NIOS Board Class X Exam Exam Pattern 2027
NIOS Board Class X Exam Exam Pattern
The NIOS Secondary (Class X) Board Examination 2027 is conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) twice a year — in April-May and October-November — in offline, pen-and-paper mode. Each subject paper carries a maximum of 100 marks, divided into 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA). The exam has no negative marking, and students must secure at least 33% in both the theory paper and TMA separately to pass. For the latest updates, visit the official website at nios.ac.in.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) |
| Exam Level | Secondary (Class X / 10th Equivalent) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Exam Sessions per Year | 2 — April-May and October-November |
| Duration per Subject | 3 hours |
| Total Marks per Subject | 100 (Theory: 80 + TMA: 20) |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Minimum Pass Marks | 33% in theory + 33% in TMA (separately) |
| Official Website | nios.ac.in |
- The NIOS Class X 2027 exam is a 3-hour offline pen-and-paper test held in two sessions per year — April-May and October-November.
- Each subject carries 100 marks in total: 80 marks for the theory paper and 20 marks for TMA (Tutor Marked Assignment, assessed at the NIOS study centre).
- Subjects with a practical component (such as Science and Technology) have a 70-mark theory paper, 10 marks for practical, and 20 marks for TMA.
- There is no negative marking in the NIOS Class X exam for any section or question type — attempt every question.
- The theory paper is divided into three sections: Section A (Objective, 20 marks), Section B (Short Answer), and Section C (Long Answer).
- Students must secure a minimum of 33% in the theory paper and 33% in TMA separately to pass each subject.
- You need to pass a minimum of 5 subjects — including at least one language subject — to earn the NIOS Secondary Certificate.
| Direct Link to NIOS Official Website 2027 | Link |
|---|---|
| NIOS Official Website — Secondary Exam Information | Click Here |
Table of Contents
- NIOS Class X Exam Pattern 2027: Overview
- NIOS Class X Exam Pattern 2027: Important Dates
- NIOS Class X 2027: Detailed Exam Pattern
- NIOS Class X Marking Scheme 2027
- NIOS Class X Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2027
- NIOS Class X Question Types 2027
- NIOS Class X Exam Pattern: Changes in 2027 vs Previous Year
- How to Prepare Based on NIOS Class X Exam Pattern
- NIOS Class X Exam Pattern FAQs
NIOS Class X Exam Pattern 2027: Overview
The NIOS Class X exam pattern 2027 follows an offline pen-and-paper format with no negative marking, consistent with the structure NIOS has maintained in recent years. The exam is conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) under the Secondary programme and gives students the flexibility to appear in two sessions per year — April-May and October-November. Each subject has its own independent question paper, and students can appear in one or more subjects per session.
The NIOS Class X 2027 theory exam is a 3-hour offline paper carrying 80 marks, with an additional 20 marks awarded through TMA, making the total 100 marks per subject.
NIOS Class X Exam Pattern 2027: Key Details
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) conducts the Class X (Secondary) examination in offline mode. The exam is held in pen and paper format.
The exam is conducted twice a year, in April-May and October-November sessions. Each subject paper has a duration of 3 hours.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Conducting Body | National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) |
| Level | Secondary (Class X / 10th Equivalent) |
| Exam Sessions per Year | 2 (April-May and October-November) |
| Duration per Subject | 3 hours |
| Theory Marks (standard subjects) | 80 marks |
| Theory Marks (practical subjects) | 70 marks |
| TMA Marks | 20 marks |
| Practical Marks (applicable subjects only) | 10 marks |
| Total Marks per Subject | 100 marks |
| Number of Sections in Theory Paper | 3 (Section A, Section B, Section C) |
| Question Types | Objective, Short Answer, Long Answer |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Minimum Pass Marks | 33% in theory + 33% in TMA (separately) |
| Medium of Exam | Hindi, English, Urdu, and select Regional Languages |
| Minimum Subjects for Certificate | 5 subjects (including at least 1 language) |
NIOS Class X Exam Pattern 2027: Important Dates
NIOS conducts its Secondary (Class X) examination in two sessions every year. The April-May 2027 session and the October-November 2027 session are both scheduled for 2027.
As of July 2026, NIOS has not released the official 2027 schedule. The dates below are expected based on NIOS's past session calendar. Students should check nios.ac.in regularly for confirmed announcements and any changes to the schedule.
