CBSE Marks Bifurcation 2025-26: Complete Guide to Class 10 & 12 Board Exam Assessment Pattern

Understanding CBSE Circular on Subject-Wise Marks Distribution for Board Exams 2026

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released a crucial circular (No. CBSE/Coord/Marks distribution/163685/2024) dated October 23, 2024, outlining the comprehensive marks bifurcation for Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations for the academic session 2025-26. This detailed notification provides clarity on theory, practical, project, and internal assessment components across all subjects.

Key Highlights of CBSE Marks Bifurcation Circular 2025-26

Total Marks Allocation

Each subject carries a maximum of 100 marks, distributed among theory, practical, project, and internal assessment (IA) components. The CBSE has provided a subject-specific breakdown to ensure transparency in the evaluation process.

Components of CBSE Board Exam Assessment 2026

The CBSE assessment pattern for 2025-26 comprises four main components:

Theory Examination Marks - The written examination component
Practical Examination Marks - Hands-on evaluation of practical skills
Project Assessment Marks - Assessment of project work and research
Internal Assessment (IA) Marks - Continuous evaluation throughout the academic year

CBSE Class 10 Marks Distribution 2025-26

Standard Marks Pattern for Class 10

For Class 10 CBSE board exams 2026, the typical marks bifurcation follows an 80:20 structure:

Theory Component: 80 marks
Internal Assessment: 20 marks

This pattern applies to most Class 10 subjects including:

English Language & Literature
Hindi Course A & B
Mathematics (Standard & Basic)
Science
Social Science

Class 10 Internal Assessment Components

The 20-mark internal assessment typically includes:

Periodic tests and assessments
Multiple assessment activities
Portfolio work
Subject enrichment activities

CBSE Class 12 Marks Distribution 2025-26

Flexible Assessment Structure for Class 12

The Class 12 marks bifurcation features a flexible structure designed to accommodate individual subject requirements—whether theory-intensive or practical-oriented.

Science Stream Marks Bifurcation

Major Science Subjects:

Physics: 70 marks theory + 30 marks practical = 100 marks
Chemistry: 70 marks theory + 30 marks practical = 100 marks
Biology: 70 marks theory + 30 marks practical = 100 marks
Mathematics: 80 marks theory + 20 marks internal assessment = 100 marks

Commerce Stream Marks Distribution

Core Commerce Subjects:

Accountancy: 80 marks theory + 20 marks project/IA = 100 marks
Business Studies: 80 marks theory + 20 marks project/IA = 100 marks
Economics: 80 marks theory + 20 marks project/IA = 100 marks
Applied Mathematics: 80 marks theory + 20 marks IA = 100 marks

Humanities/Arts Stream Assessment Pattern

Popular Arts Subjects:

History: 80 marks theory + 20 marks project/IA = 100 marks
Political Science: 80 marks theory + 20 marks project/IA = 100 marks
Geography: 70 marks theory + 30 marks practical/project = 100 marks
Psychology: 70 marks theory + 30 marks practical = 100 marks

CBSE Board Exam Dates 2025-26: Complete Schedule

Practical Examination Schedule 2026

Practical examinations, projects, and internal assessments for Class 10 and Class 12 are scheduled to commence from January 1, 2026, and will continue until February 14, 2026.

Special Schedule for Winter-Bound Schools:

Winter-bound schools: November 6 to December 6, 2025
All other schools: January 1, 2026 onwards

Theory Examination Dates 2026

The Class 10 and Class 12 theory examinations will begin on February 17, 2026, and conclude on April 9, 2026.

