 board exams, which will begin on February 17 and conclude for Class 10 on March 10.

The new structure is aimed at standardizing answer scripts, reducing ambiguity for evaluators and ensuring a more transparent marking process.

Science paper gets three-section format

The Science paper will now carry a strictly enforced three-part layout — Biology (Section A), Chemistry (Section B) and Physics (Section C). Students must divide their answer sheets accordingly, label each section before writing and ensure all responses stay within the allotted space. Mixing answers or writing in the wrong section is prohibited.

Social science shifted to four clearly defined blocks

Social Science will follow a four-section pattern: History, Geography, Political Science and Economics. Answers placed in the wrong section — for instance, a History response under Geography — will simply not be checked.

No re-evaluation for misplaced answers

CBSE has underscored that violation of the sectioning rules will directly affect marks. Any answer written outside the designated section will not be evaluated, and such errors cannot be corrected during verification or re-evaluation. The board has described the new evaluation scheme as final.

Schools urged to retrain students

Schools have been asked to conduct tests, internal assessments and pre-board exams using section-divided answer sheets so students get used to the new format. CBSE has also advised students to use the latest sample papers uploaded on its academic website.

A push for clarity and fairness

CBSE says the restructure aims to eliminate confusion during marking and promote consistency across lakhs of answer scripts. For Class 10 students writing the 2026 exams, the board’s message is unequivocal: follow the section-wise format meticulously — any deviation could cost marks with no scope for correction later.