April-May 2027 Session — Expected Important Dates
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Online Admission / Registration Opens | August 2026 (Expected) |
| Last Date for Admission (without late fee) | October 2026 (Expected) |
| Last Date for Admission (with late fee) | November 2026 (Expected) |
| TMA Submission Deadline | January–February 2027 (Expected) |
| Admit Card Release | March 2027 (Expected) |
| Theory Exam Dates | April–May 2027 (Expected) |
| Result Declaration | June–July 2027 (Expected) |
October-November 2027 Session — Expected Important Dates
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Online Admission / Registration Opens | February 2027 (Expected) |
| Last Date for Admission (without late fee) | April 2027 (Expected) |
| Last Date for Admission (with late fee) | May 2027 (Expected) |
| TMA Submission Deadline | July–August 2027 (Expected) |
| Admit Card Release | September 2027 (Expected) |
| Theory Exam Dates | October–November 2027 (Expected) |
| Result Declaration | December 2027 (Expected) |
NIOS Class X 2027: Detailed Exam Pattern
The NIOS Class X 2027 theory paper follows a three-section structure. Section A tests objective recall, Section B tests short written responses, and Section C tests extended analytical and writing ability.
The total theory exam duration is 3 hours with no section-wise time limits. Internal choice is available in Sections B and C across all subjects. The exact number of questions per section varies by subject — check the subject-specific question paper format in the NIOS curriculum documents at nios.ac.in.
Standard Theory Paper Pattern — Subjects Without Practical (e.g., Mathematics, Social Science, English, Hindi, Economics)
| Section | Question Type | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Objective Type (MCQ, Fill in Blanks, True/False, Match the Following) | 20 | 1 | 20 | 3 hours (combined, no per-section limit) |
| Section B | Short Answer Questions (with internal choice) | 8–10 | 2–3 | ~24 | |
| Section C | Long Answer Questions (with internal choice) | 4–6 | 6–8 | ~36 | |
| Total | — | ~34 | — | 80 marks |
Sections B and C provide internal choice — more questions are given than need to be attempted. Read all options carefully before selecting which to answer. Section A is fully compulsory with no choice.
Theory Paper Pattern — Subjects With Practical (e.g., Science and Technology — Subject Code 212)
For subjects with practical components, the theory paper carries 70 marks. The remaining 30 marks are divided between Tutor Marked Assignments (TMA) of 20 marks and practical work of 10 marks.
NIOS Class X Exam Pattern 2027
The NIOS Class X exam is divided into three sections. The total theory marks are 70 for most subjects.
| Section | Question Type | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Objective Type (MCQ, Fill in Blanks, True/False) | 20 | 1 | 20 | 3 hours (combined, no per-section limit) |
| Section B | Short Answer Questions (with internal choice) | 6–8 | 2–3 | ~20 | |
| Section C | Long Answer Questions (with internal choice) | 3–5 | 5–6 | ~30 | |
| Total | — | ~29–33 | — | 70 marks |
Note: For Science and Technology (Subject Code 212) and other practical subjects, an additional 10 marks for the practical exam conducted at the NIOS study centre, plus 20 marks for TMA, bring the subject total to 100 marks.
Complete Marks Breakdown per Subject Type
The total marks for a subject depend on whether it has a practical component. Subjects without practicals have a different theory-practical split than those with practicals.
| Subject Type | Theory Marks | Practical Marks | TMA Marks | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subjects without practical (e.g., Mathematics, English, Social Science) | 80 | — | 20 | 100 |
| Subjects with practical (e.g., Science and Technology) | 70 | 10 | 20 | 100 |
NIOS Class X Marking Scheme 2027
The NIOS Class X 2027 marking scheme is straightforward — each correct answer earns positive marks, and there is no negative marking for any wrong or unattempted answer. This applies to all question types across all sections and all subjects. Students can attempt every question without the risk of losing marks. Short answer and long answer questions use step-marking, so partial credit is possible even for incomplete answers.
There is no negative marking in the NIOS Class X exam — attempt every question, as wrong answers carry zero penalty.
| Question Type | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for Wrong Answer | Marks for Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ — Section A | +1 | 0 (No deduction) | 0 |
| Fill in the Blanks — Section A | +1 | 0 (No deduction) | 0 |
| True or False — Section A | +1 | 0 (No deduction) | 0 |
| Match the Following — Section A | +1 per correct match | 0 (No deduction) | 0 |
| Short Answer Questions — Section B | +2 to +3 (step marking applies) | Partial marks for partially correct answers | 0 |
| Long Answer Questions — Section C | +5 to +8 (step marking applies) | Partial marks for partially correct answers | 0 |
| TMA (Tutor Marked Assignment) | Up to +20 per subject | N/A (graded assignment) | 0 (marks not awarded if TMA not submitted) |
| Practical Exam (applicable subjects only) | Up to +10 per subject | N/A (graded practical) | 0 |
No negative marking of any kind applies in the NIOS Class X exam — never leave a question unattempted.
