CBSE 2027 Marks Distribution: Theory vs Practical Marks
On 5 November 2026, CBSE issued a circular (No. CBSE/Coord/Marks distribution/163685/2026-2027) listing, for every Class 10 and Class 12 subject in the 2026-27 examinations, how the 100 marks are split between the theory exam and the practical, project or internal assessment (IA). It also gives the length of each theory paper and the type of answer book students will write in. The circular is signed by CBSE's Controller of Examinations.
This guide pulls out the subjects most Keystone students take.
Who it applies to
- Students appearing for the CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board exams in 2027.
- Every subject carries 100 marks in total. The circular sets out how those 100 marks are divided.
When practicals and internal assessment take place
The circular gives this schedule for practical exams, project assessment and internal assessment:
| Schools | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Winter-bound schools | 9 November 2026 | 19 December 2026 |
| Regular session schools | 1 January 2027 | 13 February 2027 |
Corrected end date. The first version of this circular, posted on 5 November, printed the end date for regular session schools as "13.12.2027". CBSE has since uploaded a revised copy of the same circular on its website, which gives the dates as 01.01.2027 to 13.02.2027. Unless your school follows the winter-bound session, this is the window that applies to your child.
Class 10: the main subjects
| Subject (code) | Theory | Internal assessment | Theory paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language & Literature (184) | 80 | 20 | 3 hours |
| English Communicative (101) | 80 | 20 | 3 hours |
| Hindi Course-A (002) / Course-B (085) | 80 | 20 | 3 hours |
| Gujarati (010) | 80 | 20 | 3 hours |
| Sanskrit (122) | 80 | 20 | 3 hours |
| Mathematics Standard (041) | 80 | 20 | 3 hours |
| Mathematics Basic (241) | 80 | 20 | 3 hours |
| Science (086) | 80 | 20 | 3 hours |
| Social Science (087) | 80 | 20 | 3 hours |
| French (018) / German (020) | 80 | 20 | 3 hours |
A few Class 10 subjects are split differently:
| Subject (code) | Theory | Practical / Project | Theory paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Applications (165) | 50 | 50 practical | 2 hours |
| Artificial Intelligence (417) | 50 | 50 practical | 2 hours |
| Information Technology (402) | 50 | 50 practical | 2 hours |
| Data Science (419) | 50 | 50 practical | 2 hours |
| Home Science (064) | 70 | 30 practical | 3 hours |
| Elements of Business (154) | 70 | 30 project | 3 hours |
| Elements of Book Keeping & Accountancy (254) | 70 | 30 project | 3 hours |
For every Class 10 subject, the circular says no external examiner will be appointed for the practical or project, and CBSE will not supply practical answer books. The school conducts these with its own teachers.
Class 12: Science subjects
| Subject (code) | Theory | Practical | Theory paper | External examiner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics (042) | 70 | 30 | 3 hours | Yes |
| Chemistry (043) | 70 | 30 | 3 hours | Yes |
| Biology (044) | 70 | 30 | 3 hours | Yes |
| Biotechnology (045) | 70 | 30 | 3 hours | Yes |
| Computer Science (083) | 70 | 30 | 3 hours | Yes |
| Informatics Practices (065) | 70 | 30 | 3 hours | Yes |
| Physical Education (048) | 70 | 30 | 3 hours | Yes |
| Mathematics (041) | 80 | 20 (IA) | 3 hours | No |
Class 12: Commerce and Humanities subjects
| Subject (code) | Theory | Project / IA | Theory paper | External examiner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accountancy (055) | 80 | 20 project | 3 hours | Yes |
| Business Studies (054) | 80 | 20 project | 3 hours | Yes |
| Economics (030) | 80 | 20 project | 3 hours | Yes |
| Applied Mathematics (241) | 80 | 20 IA | 3 hours | No |
| Entrepreneurship (066) | 70 | 30 IA | 3 hours | Yes |
| History (027) | 80 | 20 project | 3 hours | Yes |
| Political Science (028) | 80 | 20 project | 3 hours | Yes |
| Sociology (039) | 80 | 20 project | 3 hours | Yes |
| Legal Studies (074) | 80 | 20 project | 3 hours | No |
| Geography (029) | 70 | 30 practical | 3 hours | Yes |
| Psychology (037) | 70 | 30 practical | 3 hours | Yes |
Class 12: languages
English Core (301), Hindi Core (302), Sanskrit Core (322) and Gujarati (110) are each 80 theory + 20 internal assessment, with a 3-hour paper and no external examiner.
Answer books in the theory exam
- Most 3-hour papers are written in a 32-page answer book.
- Mathematics (Class 10 Standard and Basic, Class 12 Mathematics and Applied Mathematics) uses a 40-page answer book with graph pages.
- Most 2-hour papers, such as Class 10 Computer Applications and Artificial Intelligence, use a 20-page answer book.
Why CBSE has issued this
The circular says schools sometimes make mistakes while uploading practical, project and internal assessment marks. The list is meant to make sure students know the maximum marks for theory and for each internal component, and know how much time they have for each theory paper, "so that they can prepare and complete their theory examinations well within the scheduled time".
What parents and students should do now
- Know your theory target. In Class 12 Physics, Chemistry and Biology, the theory paper is out of 70. In Class 10 Mathematics and Science, it is out of 80. Plan practice papers to that total and that time limit.
- Do not neglect the internal marks. In Class 12 Science subjects, 30 of every 100 marks come from the practical, which an external examiner will assess. Keep the practical file and project work up to date.
- Practise in the real format. Mathematics students should get used to writing in an answer book with graph pages, and Computer Applications or AI students should practise finishing a 50-mark paper in 2 hours.
- Check the practical dates with your school. Practicals for regular session schools run from 1 January 2027 to 13 February 2027. Your school will share its own schedule within this window.
Our guides to CBSE's two board exams for Class 10 and CBSE Circular 70/2026 for Class 9 and 10 explain other recent CBSE changes.
CBSE Classes 10 and 12 at Keystone
Keystone Neev teaches Classes 7 to 10 for CBSE, GSEB and ICSE students. For Classes 11 and 12, Science Horizon and Keystone Commerce prepare students for their board exams. Each student has their own Mera Personal Mentor WhatsApp group, so parents see test results and attendance as they happen. Visit your nearest Keystone branch to know more.
Frequently asked questions
How many marks is the CBSE Class 10 Maths theory paper in 2027?
80 marks, with 20 marks for internal assessment. This applies to both Mathematics Standard (041) and Mathematics Basic (241). The paper is 3 hours long.
What is the theory and practical split for Class 12 Physics, Chemistry and Biology?
70 marks theory and 30 marks practical in each, with a 3-hour theory paper. CBSE will appoint an external examiner for the practical.
How are Class 12 Accountancy, Business Studies and Economics marked?
80 marks theory and 20 marks project in each, with a 3-hour theory paper and an external examiner for the project.
When do CBSE practical exams start for 2027?
For regular session schools, from 1 January 2027 to 13 February 2027. For winter-bound schools, from 9 November to 19 December 2026.
Will an external examiner come for Class 10 practicals?
No. For all Class 10 subjects, the circular says no external examiner will be appointed. Schools conduct the practical, project and internal assessment with their own teachers.
How long is the CBSE Class 10 Computer Applications or AI paper?
2 hours, for 50 theory marks. The other 50 marks are for the practical.
Source: CBSE Circular No. CBSE/Coord/Marks distribution/163685/2026-2027, 5 November 2026; CBSE circular on practical exams for winter-bound schools, 5 November 2026
