The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially published the Sample Question Papers (SQPs) and Marking Schemes (MS) for Class 10 and 12 for the academic year 2025-26.

These resources are now accessible on the CBSE academic website - cbseacademic.nic.in. Students preparing for the 2026 board exams can now download and start practicing the official paper formats issued by the board.
The sample papers reflect the exact pattern that will be followed in the final board exams.
Students can download subject-wise sample papers and marking schemes to get an in-depth idea of expected question formats.
The board has not made any changes to the examination pattern for the 2026 session.
These practice papers serve as an essential preparation tool to help students get used to the exam layout and question types and improve their confidence and performance.
The CBSE sample papers cover a wide range of subjects:
For Class 10:
For Class 12:
Follow these steps to access the SQPs:
1. Visit the official website: cbseacademic.nic.in
2. Click on the link titled "Sample Question Papers 2025-26"
3. Choose your class (X or XII)
4. Download the PDFs of subject-wise sample papers and marking schemes
Exam Familiarity: Understand the distribution of marks, question formats, and internal choices.
Time Management: Helps students strategize how to attempt the paper within the time limit.
Answer Writing Practice: Use the marking scheme to learn what an ideal answer should include.
Self-Evaluation: Identify weak areas and make revisions accordingly.
Along with the sample question papers, CBSE provides detailed marking schemes that explain how marks are awarded for each response. This ensures transparency and enables students to align their answers with examiner expectations.
The CBSE Board Exams 2026 for both Class 10 and 12 are expected to commence in February-March 2026, following the usual schedule. These SQPs will serve as a guideline for students and teachers to plan preparation effectively over the coming months.
Note:
The early release of CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 and 12 (2026) is a great advantage for students aiming for high scores. By analyzing these papers and solving them in a timed manner, students can boost their preparation and reduce exam-related anxiety. Teachers can also use these official resources to conduct mock tests and internal assessments based on the board pattern.