CBSE Class 10th 12th Sample Papers for 2026 Out: Hey, CBSE students! The Central Board of Secondary Education just dropped the Sample Question Papers (SQPs) and Marking Schemes (MS) for Class 10 and 12 board exams for the 2025–26 academic year. You can find them on the official CBSE academic website, cbseacademic.nic.in, as of July 31, 2025.
Key Dates and Details
- Sample Papers Released: July 31, 2025
- Board Exams (Tentative): February–March 2026
- Practical Exams (Tentative): January 2026
- Result Announcement: Expected May 2026

The CBSE board exams will follow the same format as last year, with no tweaks to question types, weightage, or evaluation. For Class 10, expect a mix of objective, short-answer, and long-answer questions across subjects like Maths, Science, and English. Class 12 will have similar formats, tailored to streams like Science, Commerce, and Arts. In 2025, over 39 lakh students appeared for CBSE Class 10 and 12 exams, with pass rates of 93.6% and 87.98%, respectively. This consistency helps you focus on studying rather than adapting to new rules.
How to Download CBSE Sample Papers 2026
Grabbing the sample papers is super easy. Here’s what to do:
- Go to the Website: Visit cbseacademic.nic.in.
- Find the Link: Look for “Sample Question Papers 2026 PDF Download” on the homepage.
- Choose Your Class: Select Class 10 or 12.
- Pick a Subject: Click on subjects like Maths, English, or Chemistry.
- Download PDFs: Save the sample paper and its marking scheme. Print them for easy reference.
Keep these handy for self-study or group sessions. They’re free and available for all core and elective subjects.
Tips for Students and Teachers
- Students: Solve the sample papers under timed conditions to mimic exam pressure. Review the marking schemes to understand how to score full marks, especially for long-answer questions.
- Teachers: Use these papers to design class tests and ensure your teaching matches CBSE’s expectations. In 2025, 85% of top scorers credited sample papers for their success.
- Parents: Encourage kids to practice regularly with these papers to build confidence.
Conclusion
The CBSE Class 10 and 12 sample papers for 2026 are your roadmap to acing the board exams. With no changes in the exam pattern, you can focus on practicing and refining your skills. Download them from cbseacademic.nic.in, study the marking schemes, and start prepping early. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or parent, these papers are a game-changer.