CBSE Sample Paper 2027 (Class 10 & 12): Official SQP, Marking Scheme

The CBSE sample paper 2027 is out: CBSE has released official sample question papers (SQPs) and marking schemes for Class 10 and Class 12 for the 2026-27 session. They are free on cbseacademic.nic.in, and CBSE says there is no change in the paper design or assessment pattern this year.

This guide explains what has been released, where to find it, the paper pattern for Physics, Chemistry and Maths, and how to use these papers calmly alongside JEE Main 2027 preparation. It also gives the current status of the board exam dates.

Is the CBSE sample paper 2027 released?

Yes. CBSE issued a notification dated 21 September 2026 announcing that sample question papers and marking schemes for Classes X and XII for the 2026-27 session are now available. These are the papers meant for the board exams you will write in 2027, so this is the right set to use.

The notification makes three points worth knowing:

• Purpose: SQPs give a broad template of the question paper design and help schools cover the full curriculum.
• No change in pattern: there is no change in the question paper design and assessment pattern for 2026-27.
• Same passing rules: the passing criteria remain the same as those for 2025-26.

So if you have seen last year's sample papers, the structure will feel familiar. The questions themselves are new.

Where can you download the CBSE sample paper 2026-27?

Download them only from cbseacademic.nic.in, CBSE's academic website. From the home page, open the Sample Question Paper menu and choose "Class XII 2026-27" or "Class X 2026-27". Each subject row has a Sample Question Paper link and a Marking Scheme link.

Many subjects, including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology, also have Hindi-medium versions. When we checked on 29 September 2026, a few regional-language subjects did not yet open a working file. If a link fails, try again later rather than downloading from an unknown site.

Sample papers shared on WhatsApp or Telegram may be edited or old. The official files are free, so there is no reason to use any other copy.

Also readJEE Main Chemistry Chapter-wise Quiz: Physical and Organic

Which Class 12 subjects have sample papers for 2027?

Almost every Class 12 subject has a sample paper and marking scheme for 2026-27. For science students aiming at JEE, the key ones are Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English Core and your fifth subject, such as Computer Science, Informatics Practices, Physical Education or Biology.

Here is the pattern of the three PCM papers, taken from the first page of each official sample paper:

All three papers have internal choices in some questions, and calculators are not allowed. Chemistry also says log tables are not allowed. Applied Mathematics has its own sample paper for students who took it instead of Mathematics.

What do the Class 10 sample papers look like?

The Class 10 page covers Science, Mathematics Standard and Basic, Social Science, English, Hindi, and many languages and skill subjects. Science has 39 questions for 80 marks in 3 hours, split into Biology, Chemistry and Physics sections. Mathematics Standard has 38 questions for 80 marks in 3 hours.

If you are in Class 10 and thinking about JEE later, do not start JEE-level work under pressure now. A strong Class 10 base in Science and Maths Standard, and a calm board exam, is the best preparation for Class 11. CBSE's LOC circular for 2026-27 says the first Class 10 board exam will be held in February-March 2027.

How should you use CBSE sample papers alongside JEE Main 2027?

Use the sample papers to learn the board answer style and to check your NCERT basics, not to replace JEE practice. A simple rhythm is one board-style paper a week, with the rest of your time on JEE Main. After JEE Main Session 1 in late January, move more time to board papers.

1. First read, now: go through each PCM paper and its marking scheme without timing yourself. Notice where step marks are given.
2. Link to the JEE syllabus: most board chapters are also in JEE Main. Our JEE Main 2027 syllabus guide shows the official units, so you can see where the two overlap.
3. Weekly practice: keep one weekend slot for a full board paper in one subject. Follow a JEE plan on other days, such as our 100-day study plan for JEE Main 2027.
4. Check with the marking scheme: JEE aspirants often lose board marks by writing only the final answer. The scheme shows the expected working.
5. Chemistry theory: NCERT-based questions in the Chemistry sample paper are useful for JEE Main too, especially inorganic and organic reactions.

Board marks matter for JEE admissions. NIT, IIIT and IIT seats need at least 75% in Class 12 (65% for SC, ST and PwD) or a top-20 percentile position in your board. Our guide to the 75% criteria explains this.

You do not need to solve every paper this week. Steady practice over the next few months works better than a rush. If you feel anxious, take a short break and talk to a parent, teacher or school counsellor.

Also readJEE Mains 2027 Registration & Notification: Status on 11 Oct 2026

When is the CBSE board exam 2027?

CBSE has not released the 2027 date sheet. As of 29 September 2026, cbse.gov.in shows no Class 10 or Class 12 schedule. News reports now expect the date sheet in October or November 2026; that is a reported expectation, not an official date.

For reference, the 2026 board exams started on 17 February 2026 for both classes. JEE Main 2027 Session 1 is on 22-30 January 2027 as per NTA's tentative calendar, so on last year's pattern, theory papers are unlikely to clash with it. We track the status and clash check on our CBSE date sheet 2027 and JEE Main clash page.

What should you do next?

The CBSE sample paper 2027 set is the most reliable guide to your board exam pattern, and it is free. Download the official files, use them steadily, and keep your JEE plan running in parallel.

• Download Physics, Chemistry, Maths and English sample papers with marking schemes from cbseacademic.nic.in.
• Read each paper once this week, without a timer, to understand the pattern.
• Plan one board-style paper each weekend alongside JEE preparation.
• Check your answers with the marking scheme, not just the final answer.
• Check cbse.gov.in, not social media, for the date sheet.
• Keep your options open with our guide to colleges for a low JEE Main rank, so one exam never feels like everything.