The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced that the Class 10 and 12 board exams for the academic year 2024-25 will commence from February 15, 2025. With the exams just around the corner, students are eagerly awaiting the release of sample papers to familiarize themselves with the new paper patterns and question types. Here’s a detailed look at what you need to know about the upcoming board exams, including changes to the paper patterns and where to find helpful resources.
CBSE Class 10 Paper Pattern
For Class 10 students, the paper pattern remains largely consistent with previous years. CBSE has not revised the syllabus or introduced major changes to the exam format. This means that the sample papers released for the 2024 exams will still be relevant for the 2025 session.
However, it’s important to note that while the overall pattern has remained the same, there is an introduction of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in the examination. The paper will include 20% MCQs and competency-based questions (CBQs) that may incorporate various formats, including MCQs. The CBQs will account for 50% of the paper. This shift aims to test students’ understanding of concepts in a more practical manner.
The existing sample papers for Class 10, which can be accessed on the CBSE Academic website, provide a good benchmark for what to expect. It’s prudent for students to refer to these papers to practice and understand the types of questions that may appear, though they should anticipate that the total number of questions may vary slightly.
CBSE Class 12 Paper Pattern
For Class 12, there are notable changes in the paper pattern for the 2024-25 academic year. The CBSE circular released on April 3, 2024, outlines that the board exams will now place greater emphasis on competency-based questions. In the previous academic year, CBQs constituted 40% of the exam weightage. For the upcoming year, this will increase to 50%. The new pattern also reflects a reduction in the weightage of short and long answer-type questions, from 40% to 30%. MCQs will continue to be part of the examination but their proportion will remain unchanged. These adjustments are designed to better assess students’ problem-solving and analytical skills.
Given these significant changes, students are advised to await the official sample papers, which are expected to be released by the first week of September 2024. These sample papers will offer insight into the revised paper structure and help in understanding how to approach the new competency-based questions. Keep an eye on updates from the CBSE Academic website to stay informed about the release of these sample papers.
CBSE Board Exams Preparation Tips
In preparation for the upcoming board exams, students should focus on the following:
Review Past Sample Papers:
Use sample papers from previous years to get a feel for the types of questions and the exam format. Although the paper patterns for Class 10 haven’t changed significantly, this practice is still beneficial.
Stay Updated:
Regularly check the CBSE website for the latest updates and sample papers. As the release date approaches, timely access to official sample papers will be crucial for effective preparation.
Understand the New Format:
For Class 12 students, familiarize yourself with the new emphasis on competency-based questions. Adjust your study strategies to include more practical problem-solving exercises and analytical tasks.
By staying informed and using available resources effectively, students can navigate the upcoming CBSE board exams with confidence and preparedness.
CBSE Sample Papers FAQs
Q1. When will the CBSE Class 10 and 12 board exams for the academic year 2024-25 begin?
Answer: The CBSE Class 10 and 12 board exams for the academic year 2024-25 are scheduled to begin on February 15, 2025.
Q2. Have there been any changes to the CBSE Class 10 board exam paper pattern for 2024-25?
Answer: No, there have been no major changes to the CBSE Class 10 board exam paper pattern for 2024-25. The format remains similar to previous years. However, it is noted that multiple-choice questions (MCQs) will constitute 20% of the paper, with competency-based questions (CBQs) making up 50% of the exam.
Q3. What are the new changes in the CBSE Class 12 board exam paper pattern for 2024-25?
Answer: For Class 12, the paper pattern has been revised to include a greater emphasis on competency-based questions (CBQs). As per the new pattern:
• CBQs will account for 50% of the exam weightage, up from 40% in the previous year.
• The weightage of short and long answer-type questions will be reduced from 40% to 30%.
• Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) will remain but their proportion will stay the same.
Q4. How can students prepare effectively for the new paper pattern in Class 12?
Answer: To prepare effectively for the revised paper pattern, Class 12 students should:
• Focus on Competency-Based Questions: Practice problem-solving and analytical questions, which now form a larger part of the exam.
• Use Previous Sample Papers: Review past sample papers to understand the type of questions and format, though be aware that the exact structure may change.
• Stay Updated: Follow the CBSE website for updates on sample papers and exam guidelines.
Q5. Where can students find additional resources and sample papers for preparation?
Answers: Students can access additional resources and sample papers on the CBSE Academic website. This site provides previous years' sample papers and other helpful materials for exam preparation.





