Board clarifies answer-writing rules as question papers now divided into multiple sections
CBSE has released an important notice for all Class 10 students appearing for the upcoming Science and Social Science Board examinations. The Board has introduced a new section-wise structure in both subjects and has issued strict instructions on how students must divide their answer books. The circular emphasises that any mixing of answers across sections may result in non-evaluation of those responses.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released a set of strict instructions that Class 10 students must follow while writing their Science and Social Science board examinations.
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Why CBSE has issued new instructions
In its latest circular, the Board explained that Science and Social Science question papers have now been restructured to improve the quality and clarity of evaluation. To ensure smooth assessment, students must strictly follow the new section-based answer-writing format during the Board examinations.
How the new section structure works
For Science, the question paper will have three sections: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Students must divide their answer book into the same three sections before beginning to write their answers. Similarly, the Social Science paper will be separated into four sections: History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics. Answers for each subject must be written strictly within its designated section.
What students must do
According to the Board, students must write answers only in the space marked for that specific section. Writing an answer in the wrong section or mixing responses across sections will result in the answer not being evaluated. The circular clearly states that such errors will not be corrected even during verification or revaluation after results.
What this means for schools and students
The Board has advised schools to ensure that students practise this answer-writing format well before the Board exams. Schools have been encouraged to include the same pattern in pre-board examinations so that students do not commit mistakes on the final day.
Below is a simple table summarising the new system and expectations:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Science Sections | Section A – Biology, Section B – Chemistry, Section C – Physics |
| Social Science Sections | Section A – History, Section B – Geography, Section C – Political Science, Section D – Economics |
| Answer Book Requirement | Students must divide the answer book according to sections |
| Evaluation Rule | Answers written in the wrong section will not be evaluated |
| Revaluation | Mistakes due to mixing sections will not be considered during revaluation |
| Action for Schools | Ensure students practise section-wise writing in advance |
What this means in simple terms
Students must organise their answer sheets exactly as the question paper is divided. If a question belongs to Physics, it must be written only in the Physics section of the answer book. If an answer appears in the wrong section, examiners will not check it. This makes it crucial for students to understand the new structure and follow it accurately.
Key Points from CBSE Circular on Class X Board Exams (Science & Social Science)
| Important Point | Details / Explanation |
|---|---|
| Subjects Covered | Class 10 Science and Social Science Board Exams |
| Purpose of Changes | To improve the quality and clarity of evaluation |
| Science – Section Structure | 3 Sections: Section A – Biology, Section B – Chemistry, Section C – Physics |
| Social Science – Section Structure | 4 Sections: Section A – History, Section B – Geography, Section C – Political Science, Section D – Economics |
| Sample Papers Availability | Available on CBSE Academic Website for reference |
| Answer Book Requirement (Science) | Students must divide the answer book into 3 sections (Bio/Chem/Physics) |
| Answer Book Requirement (Social Science) | Students must divide the answer book into 4 sections (Hist/Geo/PolSci/Eco) |
| Where to Write Answers | Answers must be written strictly within the space of their respective section |
| Mixing of Answers | Mixing answers across sections is not allowed |
| If Answers Are Mixed | Such answers will not be evaluated and no marks will be awarded |
| Revaluation Rule | Mistakes due to mixed sections will NOT be corrected even during verification or revaluation |
| Reason for Strictness | Ensures fairness and accuracy in checking by avoiding confusion for evaluators |
| School Responsibility | Schools must train students in section-wise answer writing before Board exams |
| Pre-Board Exams Guidance | Schools may include this format in pre-board exams for practice |
| Student Responsibility | Students must clearly separate sections in the answer book and follow all instructions |
| Issued By | Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations, CBSE |
| Circular Date | 09 December 2025 |
FAQs
1. Why has CBSE divided the question papers into multiple sections?
To ensure clearer evaluation and improve marking accuracy.
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2. What happens if a student writes an answer in the wrong section?
The answer will not be checked, and no marks will be awarded.
3. Can students request revaluation if marks are lost due to mixed answers?
No, such mistakes will not be corrected during verification or revaluation.
4. Do students need to divide the answer book themselves?
Yes, students must create separate sections in their answer sheets before writing answers.
5. Should schools practise this new method before the Board exam?
Yes, CBSE has instructed schools to train students and include the pattern in pre-boards.