Step marking in Sections B and C means even a partially correct or incomplete answer earns partial marks — always write what you know.
NIOS Class X Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2027
The NIOS Class X 2027 subject-wise exam pattern shows how marks and sections are distributed across each major subject. Students must choose a minimum of 5 subjects (including at least one language) to qualify for the Secondary Certificate. NIOS offers over 25 subjects at the Class X level. The pattern for the most commonly chosen subjects is detailed below.
English (Subject Code 202)
The English paper tests reading comprehension, grammar and language use, and writing skills. The theory paper carries 80 marks with no practical component.
| Component | Topics / Skills Covered | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A (Objective) | Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension (MCQ, Fill Blanks) | 20 |
| Section B (Short Answer) | Reading Comprehension Passages, Grammar in Context, Language Use | ~24 |
| Section C (Long Answer) | Writing Skills — Formal Letter, Essay, Report, Story Completion | ~36 |
| Theory Total | — | 80 |
| TMA | Assignment-based assessment | 20 |
| Grand Total | — | 100 |
Hindi (Subject Code 201)
The Hindi paper tests reading (Apathit Gadyansh), grammar (Vyakaran), and writing (Lekhan) skills. The theory paper carries 80 marks.
NIOS Class X Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2027
The NIOS Class X exam pattern for 2027 is divided by subject. Each subject has a theory paper, and most also include a Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA). The theory paper is split into three sections: A, B, and C.
Hindi (Subject Code 201)
The Hindi paper covers Vyakaran, Vocabulary, and Comprehension. It carries 80 marks for theory with no practical component.
| Component | Topics / Skills Covered | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A (Objective) | Vyakaran, Vocabulary, Comprehension (MCQ, Fill Blanks, True/False) | 20 |
| Section B (Short Answer) | Unseen Passage, Grammar Application, Short Writing | ~24 |
| Section C (Long Answer) | Nibandh (Essay), Patra (Letter), Anuched (Paragraph) Writing | ~36 |
| Theory Total | — | 80 |
| TMA | Assignment-based assessment | 20 |
| Grand Total | — | 100 |
Mathematics (Subject Code 211)
The Mathematics paper covers Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, Probability, and Coordinate Geometry. It carries 80 marks for theory with no practical component. Step marking applies throughout Sections B and C.
| Component | Topics Covered | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A (Objective) | All chapters — MCQ, Fill in Blanks, True/False | 20 |
| Section B (Short Answer) | Number Systems, Algebra, Basic Geometry, Mensuration | ~24 |
| Section C (Long Answer) | Algebra, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Statistics, Probability | ~36 |
| Theory Total | — | 80 |
| TMA | Assignment-based assessment | 20 |
| Grand Total | — | 100 |
Science and Technology (Subject Code 212)
Science and Technology is a practical subject at NIOS Class X. The theory paper carries 70 marks, the practical exam at the study centre carries 10 marks, and TMA carries 20 marks.
| Component | Topics Covered | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A (Objective) | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science — MCQ, Fill Blanks | 20 |
| Section B (Short Answer) | Physics (Motion, Energy), Chemistry (Elements, Reactions), Biology (Cell, Life) | ~20 |
| Section C (Long Answer) | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science — diagrams and explanations | ~30 |
| Theory Total | — | 70 |
| Practical Exam (Study Centre) | Lab-based experiments from the NIOS Science curriculum | 10 |
| TMA | Assignment-based assessment | 20 |
| Grand Total | — | 100 |
Social Science (Subject Code 213)
The Social Science paper covers History, Geography, Civics (Political Science), and Economics. It carries 80 marks for theory and may include map-based questions in Geography sections.
| Component | Topics Covered | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A (Objective) | History, Geography, Civics, Economics — MCQ, Match, Fill Blanks, True/False | 20 |
| Section B (Short Answer) | Historical events, Geographical features, Civics and Government | ~24 |
| Section C (Long Answer) | History, Geography (including map work), Civics, Economics | ~36 |
| Theory Total | — | 80 |
| TMA | Assignment-based assessment | 20 |
| Grand Total | — | 100 |
Economics (Subject Code 214)
Economics covers basic microeconomics, macroeconomics concepts, money and banking, and the Indian economy. The theory paper carries 80 marks with no practical component.
