MP Board Exams 2026 to Get Tougher with New Pattern
From the 2026 academic session, students appearing for Class 10 and 12 board exams under the Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) will face a higher level of difficulty. Similar to the CBSE system, the MP Board will revise its question paper format, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP).
CBSE-Level Examination Pattern Coming to MP Board
- New pattern to be implemented from the 2026 board exams.
- Difficulty level to be increased by 20%.
- Focus will shift from rote learning to critical thinking and application-based questions.
Why the Change?
A recent NCERT survey found that MP Board exams were relatively easier than other state boards. This disparity has reportedly led to MP students struggling to gain admission in colleges and universities outside the state. To address this, MPBSE will now bring its examination standards closer to national levels.
New Question Paper Structure
- Earlier Format: 15% difficult, 45% moderate, 40% easy questions
- New Format (from 2026): 20% difficult, 40% moderate, 40% easy questions
- Difficult questions will test understanding, application, creativity, and reasoning — not memory.
Example of New-Type Questions
Earlier, questions were based on definitions, like “Define distance.” Now, students may be asked application-based questions such as: “If it takes 10 minutes to walk 1 km, how far can you go in an hour?” This requires real-world thinking, not just memorization.
Training for Question Setters
MPBSE is training groups of teachers in each subject to frame questions based on the new pattern. Currently, science teachers are undergoing training. Question paper setting and printing are typically finalized 1.5 months before the exams, which are scheduled to begin from 7 February 2026.
Goal of the Reform
The main aim is to reduce rote memorization and develop students' analytical and creative thinking skills, in alignment with the NEP (National Education Policy).