CBSE Class 10 Board Exam Schedule 2026:

Phase 1 (Main Examination): February 17 to March 9, 2026
Phase 2 (Improvement/Second Attempt): May 15 to June 1, 2026
Examination Timing: 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM

CBSE Class 12 Board Exam Schedule 2026:

Examination Period: February 17 to April 9, 2026
Examination Timing: 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Reading Time: 20 minutes before each exam

Result Declaration Timeline

Expected Result Date: Tentatively by May 1-5, 2026
Results will be available on the official CBSE website: www.cbse.gov.in

Important Details from CBSE Circular 2025-26

10-Point Information Framework

The CBSE circular provides comprehensive details on each subject including:

Class - Whether Class 10 or Class 12
Subject Code - Unique identification code for each subject
Subject Name - Official subject nomenclature
Maximum Theory Marks - Marks allocated for written examination
Maximum Practical Marks - Marks for practical/lab work
Maximum Project Assessment Marks - Project evaluation marks
Maximum Internal Assessment Marks - Continuous evaluation marks
External Examiner Requirement - Whether external examiner is needed
Practical Answer Book Provision - Board-provided answer sheets for practicals
Theory Answer Book Type - Format specifications for theory examinations

External Examiner Requirements

Class 10 Practical Exams:

Conducted by subject teachers from the same school
No external examiner required

Class 12 Practical Exams:

External examiners appointed by CBSE for most practical subjects
Ensures fair and standardized evaluation across schools

Critical Guidelines for Schools and Students

Marks Upload Instructions

CBSE has observed that schools sometimes make mistakes while uploading marks for practicals, projects, and internal assessments. To address this:

Schools must carefully verify marks before uploading
No corrections will be entertained after submission
Proper documentation must be maintained
Strict adherence to the bifurcation guidelines is mandatory

Attendance & Internal Assessment Rules

Minimum Attendance:

Students must have at least 75% attendance to appear in board examinations
This applies to both practical and theory examinations
Medical certificates may be accepted for extended illness (school discretion)
Attendance is calculated from the beginning of the academic session

Internal Assessment Participation:

Mandatory participation in all internal assessment activities
Students who do not participate in IAs will be placed in 'Essential Repeat Category'
Essential Repeat students cannot appear in board exams that year
IA conducted once but marks apply to both exam phases (February and May)
IA includes: periodic tests, notebooks, subject enrichment, portfolio

Additional Subject Options:

Class 10 students can opt for up to two additional subjects
Class 12 students can opt for one additional subject
School must have CBSE approval for offering additional subjects
Popular additional subjects: AI, Data Science, Information Technology, Physical Education, Computer Applications
Additional subjects can help in overall percentage calculation

Admit Card Requirements:

Admit cards will be available by February 10, 2026
Students must carry their CBSE-issued admit card on exam days
School ID card is also mandatory

Subject-Wise Coverage: CBSE Board Exams 2026

Total Subjects Covered

The CBSE marks bifurcation circular 2025-26 includes:

83 subjects for Class 10
121 subjects for Class 12

This comprehensive coverage includes:

Core academic subjects
Skill-based subjects
Vocational courses
Optional subjects
Regional languages

New Skill-Based Subjects

CBSE continues to emphasize skill education with subjects like:

Computer Applications (Code 165)
Information Technology (Code 402)
Artificial Intelligence (Code 417)
Data Science
Design Thinking
Financial Literacy

How to Access CBSE Marks Bifurcation Details

Official Download Links

Students and schools can access the complete marks bifurcation documents from:

Official CBSE Website: www.cbse.gov.in
CBSE Academic Website: www.cbseacademic.nic.in
Navigate to "Examinations" section
Look for "Marks Bifurcation 2025-26" or circular number CBSE/Coord/Marks distribution/163685/2024

Document Contents

The official documents contain:

Class 10 subject-wise bifurcation (separate PDF)
Class 12 subject-wise bifurcation (separate PDF)
Detailed circular with instructions
Subject codes and assessment patterns

CBSE Sample Papers & Marking Schemes 2025-26

Official Study Resources

CBSE has officially released sample question papers and marking schemes for the 2025-26 academic session. These are invaluable resources for exam preparation.

