As the CBSE Class 10 board exams 2026 approach, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced important new rules for students appearing in Science and Social Science exams. These changes are designed to reduce evaluation errors and encourage disciplined answer writing — but missing them could cost you valuable marks!

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📋 What’s New in the Exam Format?

CBSE has updated the answer booklet structure for both Science and Social Science papers. Students must now write answers in clearly labelled sections so that examiners can easily locate and evaluate responses.

👩‍🔬 Science Paper Sections

The Science board exam will now be divided into three sections:

• Section A – Biology

• Section B – Chemistry

• Section C – Physics

🌍 Social Science Paper Sections

The Social Science exam will consist of four sections:

• Section A – History

• Section B – Geography

• Section C – Political Science

• Section D – Economics

📌 Why This Rule Matters

According to CBSE’s official guidelines:

✅ Students must divide and label their answer book into the relevant sections before writing.

✅ Marks will NOT be awarded if answers are placed in the wrong section — even if they are correct.

✅ This rule applies strictly and without exception across all exam centers.

✅ No corrections will be allowed during verification or re-evaluation for such errors.

In simple terms:

👉 If you write a Physics answer in the Biology section — you may get zero for that answer.

👉 If Economics is written under Geography — it won’t be evaluated.

✍️ Tips to Avoid Losing Marks

Here are ways to follow the new rules and improve your performance:

1. Practice Section-Wise Answer Writing

Get used to writing answers under the correct sections while practicing mock or Pre-Board exams.

2. Label Your Answer Book Clearly

In the actual exam, draw neat lines and headings like “Section A – Biology” before you start writing.

3. Use Sample Papers from CBSE

CBSE has released sample and previous question papers showing how sections are grouped — refer to them to understand the pattern.

4. Time Management

Allocate time for each section according to marks distribution so you don’t rush and end up placing answers incorrectly.

💡 What This Rule Means for You

CBSE’s new sectional format is part of its effort to improve the evaluation process, making it more organized, fair, and transparent. If followed properly, it can help you avoid unnecessary loss of marks due to formatting errors rather than knowledge gaps.

📅 Final Words

With the Class 10 board exams starting soon, every mark counts. Understanding and following these new rules for Science and Social Science can make a big difference in your final score.

Stay updated with official CBSE guidelines, practice smartly, and write carefully — success follows preparation!