“CBSE Board Exams (Class 11-12) 2025-26: The Growing Role of Competency-Based Questions”

 

CBSE Reforms: Competency-Based Questions in Class 11-12 Exams (2025-26)

What Are Competency-Based Questions (CBQs)?

  • Questions that go beyond memorization; they test your ability to understand, apply, analyze, and synthesize knowledge.

  • Types include MCQs, case-based questions, source-based integrated questions, or real-life scenario questions. Vedantu+3Hindustan Times+3Jagranjosh.com+3

What’s the New Pattern (2024-25 Onwards)

CBSE has introduced some big changes in the exam pattern for Classes 11-12, especially for 2024-25 and continuing into 2025-26:

ComponentOld Pattern (before 2024-25)New Pattern (2024-25 & 2025-26)
Weightage of Competency-Based Questions (case-based, source-based etc.)~ 40% of theory paper Hindustan Times+1Increased to 50% MTG Learning Media Resources+2foundationschool.edu.in+2
MCQs / Select Response Type QuestionsAround 20% Hindustan Times+1Still 20% explicitly for MCQs among the total, separate from case/source-based CBQs Hindustan Times+2Jagranjosh.com+2
Traditional Descriptive / Constructed Response Questions (short answer + long answer)~ 40% of paper Hindustan Times+1Reduced to 30% MTG Learning Media Resources+2foundationschool.edu.in+2

Why This Change? (The Rationale)

  • Aligns with NEP-2020 (National Education Policy) aim to reduce rote learning and promote deeper conceptual understanding. Hindustan Times+1

  • To get students ready for real-life problems: thinking, applying, analyzing, not just recalling facts. Hindustan Times+1

  • To make assessment more holistic and fairer — not just rewarding how well somebody can memorize. foundationschool.edu.in+1

What It Means for Students’ Preparation

  • Conceptual clarity is essential: Understand why things work, not just what works. Help will come from NCERT, sample papers, discussions.

  • Practice new formats: Case-based questions, source-integrated questions, MCQs plus scenario-based questions must be part of every mock test. Hindustan Times+1

  • Improve time management: CBQs can take longer to read and analyze. Practice under timed conditions so you don’t get stuck.

  • Revise older patterns too: Although confidence will come from new formats, traditional short/long answer types still make up ~30%, so don’t ignore them.

  • Use sample papers and marking schemes: CBSE has released sample question papers for 2025-26 that match this new pattern. They are gold mines for understanding what kinds of CBQs appear. Vedantu+1

Possible Blog Outline

  1. Introduction: Problem with old rote system → change needed

  2. Definition: What are CBQs / real examples

  3. New Pattern Overview: 50% CBQs, 20% MCQs, 30% descriptive

  4. Why Change Came: NEP-2020, skills needed in real world

  5. How Students Should Adapt: Study methods & sample paper practice

  6. Tips for Success

    • Break down syllabus unit-wise

    • Solve mostly new-pattern questions

    • Get comfortable with reading case materials, interpreting data etc.

  7. Conclusion: This is a shift but with the right strategy, it can work in your favor

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