The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced changes to the question paper format for the 2025 board exams, following the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which focuses on competency-based learning.
Competency-Based Questions
The main highlight of the new format is the shift towards questions that test how well students can apply concepts to real-life situations. As a result, a larger percentage of “Competency-Based Questions” will be included in the exams.
- Class 10: The percentage of competency-based questions will remain the same at 50%.
- Class 12: The percentage will increase from 40% to 50%.
These questions will come in various forms like Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), case-based questions, and source-based integrated questions.
Less Emphasis on Memorization
Another goal of the new format is to reduce the focus on rote memorization and encourage a deeper understanding of the material. The weightage of constructed response questions (short and long answers) will slightly decrease in both Class 10 and Class 12 exams.
Exam Format Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of how the question paper will be structured for the 2025 board exams:
| Class | Academic Session | Competency-Based Questions (%) |
| 10 | 2023-24 (No Change) | 50% |
| 10 | 2024-25 | 50% |
| 11-12 | 2023-24 | 40% |
| 11-12 | 2024-25 | 50% |
These changes are made to move towards a more holistic education system that enables students to think critically and practical application.
