CBSE Clarifies Improvement Rules and Exam Pattern for 2026
2 minute read
• Updated on 2 Mar, 2026, 7:18 AM, by Amrita Das
CBSE has clarified rules on improvement exams, essential repeat eligibility, and exam attempts for 2026. The board also confirmed 50% competency-based questions in Class 10 and 12 exams. Percentage calculation remains the responsibility of institutions.
The Central Board of Secondary Education has issued clarifications regarding improvement exams, essential repeat criteria, and the revised exam pattern for Board Exams 2026. The updates address concerns raised by students and parents about eligibility, attempts after passing Class 12, and the new assessment structure.
The clarifications were shared by CBSE Controller of Examinations Sanyam Bharadwaj in response to frequently asked questions.
CBSE Essential Repeat Rule for Class 10 and 12
The eligibility to reappear under the “essential repeat” category depends on the class level.
- For Class 12, if a student is placed under essential repeat in one subject, the candidate may appear in the supplementary examination.
- For Class 10, if a student is placed under essential repeat in up to two subjects, the candidate may appear in the second board examination.
If the number of essential repeat subjects exceeds the specified limit, the student must reappear in the main board examination in the following academic year.
CBSE Improvement Exam 2026 for Class 12 Students
CBSE has clarified that Class 12 students who pass the main board examination can improve their performance in one subject. This can be done through the supplementary examination held in July. However, unlike Class 10, Class 12 students are not permitted to take the full board examination twice in the same academic cycle.
CBSE Marksheet and Percentage Calculation Policy
The board has reiterated that it does not calculate percentage scores for either regular or private candidates. The marksheet-cum-passing certificate issued by CBSE reflects only marks obtained and grades awarded. If a percentage is required for admission or employment, the concerned institution or organisation calculates it according to its own criteria.
CBSE Board Exam 2026: 50% Competency-Based Questions
In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, CBSE has increased the weightage of competency-based questions. From 2025 onwards, 50 per cent of the questions in both Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations are competency-based. These questions assess application, analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills rather than rote memorisation.
Revised CBSE Question Typology for 2026 Exams
CBSE has updated its question paper design to reflect the new assessment approach. The revised typology includes:
- Objective-type questions and MCQs
- Short answer questions
- Case-based and source-based questions
- Competency-based analytical questions
The board stated that the revised format aims to evaluate conceptual clarity and practical understanding. Students preparing for the CBSE Board Exam 2026 are advised to focus on analytical learning and application-oriented practice.
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