| Component | Topics Covered | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A (Objective) | Basic Concepts, Demand and Supply, National Income — MCQ, Fill Blanks | 20 |
| Section B (Short Answer) | Consumer Behaviour, Market Forms, Indian Economy Basics | ~24 |
| Section C (Long Answer) | National Income, Money and Banking, Economic Development, Data Interpretation | ~36 |
| Theory Total | — | 80 |
| TMA | Assignment-based assessment | 20 |
| Grand Total | — | 100 |
NIOS Class X Question Types 2027
The NIOS Class X 2027 theory paper uses three broad question types across its three sections. Each type tests a different cognitive level — from recall and recognition in Section A to analysis and extended writing in Section C. Understanding which section each question type belongs to helps in time allocation and preparation.
Section A — Objective Type Questions (20 Marks)
Section A carries 20 marks at 1 mark each and is fully compulsory — there is no internal choice. Four objective formats are used across different subjects.
NIOS Class X Exam Pattern: Section A — Objective Questions (20 Marks)
Section A is the objective section and carries 20 marks. It contains multiple choice, fill in the blanks, true or false, and match the following questions. These questions test recall, comprehension, and application of key facts from the NIOS textbook.
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): Four options are given, and one correct answer must be chosen. These test recall, comprehension, and application of key facts, definitions, and concepts.
- Fill in the Blanks: A word, phrase, formula, or date must be written in the blank. These test precise recall of key terms, laws, and data points from the syllabus.
- True or False: A statement is given, and it must be identified as True or False. In Science and Social Science, a False statement may also need to be corrected for full marks.
- Match the Following: Two columns are provided, and items in Column A must be matched to the correct item in Column B. These test relationships between concepts, dates, persons, places, and events.
NIOS Class X Exam Pattern: Section B — Short Answer Questions (20–24 Marks)
Section B requires brief written responses and carries approximately 20–24 marks. Internal choice is available, meaning more questions are given than need to be attempted. The expected answer length is 30–80 words for most subjects, or 2–4 solution steps for Mathematics.
- Factual recall questions: Define a term, state a law, name an event, or list key points. These are 2 marks each, typically requiring 2–3 sentences.
- Short reasoning questions: Explain why, describe how, or give two reasons for a phenomenon. These are 3 marks each, typically requiring 3–5 sentences.
- Diagram-based questions (Science): Draw and label a diagram, or answer based on a given diagram. These carry 2–3 marks.
- Computation questions (Mathematics): Solve using a given formula or method with all steps shown. These carry 2–3 marks, with step marking.
NIOS Class X Exam Pattern: Section C — Long Answer Questions (30–40 Marks)
Section C carries the highest marks per question and requires detailed, analytical, or multi-step answers. Internal choice is available in this section as well. The expected answer length is 100–200 words for written subjects, or multi-step solutions for Mathematics and Science.
- Essay and explanation type (Social Science, Economics, Hindi, English): Analyse an event, discuss a concept, or explain a policy in 5–8 clear paragraphs.
- Multi-step problem solving (Mathematics): Solve a complex problem with full working. These carry 5–8 marks each, and step marking rewards every correct intermediate step.
- Diagram and labelling (Science and Technology): Draw a fully labelled diagram (e.g., human eye, electrical circuit, animal cell) and explain its function. These carry 5–6 marks.
- Map-based questions (Social Science/Geography): Mark or identify geographical or historical features on a provided outline map. These carry 2–5 marks.
- Writing tasks (English/Hindi): Formal letter, essay, report, or story writing. These are evaluated on content, language accuracy, and structure.
NIOS Class X TMA — Tutor Marked Assignment (20 Marks per Subject)
The TMA is an at-home written assignment worth 20 marks per subject. It is submitted online or at the NIOS study centre before the theory exam. TMA submission is mandatory — failure to submit the TMA for a subject means the theory exam for that subject cannot be taken.
The TMA covers the full syllabus and includes short answer and long answer questions. The style is similar to the theory paper, but there is no time pressure.
