Marking a new era in education in India, the Central Board of Secondary Education has announced new exam patterns for class 9, 10, 11, 12. The biggest change is introduction of Competency Based Questions. This aims at moving towards a Competency Based Education, which has been much talked about in the National Education Policy 2020.
The exam pattern notified in the circular will apply to year end theory / board examination.
Click Here to Download CBSE’s Official Circular on Competency Based Questions
New Exam Pattern for Class 9, 10:
- 30% Questions will be Competency Based Questions. They can be Multiple Choice Questions, Case- Based
Questions, Source Based Integrated Questions or any other types. - 20% Questions will be Objective Questions.
- And Remaining 50% will be Short Answer/ Long Answer Questions- (as per existing pattern)
The existing / old pattern is/was as follows:
- 20% – Objective, including MCQs
- 20% – Case based or source based
- And rest 60% – Short / long answer type
New Exam Pattern for Class 11, 12:
- 20% Questions will be Competency Based Questions. They can be Multiple Choice Questions, Case- Based
Questions, Source Based Integrated Questions or any other types. - 20% Questions will be Objective Questions.
- And Remaining 60% will be Short Answer/ Long Answer Questions- (as per existing pattern)
The existing / old pattern is/was as follows:
- 20% – Objective, including MCQs
- 10% – Case based or source based
- And rest 70% – Short / long answer type
There will be no change in exam duration, and no change in total marks.
These changes will be applicable from session 2021-22.
You can read the complete circular here.

