NewsIMTSCBSE Class 11 Exam Pattern 2026 with Marking Scheme and Topic-wise Weightage was released by the Central Board of Secondary Education on 15 May this year. The new pattern emphasizes competency-based learning with focus on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization. The exam structure includes a balanced mix of MCQs, short answer, and long answer questions. Competency-based questions (CBQs) will assess application and analysis skills while traditional constructed-response questions continue with adjusted weightage. Subject-wise patterns follow Class 12 board exam formats with specific topic distributions for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English. The pattern incorporates six cognitive levels: remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating. Students must pay attention to internal choices provided in some questions and follow specific instructions for diagrams and word limits in their answers. (Updated 1 Nov 2025, 17:21 IST; source: link)
New CBSE Class 11 Exam Pattern Shifts to Competency Focus
The Central Board of Secondary Education released a new exam pattern for Class 11 (2026) on May 15, 2023, marking a significant shift toward competency-based learning. This updated approach prioritizes students' conceptual understanding rather than memorization skills. The exam structure now includes a balanced combination of multiple-choice questions, short answers, and long answer questions. This pattern aligns with the Class 12 board exam format, helping students prepare gradually for their final school examinations. The new system aims to develop deeper subject knowledge and critical thinking abilities among students.
Six Cognitive Levels Shape the Assessment Structure
The new CBSE pattern incorporates six distinct cognitive levels to assess students comprehensively: remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating. Competency-based questions (CBQs) will specifically test students' application and analytical skills, while traditional constructed-response questions remain with adjusted weightage. Subject-specific patterns include tailored topic distributions for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English. Students should note that some questions will offer internal choices, and they must follow specific instructions regarding diagrams and word limits in their answers. This structured approach helps develop various thinking skills.
Key Points
- CBSE Class 11 Exam Pattern 2026 with Marking Scheme and Topic-wise Weightage was released by the Central Board of Secondary Education on 15 May this year.
- Subject-wise patterns follow Class 12 board exam formats with specific topic distributions for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English.
- The new pattern emphasizes competency-based learning with focus on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization.