Download official CBSE Sample Papers for Academic Sessions 2026–27, 2025–26, 2024–25, and the 12-Year Previous Archive (2015–16 to 2026–27) with Marking Scheme PDF for Class 10 and Class 12. Released by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), these official Sample Question Papers (SQP) are aligned with the latest NEP 2020 examination pattern featuring 50% Competency-Based Questions.
📌 Official Academic Portals & Direct Subject Downloads:
CBSE’s Academic Unit has officially published the active Sample Question Papers (SQP) and Marking Schemes (MS) for Sessions 2024–25, 2025–26, and 2026–27 on cbseacademic.nic.in. All papers strictly maintain the 50% Competency-Focused Question pattern mandated under NEP 2020. Access the complete subject-wise PDFs below:
1. Official CBSE Academic Portals (Sessions 2026–27, 2025–26 & 2024–25)
Direct official links to the CBSE Academic Unit portals containing subject-wise question papers, blueprints, and evaluation rubrics:
| Academic Session | Class 10 Official Portal & Status | Class 12 Official Portal & Status |
|---|---|---|
| Session 2026–27 |
Official Class X 2026–27 Portal ➔ Design & Assessment Pattern Continues |
Official Class XII 2026–27 Portal ➔ Design & Assessment Pattern Continues |
| Session 2025–26 |
Official Class X 2025–26 Portal ➔ 65 Subjects • 50% Competency Pattern |
Official Class XII 2025–26 Portal ➔ 82 Subjects • 50% Competency Pattern |
| Session 2024–25 |
Official Class X 2024–25 Portal ➔ Full Academic SQP & Marking Scheme |
Official Class XII 2024–25 Portal ➔ Full Academic SQP & Marking Scheme |
2. Complete 12-Year CBSE Sample Papers & Marking Scheme Archive (2015–16 to 2026–27)
Following the official repository structure from https://www.cbse.gov.in/cbsenew/samplepaper.html, here is the complete 12-year archive of academic sample question papers and marking schemes:
| # | Academic Session | Class 10 Academic SQP & MS | Class 12 Academic SQP & MS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exam 2026–27 | Class X SQP & MS ➔ | Class XII SQP & MS ➔ |
| 2 | Exam 2025–26 | Class X SQP & MS ➔ | Class XII SQP & MS ➔ |
| 3 | Exam 2024–25 | Class X SQP & MS ➔ | Class XII SQP & MS ➔ |
| 4 | Exam 2023–24 | Class X SQP & MS ➔ | Class XII SQP & MS ➔ |
| 5 | Exam 2022–23 | Class X SQP & MS ➔ | Class XII SQP & MS ➔ |
| 6 | Exam 2021–22 (Term 1 & 2) | Class X SQP & MS ➔ | Class XII SQP & MS ➔ |
| 7 | Exam 2020–21 | Class X SQP & MS ➔ | Class XII SQP & MS ➔ |
| 8 | Exam 2019–20 | Class X SQP & MS ➔ | Class XII SQP & MS ➔ |
| 9 | Exam 2018–19 | Class X SQP & MS ➔ | Class XII SQP & MS ➔ |
| 10 | Exam 2017–18 | Class X SQP & MS ➔ | Class XII SQP & MS ➔ |
| 11 | Exam 2016–17 | Class X SQP & MS ➔ | Class XII SQP & MS ➔ |
| 12 | Exam 2015–16 | Class X SQP & MS ➔ | Class XII SQP & MS ➔ |
3. CBSE Board Exam Pattern & Blueprint (NEP 2020 Standard)
As per the official notifications issued on the CBSE Academic Unit portals for sessions 2024–25, 2025–26, and 2026–27, the examination structure remains strictly aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020):
- Competency-Focused Questions (50% Weightage): Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Case Studies, Source-Based Questions, and Assertion-Reasoning testing real-world concept application.
- Select Response Type Questions (20% Weightage): Direct objective questions testing core definitions and scientific principles.
- Constructed Response Questions (30% Weightage): Short Answer (SA) and Long Answer (LA) questions testing analytical derivation, step-by-step mathematical calculation, and clear reasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are the 2025–26 and 2026–27 sample papers released by CBSE?
Ans: Yes. CBSE has officially published dedicated academic portals on cbseacademic.nic.in for Class 10 and Class 12, explicitly confirming that the assessment scheme and question paper design continue under the 50% competency-based pattern.
Q2: Is the official Marking Scheme available for all subjects?
Ans: Yes. Every subject has a paired Marking Scheme (MS) PDF providing step-by-step marks allocation and teacher evaluation guidelines.
Q3: Where can I find chapter-wise NCERT solutions for board exam preparation?
Ans: You can download comprehensive chapter-wise solutions on NCERT Books PDF (Class 1 to 12).