CBSE 2025-2026 Exam Pattern & Changes - Detailed Analysis by Ashu Sir!

Summary

This video discusses the evolving changes in the CBSE exam pattern, particularly the shift from rote learning to conceptual understanding. Key updates include competency-based questions, skill-based assessments, and the introduction of two exams per year for Class 10 students starting in 2026. The first exam will be from February to March, with an optional improvement exam in May. Additionally, the video highlights the importance of practicing conceptual questions and provides resources like the Winner Series and Batch 2.0 to help students prepare. The message emphasizes hard work and preparation to succeed in these new exam patterns.

Takeaways

• 😀 CBSE is increasingly emphasizing conceptual knowledge over rote learning, with stricter exam patterns in recent years.
• 😀 The introduction of competency-based questions in 2022 requires students to apply real-life knowledge to solve problems.
• 😀 In 2025, CBSE adopted a third-party checking system, making exams more stringent, especially for subjects like Maths and Physics.
• 😀 Starting in 2026, CBSE will hold two exams per year for Class 10 students: one in February-March and another optional improvement exam in May.
• 😀 The second attempt for improvement exams allows students to add additional subjects if permitted by their school.
• 😀 Both attempts in 2026 will cover the entire syllabus, but internal assessments will only need to be submitted once.
• 😀 Students who fail up to five subjects in the first exam can retake them in the improvement exam, but no third attempt will be allowed in the same year.
• 😀 The shift to more competency-based and statement-based questions is expected, challenging students to think critically and apply knowledge.
• 😀 CBSE is focusing on a significant increase in assertion-reason type questions, which will require more practice and understanding of concepts.
• 😀 To prepare, resources like the Winner Series and Batch 2.0 are being introduced, focusing on competency-based questions and offering solutions from toppers.

Q & A

What changes have CBSE made in the exam pattern over the last 5 years?

Over the last 5 years, CBSE has shifted its focus from rote learning to conceptual knowledge. Major changes include the introduction of competency-based questions in 2022, an increase in skill-based questions in 2024, and the implementation of strict third-party checking in 2025. The syllabus was also reduced by 15% in 2024.

What is the biggest change CBSE has made for the 2026 board exams?

The biggest change for 2026 is the introduction of two board exams in a year for Class 10 students. The first exam will be from February 17 to March 6, 2026, and the second exam (for improvement) will be from May 5 to May 21, 2026. This second exam is optional, and students can take it if they wish to improve their scores.

Can students change their subjects between the first and second exams in 2026?

Yes, students will be able to add an additional subject for the second exam, provided their school allows it. This change only applies to additional subjects that were not attempted in the first exam.

What is the rule for the number of attempts in the 2026 exams?

Students can only take two attempts in the 2026 board exams for Class 10: the first main exam and the optional second attempt for improvement. There will be no third attempt if a student fails in one or more subjects in the first exam.

How will the 2026 exams be structured for Class 10 students?

For Class 10 students in 2026, both exams will cover the entire syllabus. The second exam (optional improvement exam) will only require submission of the written paper, excluding internal assessments and projects.

What kind of questions will increase in the 2026 exams?

There will be an increase in competency-based and statement-based questions. Additionally, questions related to assertion-reasoning will become more complex, requiring students to determine not just the truth of statements, but also the correctness of their explanations.

What materials are recommended for practicing for the new exam pattern?

The Winner Series is highly recommended for both Class 10 and 12 students, as it contains Level One and Level Two questions designed to align with the competency-based exam pattern. Additionally, the series includes solutions from toppers to guide students on how to write answers effectively.

What is the significance of the Winner Series for students preparing for the 2026 exams?

The Winner Series is designed to help students practice and master the new exam pattern, particularly the competency-based questions and assertion-reasoning questions. It includes questions aligned with the latest changes in the CBSE exam format and offers detailed explanations to help students understand how to approach these types of questions.

What advice does the speaker give regarding the second exam attempt?

The speaker advises students not to rely on the second exam attempt as a backup. They stress the importance of giving their best in the first exam, as the gap between the two exams is short, and significant improvement in marks is unlikely without substantial effort.

What key message does the speaker want students to take away from this video?

The key message is that while the changes in the CBSE exam pattern may seem daunting, they can be beneficial. Students now have the opportunity to retake the exam if they do not perform well in the first attempt. However, they should focus on working hard for the first exam and use the second exam only for improvement if necessary.