Class 10 New Board Pattern Explained: Internal vs External Weightage
Rahul Chaudhary
August 21, 2025
Introduction
Are you a Class 10 student or parent wondering what’s new in the CBSE 2026 syllabus and exam pattern? The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has revised the Class 10 board structure to make it more balanced, practical, and competency-focused.
The new CBSE board exam pattern gives weightage not only to final exams but also to internal assessments—shifting focus from rote memorization to overall development. In this guide, we’ll break down the Class 10 New Board Pattern Explained: Internal vs External Weightage, using information only from CBSE’s official websites.
Table of Contents
What Is the New CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern for 2026?
The updated pattern under the CBSE 2026 Class 10 curriculum emphasizes a multi-layered evaluation method.
According to CBSE sources ([cbseacademic.nic.in], [cbse.gov.in], the Class 10 subjects are now assessed through:
- External Evaluation (Board Exams) – 80 Marks
- Internal Assessment – 20 Marks
This means students must focus on year-round performance, not just the final board exams.
What Does 'Internal Assessment' Include in CBSE Class 10?
The internal assessment is now an essential part of scoring, designed to measure student learning consistently across the year.
Here’s what goes into the 20 marks of internal evaluation:
Periodic Tests (10 Marks)
- Schools must conduct at least three written tests in each subject.
- The best two out of three tests are considered for final scoring.
Portfolio (5 Marks)
- Includes students’ classwork, assignments, projects, and progress.
Subject Enrichment Activities (5 Marks)
- Language subjects: Speaking and listening skills
- Science: Lab experiments
- Maths: Lab-based practical activities
- Social Science: Map work and project work
This 20% internal component promotes continuous academic engagement and helps students build important practical and communication skills.
What Is the Weightage of External Exams in the CBSE Pattern?
The external examination or board-conducted exam holds 80 marks for most subjects.
The paper structure (as per [cbseacademic.nic.in]) includes:
- Competency-Based Questions – 50%
- Objective-Type Questions (e.g., MCQs) – 20%
- Descriptive/Short-Answer/Long-Answer Questions – 30%
This shift ensures a balanced paper that evaluates not just memory but also reasoning, logic, and application skills.
Subject-Wise Internal vs External Weightage Breakdown
| Subject | External (Board Exam) | Internal Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| English / Hindi | 80 marks | 20 marks (Portfolio + Listening/Speaking) |
| Mathematics | 80 marks | 20 marks (Lab Activities + Tests) |
| Science | 80 marks | 20 marks (Practicals + Portfolio) |
| Social Science | 80 marks | 20 marks (Project + Map Work) |
| IT / Skill Subjects | As per curriculum | Includes practical/internal performance |
What Are Competency-Based Questions in CBSE Exams?
Competency-based questions now make up 50% of the board exam question paper.
These questions:
- Are real-life or situation-based
- Test application of knowledge, not just theory
- Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving
For example, instead of asking you to define a concept, CBSE may now ask you to apply that concept to solve a case.
This format aligns with NEP 2020 guidelines and helps students prepare for future competitive exams and careers.
More details are available in the official curriculum guidelines at ([cbseacademic.nic.in]).
Does the New Pattern Help Students Perform Better?
Advantages:
- Internal assessments offer a safe cushion to improve final scores.
- Encourages consistent study habits.
- Reduces last-minute exam pressure.
- Builds practical and soft skills.
Points to Note:
- Internal marks are now mandatory; ignoring them could cost you.
- Teachers must assess fairly and objectively.
- Students need to participate throughout the year.
This model supports well-rounded learning and promotes fairness across school systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the internal vs external weightage in CBSE Class 10 exams?
A: External board exams carry 80% marks, while internal assessments account for 20% of the total score in each subject.
Q2. What is included in internal assessments?
A: Internal assessment includes periodic tests (10 marks), a portfolio (5 marks), and subject enrichment activities (5 marks).
Q3. Are competency-based questions mandatory in Class 10 board exams?
A: Yes. As per CBSE’s revised pattern, 50% of the board exam questions are competency-based.
Q4. Where can I get the official CBSE syllabus and exam pattern?
A: You can find it on the following government websites:
- (cbseacademic.nic.in)
- (cbse.gov.in)
Q5. Is internal assessment applicable to all subjects?
A: Yes, internal assessment is now mandatory for all core and elective subjects, including languages, science, mathematics, and social studies.
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Conclusion
The Class 10 new board pattern explained: internal vs external weightage reveals CBSE’s clear intent to move beyond rote memorization.
This 80-20 model emphasizes both year-round effort and board performance, helping students become well-rounded learners.
Staying informed about the latest CBSE guidelines ensures you are always prepared whether it’s for scoring well in boards or setting the foundation for future academic success.
Tip: For official updates, always refer to: (cbseacademic.nic.in, cbse.gov.in )
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