Search Colleges, Exams, Schools & more
Login
How Many Sets Are There in CBSE Board Exams? CBSE Class 10 & Class 12 Clarified for 2026
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has started the board examination for CBSE class 10 and CBSE class 12 exams from February 17, 2026. Lakhs of students appear in the CBSE board exam. To ensure a fair implementation of the examination, the board uses different sets of question papers. It is to maintain fairness and prevent any malpractice during the examination. It helps the board to prevent any chance of the paper leaking. The board is expected to publish 15 sets, which will include 5 major sets, and each will further be divided into 3 subsets.
The questions in major sets will be different from one another, while questions in subsets will be the same but in a different order. To perform better and score passing marks in the CBSE results, students can solve previous years’ CBSE board sample papers. It will help them familiarise themselves with the variety of questions that are asked in the exam and improve their problem-solving skills. Below, we have provided more information on the CBSE board exam sets for students' information.
What are CBSE Question Paper Sets?
The board prepares the CBSE question paper for classes 10 and 12 in multiple sets to maintain fairness in the examination and prevent cheating. Each CBSE board exam set contains different questions, but the level of difficulty and the distribution of marks remain the same. The set number should not matter as long as students are familiar with the CBSE syllabus and have prepared well for the examination.
Number of Sets in the CBSE Board Exam
Last year, the CBSE board released a total of 15 sets of question papers for each subject, including Science, Social Science, Hindi, etc. These sets were labelled as Set 1, Set 2, Set 3, Set 4 and Set 5. Each major set comes with 3 subsets. Most questions in each subset are usually the same, but arranged differently or phrased slightly differently.
Best Courses After 10th Class
Explore the best courses after 10th across science, commerce, arts, and vocational streams. Find the right path based on your interests and build a strong career foundation.
Check NowTotal Sets in CBSE Class 10 Board Exam
| Subject | Number of sets | Number of subsets |
|---|---|---|
Hindi | 5 | 3 |
English | 5 | 3 |
Mathematics | 5 | 3 |
Science | 5 | 3 |
Social Science | 5 | 3 |
CBSE Board Exam Class 12 Number of Sets
| Subjects | Number of sets | Number of subsets |
|---|---|---|
Hindi | 5 | 3 |
English | 5 | 3 |
Mathematics | 5 | 3 |
Accountancy | 5 | 3 |
Business Studies | 5 | 3 |
Economics | 5 | 3 |
Geography | 5 | 3 |
History | 5 | 3 |
Political Science | 5 | 3 |
Biology | 5 major sets and 1 set B for VI candidates | 3 |
Chemistry | 5 major sets and 1 set B for VI candidates | 3 |
Physics | 5 major sets and 1 set B for VI candidates | 3 |
Note: VI stands for Visually Impaired candidates.
Purpose of Sets in CBSE Exam
Multiple sets ensure that no particular group of students have access to the same questions. It promotes fairness in the examination and helps avoid unnecessary circumstances.
It also reduces the risk of question paper leaks before the exam and cheating during the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many sets of question papers does CBSE publish for board exams?
A:
The CBSE board publishes three sets of question papers for each subject.
Q: Will the different set numbers affect students’ performance in the examination?
A:
No, the set number will not affect the student’s performance as long as they are well prepared for the examination.
Q: What is the purpose of multiple sets?
A:
The multiple sets ensure fairness in the examination, enhance the security of the exam process and help avoid unnecessary circumstances such as risk of question paper leaks and cheating.
Articles
Related Stories
|
Upcoming School Exams
Certifications By Top Providers
Explore Top Universities Across Globe
Questions related to CBSE Class 10th
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to CBSE Class 10th ?
Dear Student,
The ALLEN Scholarship Admission Test (ASAT) 2026 Class 7 to 8 papers generally range from moderate to tough.
You can check Allen ASAT Syllabus 2026 - Check Allen Scholarship Syllabus Here
Dear Student,
Here is your CBSE Class 10 Science (Hindi Medium) Sample Paper with Solution 2025-26
Hi Akshat!
We have provided below the link to access CBSE Board Class 10th question papers:
https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-class-10-question-paper-2026
Dear Student,
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) sets the syllabus of Class 8 subjects with the latest chapters and topics. The syllabus is the key to academic success.
Download CBSE Class 8 Syllabus for 2025-26
Applications for Admissions are open.
As per latest syllabus. Physics formulas, equations, & laws of class 11 & 12th chapters
JEE Main Important Chemistry formulas
Get nowAs per latest syllabus. Chemistry formulas, equations, & laws of class 11 & 12th chapters
JEE Main high scoring chapters and topics
Get nowAs per latest 2024 syllabus. Study 40% syllabus and score upto 100% marks in JEE
JEE Main Important Mathematics Formulas
Get nowAs per latest syllabus. Maths formulas, equations, & theorems of class 11 & 12th chapters
CBSE Class 10th Notifications
Never miss CBSE Class 10th update
Get timely CBSE Class 10th updates directly to your inbox. Stay informed!