Each main subject is usually marked out of 100: 80 marks in the 3-hour board theory paper and 20 marks of internal assessment done by the school. CBSE said there is no change in the question paper design for 2026-27. About half of each paper is competency-based (case-based, source-based and application questions), and there is no negative marking.
| Part | Questions | Marks | Time | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics (Standard or Basic) | Sections A to E: 20 MCQ (1 mark), 5 x 2, 6 x 3, 4 x 5, 3 case-based x 4 | 80 theory + 20 internal | 3 hours | No |
| Science | Sections A to E: 20 MCQ (1 mark), 6 x 2, 7 x 3, 3 x 5, 3 case-based x 4 | 80 theory + 20 internal (practical work) | 3 hours | No |
| Social Science | MCQ, short, long, source/case-based and map questions | 80 theory + 20 internal | 3 hours | No |
| English (Language and Literature) | Reading 20, Grammar and Writing 20, Literature 40 | 80 theory + 20 internal (listening, speaking, project) | 3 hours | No |
| Hindi (Course A or B) / other languages | Reading, grammar, writing and literature | 80 theory + 20 internal | 3 hours | No |
Notes
- Internal assessment (20 marks) usually has four parts of 5 marks each: periodic tests, multiple assessments, portfolio and subject enrichment (lab work, maps, models, etc.).
- Mathematics Standard is needed if you want to take Mathematics in Class 11. Mathematics Basic is for students who will not.
- Skill subjects (such as Information Technology or Artificial Intelligence) often have a different split, with a larger practical part.
- Always check the subject's sample paper and marking scheme on cbseacademic.nic.in for the exact layout.
Paper layouts are from coaching summaries of the 2026-27 sample papers; we could not open the CBSE sample paper page as text.
Not yet confirmed on the official website. Check the official notice before you act on it.
Sources: allenoverseas.com · news.careers360.com