Every subject is out of 100. Subjects with lab work (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Geography and similar) have a 70-mark theory paper and 30 marks of practical. Most other subjects have an 80-mark theory paper and 20 marks of internal assessment or project. Theory papers are 3 hours. CBSE said there is no change in question paper design for 2026-27, and about half of each paper tests competency (case-based and application questions).
| Part | Questions | Marks | Time | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics, Chemistry, Biology | About 33 questions: 1-mark MCQs and assertion-reason, 2-, 3- and 5-mark answers, case-based questions | 70 theory + 30 practical | 3 hours | No |
| Mathematics | Sections A to E: 1-mark MCQs and assertion-reason, 2-, 3- and 5-mark answers, case-based questions | 80 theory + 20 internal | 3 hours | No |
| Computer Science | 1- to 5-mark questions | 70 theory + 30 practical | 3 hours | No |
| English Core | Reading, writing and literature sections | 80 theory + 20 internal | 3 hours | No |
| Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics | Objective, short and long answers, case-based questions | 80 theory + 20 project/internal | 3 hours | No |
| History, Political Science, Sociology | Objective, short and long answers, source-based and map questions | 80 theory + 20 project/internal | 3 hours | No |
| Geography | Objective, short and long answers, map questions | 70 theory + 30 practical | 3 hours | No |
Notes
- Practical marks usually include the lab exam, a practical record, viva and an investigatory project; an external examiner is appointed for practicals.
- Some subjects, such as Psychology, Physical Education and Informatics Practices, also have a large practical part; see each subject's sample paper.
- Always check the subject's sample paper and marking scheme on cbseacademic.nic.in for the exact layout.
Mark splits are from a coaching site table for 2027 based on 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: school.careers360.com · news.careers360.com
Streams and subjects
CBSE does not register 'streams' as such; you choose five subjects, including at least one language, and schools group them into the usual streams. A sixth subject is optional. Below are the common combinations.
| Stream | Subjects | Leads To |
|---|---|---|
| Science (PCM) | English Core, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics + one more (Computer Science, Informatics Practices, Physical Education, Economics, a language, etc.) | JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, B.Sc, B.Tech |
| Science (PCB) | English Core, Physics, Chemistry, Biology + one more (Mathematics, Psychology, Physical Education, a language, etc.) | NEET UG, B.Sc (life sciences), nursing, pharmacy |
| Science (PCMB) | English Core, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology | Keeps both engineering and medical options open |
| Commerce | English Core, Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics + Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or Informatics Practices | B.Com, BBA, CA/CS/CMA, economics degrees via CUET |
| Humanities | English Core + four from History, Political Science, Geography, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, a language, Fine Arts, etc. | BA programmes via CUET, law (CLAT), design, journalism |
Typical combinations based on CBSE's subject scheme; your school may offer a different set. Check the scheme of studies in the 2026-27 curriculum on cbseacademic.nic.in.
Not yet confirmed on the official website. Check the official notice before you act on it.
Source: cbseacademic.nic.in