CBSE has released a crucial new guideline for Class 10 students appearing in the 2026 Board examinations, especially for Science and Social Science subjects. For the first time, students must write their answers strictly section-wise in the answer booklet, exactly as the question paper is divided. CBSE has also warned that any answer written in the wrong section—or mixed between sections—will not be checked and no marks will be awarded. This important change aims to improve evaluation accuracy, but it also means students must be extra careful while writing their answers in the Board exam.
Table of Contents
CBSE has issued IMPORTANT guidelines for Class 10 students because the question paper pattern for Science and Social Science has changed this year.
1. What has changed in the Question Paper?
Science
The Science question paper will now have 3 separate sections:
- Section A – Biology
- Section B – Chemistry
- Section C – Physics
Social Science
The Social Science paper will have 4 separate sections:
- Section A – History
- Section B – Geography
- Section C – Political Science (Civics)
- Section D – Economics
CBSE has also uploaded sample papers showing this pattern on the CBSE Academic website.
2. What students MUST DO in the answer sheet
This is the MOST IMPORTANT PART. Students must follow these rules strictly:
Rule 1: Divide the answer sheet into sections
Students must create separate sections in the answer sheet exactly like the question paper:
For Science:
- Section A (Biology)
- Section B (Chemistry)
- Section C (Physics)
For Social Science:
- Section A (History)
- Section B (Geography)
- Section C (Political Science)
- Section D (Economics)
Rule 2: Write the answers ONLY in their respective section
Example:
A History question must be written ONLY in Section A (History).
A Physics question must be written ONLY in Section C (Physics).
Rule 3: Do NOT mix answers between sections
If you write:
- a Geography answer in the History section
- a Chemistry answer in the Physics section
CBSE will NOT evaluate those answers. ZERO marks will be given.
Rule 4: Mixing sections = No marks + No correction later
Even if the student asks for:
- Verification of marks OR
- Revaluation
CBSE will NOT correct this mistake.
It will be treated as student's fault, and marks cannot be changed.
3. Instructions for Schools
Schools must:
- Train students during regular classes and pre-boards
- Ensure they practice writing answers in separate sections
- Make students fully aware of this rule
Summary in One Line
Write answers ONLY in the correct section of the answer sheet — if you mix, CBSE will not check those answers and you will lose marks permanently.
Download the CBSE Guidelines PDF here:
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