CBSE Sample Papers 2025-26 Released: Download Class 10 & 12 SQP & Marking Scheme PDF

How to Download CBSE SQPs and MS for 2025-26

• Go to the official CBSE Academic website: https://cbseacademic.nic.in.

• On the home page, search for the link to Sample Question Paper under the Academic section.

• Class X and Class XII are the options from which one can choose to download sample papers.

• A list of subjects will appear. Select the subject for which one desires to download SQP and MS.

• Open the page containing the Sample Question Paper and Marking Scheme in PDF format for any particular subject. Download the PDFs to your devices for offline availability.

Direct Links for Quick Access

Students can directly access and download the CBSE sample paper 2025 -26 by clicking on the link given below:

• Class X SQPs and MS 2025-26

• Class XII SQPs and MS 2025-26

Download CBSE Class 10,12 Sample Paper PDF 2025-26

Students can download the sample paper along with the marking scheme for the academic year 2025-26 by clicking on the link given in the table.

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• CBSE Class 10 Sample Papers

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Key Features of CBSE Marking Schemes for 2025-26

CBSE has introduced numerous innovations in the marking schemes for the academic session 2025-26, intending to establish a more extensive and application-oriented evaluation system. The main features are as follows:

Balanced Assessment Structure

The total number of marks for each subject is divided among theory, practicals, projects, and internal assessments, thereby constituting a total of 100 marks per subject, thus ensuring holistic evaluation of students' knowledge and skills.

Competency-Based Questions

About 30% of the questions in the examination papers will be competency-based, including multiple-choice questions (MCQs), case-based questions, and source-based integrated questions. This change will assess students' analytical and application skills rather than simply rote memory.

Structured Question Paper Design

The design of the question papers is divided into multiple sections, targeting levels of cognitive skills:

• Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Section B: Very Short Answer (VSA) Questions

• Section C: Short Answer (SA) Questions

• Section D: Long Answer (LA) Questions

• Section E: Case Study-Based Questions

This design establishes a clear approach to assessing a wide variety of skills and knowledge areas.

Internal Assessments and Project Work

Internal assessments, including periodic tests, subject enrichment activities, and practical work, contribute to the overall evaluation. Project work carries relative weight for subjects such as Accountancy, Business Studies, and Economics.

Clear Marking Guidelines

Marking schemes provide well-defined information on how marks are to be awarded against every question. Students have a clear idea of the expected criteria for evaluation with this transparency.

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How the CBSE sample paper 2025-26 helps in Exam Preparation

CBSE Sample Question Papers (SQPs) have a major role in ensuring that students prepare well enough for board examinations in Class 10 and 12. Some of the major input is given below:

1. Familiarising with Exam Pattern

Sample papers give students an idea of what the exam actually looks like with respect to the types of questions, distribution of marks and time management. This practice in working on these papers makes the student understand how the exam has been structured and flows, making him feel confident and less anxious in the real situations of the test.

2. Understanding the weightage of topics

Sample papers reflect the emphasis and weightage given to various topics under the final examination. Accordingly, it is better for students to go through sample papers, as this will help them identify high-weightage topics they must focus on heavily to maximise their score potential.

3. Improving time management skills

Time management is one of the most crucial elements for success in exams. Sample papers provide a chance to practice solving questions while the students are given a serious time limit. This practice helps students improve their speed and efficiency.

4. Examining the level of preparation

Solving sample papers could actually give students an insight into how well they are prepared. They would know where they stand concerning strengths and weaknesses. This self-evaluation could keep students focused on weaker areas, thus improving their performance in the examination.

5. Improves Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

The sample papers have case-based questions besides MCQs and application-oriented problems that enhance students' skills in critical thinking and problem-solving. It aims at testing not mere rote learning but complete understanding and application of knowledge.

6. Marking Scheme Familiarity

The marking schemes that accompany the sample papers give students insight into how marks are allotted for each question. Understanding marking criteria thus makes it easier for students to formulate their answers in the most effective way so as to meet the required standards for the various types of questions.

7. Building exam strategy

Attempting a fair number of sample papers helps a student carve out an exam strategy of their own. It does so by helping students learn which questions have to be solved first, which sections they should begin with when they sit down for the exam, and approaches to take toward complex problems.

8. Reduced Exam Pressure

The fact is something else; anxiety stands amongst the largest barriers pertaining to students in exams. Knowledge of the exam formats from much-frequented practice of using sample papers would make the so-called routine practice tests less stressful, and improved performance on the day of the actual exam could be expected.