CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2026: Evaluation Begins for Core Subjects; Results Expected in May
A significant shift in this year's evaluation is the implementation of the new marking scheme aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Teachers have been instructed to give weightage to critical thinking and analytical reasoning rather than rote memorization. According to a senior board official, nearly 40% of the questions in the 2026 theory papers were competency-based. This change has sparked a debate among educators; while some believe it truly tests a student's understanding, others are concerned that students from schools with fewer resources might find the marking slightly more rigorous. To address this, the CBSE conducted extensive workshops for evaluators to ensure consistency in marking across different regions.
Students have reported that the Mathematics and Physics papers this year were moderately difficult, with a higher number of case-study-based questions. The board has taken note of specific feedback regarding a particularly tricky five-mark question in the Set-3 Physics paper and is reportedly considering a moderation policy to ensure no student is unfairly penalized. Meanwhile, the practical exam marks for most schools have already been uploaded to the CBSE portal. The board has warned schools against any delays in submitting internal assessment scores, as this could lead to a withholding of the final results for those specific institutions.
As the evaluation progresses, the CBSE has also activated its tele-counseling services to help students manage post-exam stress. The helpline, which features trained psychologists and experienced principals, is available from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Parents and students are advised to keep their admit cards safe, as the roll number and school code will be essential for accessing the results on the official website, DigiLocker, and the UMANG app. The board has also cautioned the public against falling for fake news regarding result dates that often circulate on social media platforms during this period.