📚 CBSE Board Exam Structure - 2026
🔄 Two-Phase Exam Format (CBSE Officially Announced)
- Phase 1 (February–March): Compulsory for all students, covers the full syllabus.
- Phase 2 (May): Optional retake for up to three subjects (Science, Maths, SST, English, Hindi). Best subject-wise score from Phase 1 or Phase 2 is counted.
- Internal Assessment (20 marks) is submitted once before Phase 1.
📊 Marks Distribution for Each Subject
| Component |
Marks |
| Board Theory Exam |
80 |
| Internal Assessment |
20 |
| Total |
100 |
🧪 Question Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Case-based / Source-based Questions
- Very Short Answer (VSA)
- Short Answer (SA)
- Long Answer (LA)
- Competency-based questions emphasizing application and critical thinking
📘 Subject-Wise Overview: Syllabus, Marks & Focus Chapters
🔬 Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
| Unit |
Marks |
| Chemical Substances – Nature & Behaviour |
25 |
| World of Living |
23 |
| Natural Phenomena |
12 |
| Effects of Current |
13 |
| Natural Resources |
7 |
| Total |
80 |
Must-prepare topics: Periodic Table, Carbon & its Compounds, Life Processes, Heredity & Evolution, Electricity, Magnetism, Light.
➗ Mathematics
| Unit |
Marks |
| Number Systems |
6 |
| Algebra (include Quadratics, AP) |
20 |
| Coordinate Geometry |
6 |
| Geometry (Triangles, Circles) |
15 |
| Trigonometry |
12 |
| Mensuration (Area & Volume) |
10 |
| Statistics & Probability |
11 |
| Total |
80 |
High-yield topics: Quadratic Equations, Triangles, Constructions, Probability, AP series.
🌍 Social Science (SST)
| Social Science Domain |
Marks |
| History: India and the Contemporary World II |
20 |
| Geography: Contemporary India II |
20 |
| Political Science: Democratic Politics II |
20 |
| Economics: Understanding Economic Development |
20 |
| Total |
80 |
Key areas: Nationalism, Resource Management, Governance, Sectors of Economy, India and Globalisation.
📝 English (Language & Literature)
| Section |
Marks |
| Reading Comprehension |
20 |
| Writing & Grammar |
20 |
| Literature (First Flight & Footprints Without Feet) |
40 |
| Total |
80 |
Prepare thoroughly: Unseen passage types, letter & paragraph writing, extract-based analysis, grammar (tenses, modals, editing, transformation).
🗣️ Hindi (Course A)
| Section |
Marks |
| Unseen Prose/Poetry |
10 |
| Grammar (Alankar, Vachya, etc.) |
16 |
| Textbook – क्षितिज & कृतिका |
34 |
| Creative Writing Tasks |
20 |
| Total |
80 |
Important focus: Grammar, Prose & Poetry comprehension, Formal and creative writing formats.
🧭 How to Prepare Smartly for the 2026 Boards
- Start Early: Read NCERT chapters thoroughly.
- Organize Revision: Use visual aids—mind maps, flowcharts, formula sheets.
- Practice Regularly: Work through worksheets and solve competency-based questions.
- Plan by Weightage: Give more time to higher-mark units.
- Self-Evaluate: Use mock tests and track progress in real time.
🔧 How OnlineSelfTest.com Supports Your Board Preparation
📘 Chapter-Wise Quizzes
- Topic-level MCQ tests with explanations
- Instant performance dashboard
- Identify weak areas and reattempt quizzes to improve
✍️ Descriptive Question Practice
- Pre-prepared question sets for 2, 3, 4, and 5-mark answers
- Structured answer templates and keyword direction
- Instant feedback and revision tips
⏱️ Board-Style Mock Tests
- Full 80-mark mock exams per subject
- Time management with strict countdown
- Submit answers by question number (MCQ, SA, LA)
⚙️ AI-Based Review & Analysis
- MCQs and grammar sections auto-graded
- Written answers evaluated for clarity, logical flow, concept understanding
- Personalized improvement report and topic-level suggestions
🖋️ Optional Scan/Write Answer Upload
- Upload scanned or written answers for review
- Receive teacher-style feedback on language, presentation, and accuracy
- Download full performance report
🚀 Start Your 2026 Board Exam Prep with Confidence
With OnlineSelfTest.com, you get:
- Complete alignment with CBSE’s updated two-phase system
- Full question bank for every subject and question type
- Mock exams and instant review systems
- Actionable analytics and improvement tracking
- Flexibility to reappear and improve scores in Phase 2
Register Now to gain access to all practice materials, mock tests, and personalized analytics. Be exam-ready. Score smarter. Stay ahead.
📅 For any official updates or notifications, please refer to the CBSE board’s official announcements.