How to Access Sample Papers

Download Instructions:

Visit the official website: www.cbseacademic.nic.in
Navigate to "Curriculum" section
Select "Sample Question Papers 2025-26"
Choose your class (10 or 12) and subject
Download both the question paper and marking scheme PDF

What's Included:

Subject-wise sample papers for all major subjects
Detailed marking schemes with step-wise marks allocation
Blueprint showing chapter-wise weightage
Competency-based questions as per latest pattern
Answer key with model answers

Importance of Sample Papers

Why You Must Practice Sample Papers:

Understand the exact exam pattern and question format
Learn time management for 3-hour examinations
Identify important topics with higher weightage
Practice competency-based and case-study questions
Understand how marks are allocated for each step
Build confidence before actual exams

Recommended Practice:

Solve minimum 4-5 sample papers per subject
Practice under timed conditions (3 hours)
Self-evaluate using marking schemes
Identify weak areas and revise accordingly
Focus on questions carrying higher marks

New Question Paper Format 2026

Competency-Based Assessment:

Increased focus on analytical and application-based questions
Case study questions in most subjects
Assertion-Reasoning type questions
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in theory papers
Source-based/passage-based questions

Question Paper Structure:

Section A: MCQs and VSA (1-2 marks)
Section B: Short Answer Questions (3 marks)
Section C: Long Answer Questions (5 marks)
Section D: Case Studies/Source-Based Questions
Internal choice provided in most questions

Focus Areas for Class 10 Students

With the 80:20 theory-IA split:

Allocate 70-75% study time to theory preparation
Regular participation in internal assessments
Complete all periodic tests seriously
Maintain portfolios and project work

Preparation Tips for Class 12 Students

For Science Stream:

Equal emphasis on theory and practical preparation
Practice practical experiments regularly
Understand the 70-30 theory-practical distribution
Start practical revision by mid-December

For Commerce & Humanities:

Focus heavily on theory (80 marks)
Complete project work well before deadlines
Internal assessment requires consistent performance
Practice case studies and application-based questions

Effective Time Management Strategy

Subject-Wise Time Allocation:

Allocate study time proportional to marks weightage
For 70-30 subjects: 70% theory prep, 30% practical prep
For 80-20 subjects: 75% theory prep, 25% IA/project prep
Reserve last month exclusively for revision

Monthly Preparation Plan:

November-December: Complete full syllabus
January: Practical exams & first revision
February 1-15: Intensive revision & sample papers
February 17-April 9: Theory exams
Post-Results: Improvement exam preparation (if needed)

Sample Paper Practice Schedule

Minimum Practice Requirements:

Solve at least 5-7 sample papers per subject
Complete 1 sample paper per subject per week in January
Simulate exam conditions: 3 hours, no breaks
Self-evaluate using official marking schemes
Maintain error logs and revise weak areas

Using Marking Schemes Effectively:

Understand step-wise marking for long answers
Note keywords that fetch marks
Practice writing answers as per word limit
Learn proper answer presentation format
Focus on diagram labeling and neatness

CBSE Grading System 2025-26

9-Point Grading Scale

CBSE implements a 9-point grading system for both Class 10 and Class 12 board exams, where every one-eighth of students who pass will be allotted a grade slot.

Grade Distribution:

A1: 91-100 marks
A2: 81-90 marks
B1: 71-80 marks
B2: 61-70 marks
C1: 51-60 marks
C2: 41-50 marks
D1: 33-40 marks
D2: 21-32 marks
E: 0-20 marks (Fail)

Passing Criteria

Minimum 33% marks required in each subject
Students must pass both theory and practical components separately
Grace marks applicable as per CBSE norms (maximum 2% or 5 marks per subject)
No grace marks in practicals or projects
Overall pass percentage includes all components combined

Post-Result Facilities & Services

Verification of Marks & Re-evaluation

CBSE provides several post-result services for students who wish to verify their marks or seek re-evaluation:

Available Services:

