The CBSE Board exams for 2026 are underway, and the evaluation system is constantly changing under the National Education Policy (NEP). Students and parents have many questions regarding the evaluation rules and exam guidelines.

CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj has answered important questions submitted by readers of Media Reports. You can find complete information here.

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Will There Be Step Marking in Mathematics and Science?

Yes, there will be step-by-step marking in both Mathematics and Science. CBSE awards marks for each correct step in your solution, even if the final answer is not completely correct. The only condition is that the method used must be valid and logically correct.

This means that students can receive marks for their correct understanding and approach, even if they make a calculation mistake at the end. Therefore, it is always better to write down all the steps clearly rather than jumping to the final answer.

Does Neat Handwriting Help in Getting Extra Marks?

No, CBSE does not award extra marks for neat handwriting. Marks are always awarded based on the accuracy of your answers.

However, a neat and well-organized presentation helps the evaluator understand your answers clearly. This reduces the chance of misunderstanding. If your answer is disorganized or difficult to read, the examiner may overlook important points in your answer. Therefore, even if handwriting doesn't earn you bonus marks, it can certainly save you from unnecessary mark deductions.

Are Gel Pens or Whiteners Allowed in CBSE Board Exams?

CBSE advises students to use only blue ballpoint pens for writing answers. Gel pens and whiteners are not recommended.

If you make a mistake while writing, cross it out with a neat line. Do not write anything over it or use whitener to cover it up.

Students should use blue pens with long-lasting ink that does not fade over time. It is important to note that ink should not be used in any way that could identify a particular answer sheet. If such identification is found, the student may face legal action for using unfair means.

How Is CBSE Handling the Increase in Competency-Based Questions?​​​​​​​

CBSE is gradually incorporating competency-based questions in line with the NEP 2020. These questions test practical skills and understanding rather than rote learning.

The proportion of such questions has been balanced to avoid overloading students. In the last two years, 50% of the questions in both Class 10 and Class 12 question papers have been competency-based. This proportion has been increased gradually, not suddenly.

CBSE informs students of such decisions at the beginning of the academic session so that they can prepare accordingly. The board also releases sample question papers well in advance to help students understand the syllabus and practice effectively.

What Resources Does CBSE Provide to Help Students Prepare?​​​​​​​

CBSE regularly releases several resources on its official website to help students and teachers adapt to the changing exam pattern. These include:

Students and parents can visit the CBSE official website to access all these materials free of charge.

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👉 CBSE Class 12 Study Materials

CBSE Class 12 study material includes latest syllabus, sample papers, NCERT books and solutions, previous year question papers, chapter-wise important questions, case study questions, assertion-reason questions, and competency-based questions — all updated as per the latest CBSE board exam pattern.

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👉 CBSE Class 10 Study Materials

CBSE Class 10 study material includes latest syllabus, sample papers, NCERT books and solutions, previous year question papers, chapter-wise important questions, case study questions, assertion-reason questions, and competency-based questions — all updated as per the latest CBSE board exam pattern.