CBSE to Increase Competency Based Questions in CBSE 2026

Since the last couple of years, CBSE have been introducing a lot of changes in CBSE board exam patterns, including twice the 10th board exams. But over the past few months, there have been many rumours about the new CBSE exam pattern in 2026, which will ask more competency-based questions in the 2026 10th & 12th board exams. 

And this article is all about the new CBSE exam pattern 2026 for class 10th & 12th. If you are going to appear in the CBSE board exams 2026, you can’t afford to miss this article, as it contains the crucial information on the updated exam pattern of CBSE 2026. 

Competency-Based Questions in CBSE 2026 10th & 12th Board Exams: New Exam Pattern  

The biggest thing emerging about the 2026 board exams is that questions will no longer be based solely on memorised material, as in the past. CBSE is gradually moving toward a system where only those students who study with understanding can apply it to real-life situations, and those who possess a modicum of analytical thinking will excel in the exam.

And CBSE will ensure this by increasing the weightage of competency-based questions in CBSE 2026 10th and 12th classes. 

However, it is not officially mentioned in any board circular; however, it is indirectly official, and we can clearly see this shift in the recently released question bank for classes 6th to 10th by CBSE. 

These question banks clearly indicate that the paper will increasingly include case studies, logic, data, and real-life examples. These questions can only be answered if the student has a thorough understanding of the subject.

This direction is even clearer for Class 10, as CBSE has already decided that the 10th board exam will now be held twice a year. This change is not just a change to the examination system, but part of an effort to shift the entire evaluation system toward learning and understanding.

Yes, one thing must be clearly understood; 

CBSE has not yet issued any official notification regarding changes to the entire exam pattern for 2026.

Therefore, any significant changes to the paper sections, question types, or overall structure cannot be considered “final.”

CBSE 2026 Date Sheet for 10th & 12th Released: Download Here

What do Competency-Based Questions mean in CBSE Class 10th & 12th?

When many students hear “competency-based questions,” they think it might be something new or difficult. But in truth, the meaning is quite simple and understandable; questions that test your understanding, reasoning, and ability to apply knowledge to real-life situations.

Until now, students who memorise things have performed well in most board exams. But competency-based questions in the CBSE 2026 exam will slightly change this system. Here, “how much you understood” is more important than “how much you memorised.”

These questions have some distinctive features:

• Questions are not drawn directly from a textbook.
• A short story, case study, or situation may be provided.
• The student has to think—”If this were to happen in real life, how would I understand it?”
• These may include data, graphs, comparisons, and cause-and-effect arguments.
• Answers are based on understanding rather than memorisation.

The best part is that these questions truly differentiate between a “topper” and an “average student”—only those who have studied deeply can solve them easily.

But given the way CBSE is moving forward with its question banks, circulars, and the direction of the NEP, it would not be wrong to say that the nature of questions in 2026 will definitely be different and more competency-based.

The most significant difference in the upcoming board exams will be that the paper will test understanding rather than memorised knowledge.

Will Thre be More Competency Based Questions in CBSE 12th Class 2026 As Well?

As for Class 12, CBSE has not yet released any official information on whether Class 12 questions will be more competency-based in 2026, as in Class 10. Any changes that have emerged so far, such as two board exams or a new question bank, have only been implemented for Class 10.

Neither has a new question bank been released for Class 12, nor is there any indication that the pattern will change. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to claim any significant changes at this time.

Yes, given the vision of NEP 2020, it is certainly expected that competency-based questions will increase in Class 12 in the future. However, as no official footprint exists yet, it would be premature to draw any conclusions.

In short, changes are possible in Class 12, but there is no confirmation at this time.

How Many Competency Based Questions Will be There in CBSE 2026? 

CBSE has not yet announced the number of competency-based questions that will appear in the 2026 board exams. However, a recent report in the Economic Times outlines a possible question structure for 2026, which helps to understand CBSE’s new direction.

According to the Economic Times of India report, the 2026 board exam questions may be divided as follows:

• 50% questions may be competency-based — case studies, source-based questions, data interpretation, situational problems, and MCQs.
• 20% questions may be select-response, mainly MCQs.
• 30% questions may be descriptive, including short-answer and long-answer questions.

Although CBSE has not formally confirmed this structure, based on the question banks and CBSE’s academic direction, the proportion of competency-based questions is likely to be much higher than before.

Reasons Why CBSE is Increasing Competency Based Questions in CBSE 2026 Board Exams: Conclusion

The major reason for the changes CBSE is implementing in 2026 is that the government wants students’ preparation within schools to be so strong that they do not have to rely on separate coaching for exams like JEE, NEET, and CUET.

NEP 2020 also advances this idea—learning should not be limited to memorisation, but rather, children should be able to understand, think, analyse, and solve real-life problems.

Competency-based questions are a step in this direction. These questions guide children towards analytical thinking, problem-solving, and application-based understanding, which are also the most commonly asked questions in major entrance exams.

CBSE’s aim is to strengthen India’s schooling system so that children learn the skills needed for competitive exams while still in school—reducing the need for coaching in the long run.

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