Verification of Marks
- Simple checking of marks addition
- Verification that all questions are evaluated
- Checking of marks transfer to final sheet
- Fees: ₹500 per subject
- Timeline: Apply within 21 days of result declaration
Obtaining Photocopy of Answer Sheets
- Get scanned copies of your evaluated answer sheets
- Helps identify evaluation errors before re-evaluation
- Fees: ₹700 per subject for Class 12, ₹500 for Class 10
- Timeline: Apply within 21 days of result
Re-evaluation of Answer Sheets
- Complete re-checking by different examiners
- Fresh evaluation of all answers
- Important: Marks can increase, decrease, or remain same
- Fees: ₑ₁,000 per subject
- Timeline: Within 21 days of result declaration
- Results declared within 30-45 days

How to Apply:

Visit the official CBSE website after result declaration
Login with credentials
Select desired service and subjects
Pay fees online (Credit/Debit Card/Net Banking)
Download application receipt

Compartment & Improvement Examinations

Compartment Exam (For Failed Students):

Available for students who fail in maximum 2 subjects
Conducted in July-August every year
Same syllabus and marks distribution
Successful candidates get regular marksheet
No mention of compartment on certificate

Improvement Exam (For Passed Students):

Class 12 students can improve marks after passing
Only for Class 12 (not applicable to Class 10 from 2026 due to two-exam policy)
Can appear in maximum 5 subjects
Only better marks considered
Valid for one attempt only

Special Provisions for Different Categories

Children with Special Needs (CWSN):

Extra time of 20 minutes per hour (total 1 hour for 3-hour exam)
Scribe facility available on request
Exemption from practicals (if applicable)
Relaxation in attendance up to 60%
Separate helpline for queries

Sportspersons:

Relaxation in attendance requirements
Special dates for practical examinations
Priority in examination scheduling
Certificate from recognized sports authority required

Students with Medical Issues:

Special consideration for chronic illness
Medical certificate from government hospital required
Alternative arrangements for practical exams
Extended timelines for project submission

Two Board Exams for Class 10: Game-Changing Policy

Revolutionary Exam Opportunity for Class 10 Students

Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, CBSE has introduced a groundbreaking policy where Class 10 students will have the opportunity to appear for board examinations twice in the same year:

First Exam (Mandatory): February-March 2026
Second Exam (Optional - Improvement): May-June 2026

Key Features of the Two-Exam Policy

Eligibility Criteria:

All Class 10 students must appear for the first exam in February
Students can opt for the second exam in May to improve scores
Maximum of three core subjects can be improved in the second attempt
Students who fail in the first attempt can also appear again

Important Rules:

Only the higher score between the two attempts will be reflected on the final marksheet
Internal Assessment marks remain the same for both attempts
Practical examination marks from the first attempt are carried forward
Students must specify which subjects they wish to improve

Benefits of This Policy:

Reduces exam pressure and stress significantly
Allows students to improve without losing an academic year
Provides a safety net for students who underperform
Better college admission prospects with improved scores
Eliminates the fear of "one-time performance"

Class 11 Admission Process

Students who take the May improvement exam can still secure admission:

Provisional admission to Class 11 granted based on February results
Final confirmation after June results are declared
Schools must keep seats reserved for improvement exam students
No need to wait an entire year for better scores

CBSE Sample Papers & Marking Schemes 2025-26

Official Study Resources

CBSE has officially released sample question papers and marking schemes for the 2025-26 academic session. These are invaluable resources for exam preparation.

How to Access Sample Papers

Download Instructions:

Visit the official website: www.cbseacademic.nic.in
Navigate to "Curriculum" section
Select "Sample Question Papers 2025-26"
Choose your class (10 or 12) and subject
Download both the question paper and marking scheme PDF

What's Included:

Subject-wise sample papers for all major subjects
Detailed marking schemes with step-wise marks allocation
Blueprint showing chapter-wise weightage
Competency-based questions as per latest pattern
Answer key with model answers

Importance of Sample Papers

Why You Must Practice Sample Papers:

Understand the exact exam pattern and question format
Learn time management for 3-hour examinations
Identify important topics with higher weightage
Practice competency-based and case-study questions
Understand how marks are allocated for each step
Build confidence before actual exams

