CBSE Sample Papers 2026 | Class 10, 12 SQPs & Marking Schemes out @ cbseacademic.nic.in

CBSE Sample Papers 2026 : Hello students! Are you preparing for the CBSE board exams in 2026? If yes, CBSE Sample Papers 2026 are here to help you. These papers are very important for your exam preparation. They show you what kind of questions will come in the exams. They also help you practice and get better. In this article, we will talk about CBSE Sample Papers 2026 in simple words. We will cover when they were released, how to download them, why they are useful, and the important exam dates. Let’s get started!

What Are CBSE Sample Papers?

CBSE Sample Papers are model question papers made by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). These papers are like practice tests for the board exams. They help students understand the exam pattern. They show the types of questions, like multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answers, and long answers. They also tell you how marks are given for each question. By solving these papers, students can prepare well and feel ready for the exams.

When Were CBSE Sample Papers 2026 Released?

The CBSE Sample Papers for the 2025-26 academic year were released on July 31, 2025. This is great news for students! You can now download these papers and start practicing. They are available for all classes from 6 to 12. You can find papers for subjects like Mathematics, Science, Social Science, English, Hindi, and more.

Where to Find CBSE Sample Papers 2026

CBSE Sample Papers 2026 Download Link

You can download CBSE Sample Papers 2026 from the official CBSE website, cbseacademic.nic.in. Other websites also provide these papers with solutions. Some trusted websites are:

• Selfstudys
• Educart
• LearnCBSE

These websites offer sample papers in PDF format. Some even include step-by-step solutions to help you understand better.

How to Download CBSE Sample Papers 2026

Downloading CBSE Sample Papers 2026 is easy. Follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the official CBSE website: cbseacademic.nic.in
2. Look for the notice that says “CBSE Sample Paper 2026”
3. Click on the notice to go to a new page with PDF files
4. Choose your class (like Class 10 or Class 12)
5. Select the subject you want (like Mathematics or English)
6. Download the Sample Question Paper (SQP) and Marking Scheme (MS)
7. Print a hard copy for practice

It’s that simple! Make sure you have a PDF reader on your device to open the files.

Why Are CBSE Sample Papers Important?

CBSE Sample Papers 2026 are very helpful for students. Here are some reasons why you should use them:

• Know the Exam Pattern: Sample papers show you how the question paper will look. You can see the number of questions, their types, and how marks are given.
• Practice Questions: Solving sample papers gives you practice. You can try different types of questions and get better at answering them.
• Manage Time: Practicing with sample papers helps you learn how to finish the exam on time. You can decide how much time to spend on each question.
• Check Your Progress: After solving a paper, you can use the marking scheme to check your answers. This helps you find your mistakes and improve.
• Feel Confident: The more you practice, the less nervous you will feel. Sample papers make you ready for the real exam.

Important Dates for CBSE Board Exams 2026

Knowing the exam dates is very important. Here are the draft dates for CBSE 2026 board exams:

For Class 10

• Exam Start Date: February 17, 2026 (Tuesday)
• Key Dates:
  • February 17, 2026: Mathematics
  • February 19, 2026: First Phase – Other Subjects
  • February 21, 2026: Social Science
  • February 23, 2026: Second Phase – Other Subjects
  • February 25, 2026: Science
  • February 27, 2026: Hindi
  • March 2, 2026: English
  • March 3, 2026: Third Phase – Other Subjects

For Class 12

• Exam Dates: From February 17, 2026, to March 6, 2026
• Key Dates:
  • February 17, 2026: Minor Subject (Exam-1)
  • February 18, 2026: Major Subject (Exam-2)
  • February 19, 2026: Minor Subject (Exam-3)
  • February 20, 2026: Major Subject (Exam-4)
  • February 21, 2026: Minor Subject (Exam-5)
  • February 23, 2026: Minor Subject (Exam-6)
  • February 24, 2026: Major Subject (Exam-7)
  • February 25, 2026: Minor Subject (Exam-8)
  • February 26, 2026: Major Subject (Exam-9)
  • February 27, 2026: Minor Subject (Exam-10)
  • February 28, 2026: Major Subject (Exam-11)
  • March 2, 2026: Minor Subject (Exam-12)
  • March 5, 2026: Major Subject (Exam-14)
  • March 6, 2026: Minor Subject (Exam-15)

Improvement Exams

• Second Phase Start: May 2026
• Results Expected: By June 30, 2026

New Changes in CBSE 2026 Exams

CBSE has introduced some changes for the 2026 board exams. Here’s what you need to know:

• Two Exam Opportunities: You can take the main exam and an improvement exam if you want to score better.
• Modular Exams: Exams will cover less material at a time. They will happen after you finish the course.
• Two-Level Exams: Core subjects like Mathematics and Science will have Standard and Higher levels.
• Question Paper Format: Papers will have both MCQs and descriptive questions.
• Subject Grouping: Major subjects like Science, Mathematics, Social Science, Hindi, and English have fixed dates. Other subjects are spread over two or three days.
• Practical Assessments: These will happen only once. The scores will count for both main and improvement exams.
• No Self-Centres: You will not take exams at your own school.
• No Special Exams: Only two scheduled exams will be available. No extra exams will be held.

Links and Resources

Here is a table with useful links for CBSE Sample Papers 2026:

Tips for Using CBSE Sample Papers

Here are some tips to make the most of CBSE Sample Papers 2026:

• Start Early: Begin practicing now to cover all subjects.
• Set a Timer: Solve papers within the exam time limit to practice time management.
• Check Answers: Use the marking scheme to see where you went wrong.
• Focus on Weak Areas: Spend more time on subjects or topics you find hard.
• Ask for Help: If you don’t understand something, ask your teachers or friends.