CBSE Board Exams 2025: Important FAQs

Get answers to common CBSE board exam questions for 2025, including rules on whiteners, gel pens, exam patterns, and more!

Presentation Marks

No extra marks for presentation, but neat, well-organized answers with key points underlined improve readability.

Pre-Board Failure & Board Exam Eligibility

Failing in pre-boards does not prevent a student from appearing in board exams if they meet other eligibility criteria.

Pre-Board Marks in Board Exams

Pre-board exam marks are not counted in final board exam results.

                                               

Use of Whitener & Gel Pen

Whitener is not allowed. Blue or royal blue ink gel pens can be used for writing answers.

Reappearing in Board Exams

Failed students can reappear as private candidates or regular school students. More info: www.cbse.nic.in.

Exceeding Word Limit & Spelling Errors

No marks are deducted for exceeding the word limit, but spelling errors affect language paper scores.

Board Sample Papers & Questions

Exam questions may come from any part of the syllabus, not just from CBSE sample papers.

Answering Sequence

Students can answer in any order but must write the correct question number.

                                               

Extra Sheets for Answers

Yes, students will receive additional sheets if needed.

                                                    

Writing in One’s Own Language

Answers must be relevant, within the word limit, and follow question instructions.

Attempting Both Choices in a Question

Follow instructions. Attempting both choices wastes time and may confuse the examiner.

Repeating Practical Exams

If a student fails theory, they need to reappear only for theory. Practical marks are carried forward.

Writing Board Exams in Hindi

Students opting for Hindi medium will not lose marks.

                                                

Difficulty Level of Class 10 Boards

CBSE ensures similar difficulty levels between school-based and board-conducted exams.

Compartment Exams for Class 12

Students get three chances to clear compartment exams: July (same year), March/April, and July (next year).

Class 12 Pass Criteria

Students must pass all five subjects under CBSE’s Scheme of Studies to be declared as passed.