Recommended Practice:

Solve minimum 4-5 sample papers per subject
Practice under timed conditions (3 hours)
Self-evaluate using marking schemes
Identify weak areas and revise accordingly
Focus on questions carrying higher marks

New Question Paper Format 2026

Competency-Based Assessment:

Increased focus on analytical and application-based questions
Case study questions in most subjects
Assertion-Reasoning type questions
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in theory papers
Source-based/passage-based questions

Question Paper Structure:

Section A: MCQs and VSA (1-2 marks)
Section B: Short Answer Questions (3 marks)
Section C: Long Answer Questions (5 marks)
Section D: Case Studies/Source-Based Questions
Internal choice provided in most questions

Future of CBSE Assessment: NEP 2020 Implementation

Open Book Assessments (OBA) Coming Soon

CBSE is preparing to introduce Open-Book Assessments (OBAs) for Class 9 students from the 2026-27 academic year as part of NEP 2020 implementation:

What are OBAs?

Students can refer to textbooks during examination
Focus on analytical thinking rather than memorization
Tests understanding, application, and critical thinking
Reduces exam stress and promotes deeper learning
Questions designed to prevent direct copying from books

Key Features:

Time-bound examinations with higher-order thinking questions
Emphasis on problem-solving and analysis
Gradually being introduced across classes
Will eventually replace traditional rote-learning based exams

Holistic Progress Card

CBSE is moving towards comprehensive student evaluation:

Multiple assessment parameters beyond marks
Life skills and value education assessment
Co-curricular and extra-curricular participation
360-degree feedback system
Focus on overall personality development

For Students

Understand your subject-wise marks distribution
Plan preparation strategy based on theory-practical-IA weightage
Focus equally on all assessment components
Start practical preparation early
Maintain consistency in internal assessments

For Schools

Follow the circular guidelines strictly
Upload marks accurately without errors
Appoint external examiners as per requirements
Complete practical assessments within stipulated timelines
Provide proper guidance to students on assessment patterns

For Parents

Monitor your child's performance in all components
Ensure regular attendance (minimum 75%)
Support project and practical preparation
Keep track of important dates and deadlines
Download admit cards on time

Important Dates to Remember: CBSE Board Exams 2026

Academic Calendar Highlights

Event	Date
Practical Exams (Winter Schools)	Nov 6 - Dec 6, 2025
Practical Exams (Regular Schools)	Jan 1 - Feb 14, 2026
Admit Card Release	By Feb 10, 2026
Theory Exams Begin	Feb 17, 2026
Class 10 Exams End	March 9, 2026
Class 12 Exams End	April 9, 2026
Class 10 Phase 2 Exams	May 15 - June 1, 2026
Expected Result Date	May 1-5, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can marks bifurcation be changed after the circular release?

No, the marks bifurcation is final and cannot be altered. Students and schools must follow the prescribed pattern.

Q2: Are practical marks equally important as theory marks?

Yes, students must pass both components separately. Practical marks significantly impact overall percentage.

Q3: What happens if I fail in practicals but pass theory?

You will be considered failed in that subject. Both theory and practical must be cleared separately.

Q4: Can schools upload marks after the deadline?

No, CBSE has clearly stated that no corrections or uploads will be accepted after the deadline.

Q5: Where can I check my subject's specific marks distribution?

Visit the official CBSE website and download the Class 10 or Class 12 bifurcation PDF documents.

Q6: Can I appear for improvement exam in Class 10?

Yes, from 2026 onwards, Class 10 students can appear for improvement exam in May for up to 3 subjects. Only higher scores will be considered.

Q7: What happens if I score less in the improvement exam?

Your original (higher) score from the February exam will be retained. Only better marks are updated on the marksheet.

Q8: How can I apply for re-evaluation of my answer sheets?

Visit the CBSE website within 21 days of result declaration, login with credentials, select re-evaluation option, pay fees (₹1,000 per subject), and submit application.

