The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) Class 10 Matriculation Examination 2026 is a landmark in the modernization of secondary education in Punjab . Every year, lakhs of students take this examination and it is one of the major academic examinations .
The PSEB Class 10 Matriculation Examination 2026 is significant as many educational reforms are being implemented , such as digital evaluation, competency – based question patterns, and alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, for the fair and transparent evaluation of the students.
In this article, you will get a detailed idea about the PSEB Class 10 Exam 2026, such as the dates, subjects, pattern, evaluation and passing criteria for the PSEB Class 10 Exam 2026.
PSEB Class 10 Exam 2026 Schedule
The Punjab School Education Board has carefully structured the exam timeline to give students enough preparation time between major subjects .
The Theory examinations will be conducted from March 6 to April 1, 2026, while practical examinations were held earlier in February 2026 .
All theory exams follow a single morning shift from 11 : 00 AM to 2 :15 PM across exam centers in Punjab.
Key Exam Dates
| Date | Subject |
| March 6, 2026 | Social Science |
| March 9, 2026 | Punjabi A / Punjab History
& Culture |
| March 11, 2026 | English |
| March 13, 2026 | Hindi / Urdu |
| March 16, 2026 | Science |
| March 19, 2026 | Punjabi B |
| March 24, 2026 | Mathematics |
| March 27, 2026 | Computer Science |
| April 1, 2026 | Health & Physical Education |
One important feature of the schedule is the 8 – day gap between Science and Mathematics exams, allowing students sufficient time to prepare for these critical subjects.
Students are also provided 15 minutes to read the question paper before starting the exam.
Practical Examinations and Skill Assessment
Practical exams for subjects such as Science , Computer Science and Home Science were conducted between February 2 and February 12, 2026.
These exams are crucial because they contribute 20% of the total marks in many subjects.
Regular students usually take practical exams in their own schools, while private and open school candidates are assigned designated centers by the board.
The practical component ensures that students are evaluated not only on theory but also on practical knowledge and application – based skills.
PSEB Class 10 Subjects and Curriculum Structure
The PSEB Class 10 curriculum includes eight subjects, divided into two categories.
Group A – Compulsory Subjects
Students must pass all subjects in this group to receive their matriculation certificate.
Core subjects include :
- Punjabi A and Punjabi B (or Punjab History & Culture)
- English
- Hindi or Urdu
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Science
These subjects build foundational knowledge in languages, science, mathematics and social studies.
Group B – Elective or Vocational Subjects
Students must choose two subjects from this category.
Options include :
- Sanskrit, French, German, Urdu
- Music (Vocal / Instrumental)
- Drawing and Painting
- Home Science
- Agriculture
- Computer Science
- NSQF vocational subjects such as Retail, Automotive, Healthcare, IT/ITES, Tourism and Beauty and Wellness.
These electives provide opportunities for skill development and vocational exposure.
New Examination Pattern for 2026
One of the most significant changes in the 2026 exams is the shift toward competency – based assessment.
Key Changes
- Reduced Objective Questions
Previously, multiple – choice questions formed up to 40% of the paper. In 2026, this has been reduced to around 25%, encouraging descriptive and analytical answers.
- Questions from Entire Chapters
Students can no longer rely only on textbook exercises. Around 25% of questions are taken from within the chapter content, requiring deeper standing.
- Balanced Difficulty Level
The question paper is designed with a new difficulty distribution :
- 30% Easy
- 40% Moderate
- 30% Difficult
This ensures a fair yet challenging assessment for students.
Digital Evaluation with On-Screen Marking (OSM)
A major innovation introduced in 2026 is the On – Screen Marking (OSM) system for digital evaluation.
Punjab has become one of the first state boards in India to adopt this technology.
How OSM Works
- QR Codes on Answer Sheets – Each page contains a unique code for tracking.
- Scanning and Digital Upload – Answer sheets are scanned and uploaded to a secure portal .
- Online Evaluation – Teachers evaluate scripts digitally using standardized marking guidelines.
Benefits of Digital Evaluation
- Faster result processing
- Reduced human calculation errors
- Greater transparency
- Improved security of answer scripts
Initially, the system is being tested for selected subjects and may expand to all subjects in future exams.
PSEB Class 10 Passing Criteria
To pass the PSEB Class 10 examination, students must meet the following conditions:
- Minimum Subject Marks :
Students must score at least 33% in each subject.
- Separate Theory and Practical Passing :
Candidates must obtain 33% in theory and practical components separately.
- Overall Aggregate :
An overall 33% aggregate across all subjects is required to pass the exam.
Grading System
The PSEB uses a 10 – point grading scale to evaluate student performance.
| Marks Range | Grade |
| 91 – 100 | A+ |
| 81 – 90 | A |
| 71 – 80 | B+ |
| 61 – 70 | B |
| 51 – 60 | C+ |
| 41 – 50 | C |
| 33 – 40 | D |
Students scoring below 33% receive an E grade, indicating that improvement is required.
Result Declaration and Supplementary Exams
Punjab Board Result. The PSEB Class 10 results 2026 are expected to be released in May 2026.
Students can check their results through the official board website using their roll number.
If a student fails in one / two subjects, they can appear for supplementary exams , usually conducted in July or August . Passing these exams allows students to continue their education without losing an academic year.
Conclusion
The PSEB Class 10 Exam 2026 represents a significant transformation in Punjab’s education system. With the introduction of digital evaluation, competency – based questions and vocational subject options, the board is moving toward a more modern and transparent assessment system .
For students, this means focusing on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization . With proper preparation and awareness of the new exam pattern, candidates can perform well and take their first step toward higher secondary education and future career opportunities.
FAQs
1. When will the PSEB Class 10 exams 2026 be conducted?
The PSEB Class 10 theory exams were held from March 6 to April 1, 2026, while practical exams were conducted in February 2026 .
2. What are the passing marks for PSEB Class 10 exams?
Students must score at least 33% marks in each subject, including theory and practical components separately.
3. What is the new exam pattern for PSEB 2026?
The 2026 exam pattern focuses on conceptual understanding, with reduced MCQs, more descriptive questions and questions from the entire chapter content.
4. What is the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system in PSEB exams?
OSM is a digital evaluation system where answer sheets are scanned and evaluated online to ensure faster results and improved accuracy.
5. When will the PSEB Class 10 result 2026 be announced?
The results are expected to be released in May 2026 on the official PSEB website.