Q9: Are grace marks applicable in CBSE board exams?

Yes, CBSE provides grace marks up to 2% of total marks or maximum 5 marks per subject to help students pass. However, grace marks are not given in practicals.

Q10: What is the minimum attendance required for board exams?

Students must have at least 75% attendance throughout the academic year. Those not meeting this requirement may not be allowed to appear in exams unless they have valid medical reasons.

Q11: Can I take additional subjects in Class 10 or 12?

Yes, Class 10 students can opt for up to 2 additional subjects and Class 12 students can opt for 1 additional subject if the school offers them with CBSE approval.

Q12: How are marks calculated when there are additional subjects?

For overall percentage, the best of five subjects (including one language) for Class 10 and best of four for Class 12 are considered. Additional subjects can replace lower-scoring core subjects.

Future of CBSE Assessment: NEP 2020 Implementation

Open Book Assessments (OBA) Coming Soon

CBSE is preparing to introduce Open-Book Assessments (OBAs) for Class 9 students from the 2026-27 academic year as part of NEP 2020 implementation:

What are OBAs?

Students can refer to textbooks during examination
Focus on analytical thinking rather than memorization
Tests understanding, application, and critical thinking
Reduces exam stress and promotes deeper learning
Questions designed to prevent direct copying from books

Key Features:

Time-bound examinations with higher-order thinking questions
Emphasis on problem-solving and analysis
Gradually being introduced across classes
Will eventually replace traditional rote-learning based exams

Holistic Progress Card

CBSE is moving towards comprehensive student evaluation:

Multiple assessment parameters beyond marks
Life skills and value education assessment
Co-curricular and extra-curricular participation
360-degree feedback system
Focus on overall personality development

Answer Book Specifications & External Examiners

Theory Examination Answer Books

Types of Answer Books:

Main Answer Book: 24-page booklet for most subjects
Supplementary Answer Book: 8-page booklet if additional space needed
Graph Paper: Provided for subjects requiring graphs/diagrams
Map Sheets: For Geography and related subjects

Answer Writing Guidelines:

Use only blue or black ballpoint pen
Write answers in serial order or mention question numbers clearly
Draw margins on both sides (for internal assessment corrections)
Diagrams must be drawn in pencil and labeled properly
Cancel extra/rough work with cross lines

Practical Examination Answer Books

Class 10 Practical Books:

School provides practical answer sheets/observation books
No external examiner required
Subject teacher conducts and evaluates practicals
Marks uploaded directly by school

Class 12 Practical Books:

CBSE provides special practical answer books for major subjects
External examiner appointed by CBSE for most science subjects
Practical conducted jointly by internal and external examiners
Answer books sealed and sent to CBSE for record

External Examiner Appointment

Subjects Requiring External Examiners (Class 12):

Physics, Chemistry, Biology - Mandatory external examiner
Computer Science, Informatics Practices - External examiner required
Physical Education - External examiner for practical component
Fine Arts subjects - External examiner for practical assessment

External Examiner Responsibilities:

Conduct fair practical examination
Evaluate practical skills objectively
Maintain confidentiality of assessment
Submit marks within specified timeline
Report any irregularities to CBSE

Subjects Without External Examiners:

Most Class 10 subjects
Class 12 theory-only subjects
Subjects with only internal assessment/projects

The CBSE circular on subject-wise marks bifurcation for 2025-26 provides comprehensive clarity on the assessment structure for Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. With a maximum of 100 marks per subject distributed across theory, practical, project, and internal assessment components, students have multiple opportunities to showcase their knowledge and skills.

The early release of the examination schedule—with theory exams beginning February 17, 2026—gives students ample time for systematic preparation. By understanding the marks distribution pattern and focusing on all assessment components, students can optimize their preparation strategy and achieve excellent results in the CBSE Board Exams 2026.

Stay updated with the official CBSE website (www.cbse.gov.in) for any additional notifications, sample papers, and marking schemes to ensure comprehensive exam preparation.

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