NIOS Class X Exam Pattern: Changes in 2027 vs Previous Year
The NIOS Class X exam pattern has remained largely stable over recent years, with no major structural changes to the paper format, section structure, or marking scheme. As of July 2026, NIOS has not announced any changes to the 2027 exam pattern. The 2027 pattern is expected to remain identical to 2026.
Students should check nios.ac.in for any updates before their session. The table below compares the 2026 and 2027 patterns based on the most recent official information.
| Parameter | 2026 | 2027 (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Number of Exam Sessions | 2 (April-May and October-November) | 2 (April-May and October-November) |
| Duration per Subject | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Theory Marks (standard subjects) | 80 | 80 |
| Theory Marks (practical subjects) | 70 | 70 |
| Practical Marks (applicable subjects) | 10 | 10 |
| TMA Marks | 20 | 20 |
| Total Marks per Subject | 100 | 100 |
| Number of Sections in Theory Paper | 3 (Section A, B, C) | 3 (Section A, B, C) — Expected |
| Section A Marks (Objective) | 20 | 20 — Expected |
| Internal Choice | Available in Sections B and C | Expected in Sections B and C |
| Negative Marking | None | None — Expected |
| Minimum Pass Criteria | 33% in theory + 33% in TMA (separately) | 33% in theory + 33% in TMA — Expected |
| TMA Submission Mode | Online / At Study Centre | Online / At Study Centre — Expected |
How to Prepare Based on NIOS Class X Exam Pattern
Preparation should be aligned with the three-section structure of the theory paper. Section A requires strong recall of definitions, dates, and key terms. Section B needs concise written answers with clear reasoning. Section C demands detailed, structured responses and multi-step problem solving.
For Mathematics, practice full solutions with all steps shown to earn step marks. For Science, focus on labelled diagrams and their functions. For Social Science, practise map-based questions and essay-style answers. The TMA must be completed and submitted before the theory exam for each subject.
NIOS Class X Exam Pattern 2027: Key Details
The NIOS Class X 2027 exam pattern is structured to guide preparation. There is no negative marking, so attempting every question is advised. The paper is divided into three sections, each requiring a different preparation strategy.
Total Marks and Marking Scheme
Each NIOS Class X subject carries a total of 100 marks. The distribution of marks depends on whether the subject has a practical component.
- Subjects without practical (e.g., Mathematics, English, Social Science): 80 marks for theory, 20 marks for TMA.
- Subjects with practical (e.g., Science and Technology): 70 marks for theory, 10 marks for practical, 20 marks for TMA.
Exam Pattern and Sections
The NIOS Class X theory paper has three sections. Section A is fully compulsory, while Sections B and C offer internal choice.
| Section | Type | Marks | Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Objective | 20 | No internal choice |
| B | Short Answer | Approximately 20–24 | Internal choice available |
| C | Long Answer | Approximately 30–40 | Internal choice available |
Section A includes Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Fill in the Blanks, True or False, and Match the Following questions. All 20 questions in Section A carry 1 mark each and are compulsory.
Exam Duration and Sessions
The NIOS Class X theory exam is 3 hours per subject. There is no separate time limit for each section; students manage their own time within the single 3-hour window.
NIOS conducts the Class X board exam twice a year. The two sessions are April-May and October-November. Students can appear in different sessions for different subjects.
Minimum Pass Marks
A student must secure a minimum of 33% in the theory exam and a minimum of 33% in the TMA separately. Both conditions must be met independently. A high score in one component cannot compensate for a low score in the other.
Preparation Tips Based on the Exam Pattern
The following tips are based directly on the paper structure and marking scheme.
- Master Section A for 20 guaranteed marks. All 20 objective questions are compulsory and carry 1 mark each with no negative marking. Cover key definitions, formulas, dates, and facts from NIOS textbooks. MCQ, Fill in Blanks, True/False, and Match questions are based directly on NIOS learning material.
- Submit TMA on time. TMA carries 20 marks per subject and is mandatory for exam eligibility. Use the TMA as a full-syllabus revision exercise, as it covers the same topics as the theory paper and helps identify weak areas.
- Use internal choice wisely, but prepare the full syllabus first. Sections B and C provide internal choice, allowing selection of stronger questions on exam day. Do not restrict preparation to half the syllabus, as options are distributed across topics.
- Allocate exam time proportionally to marks. Section C carries the most marks (~30–40) and needs the most time. Plan to spend roughly 70–80 minutes on Section C, 20–25 minutes on Section A, and 40–50 minutes on Section B.
- In Mathematics, always show all steps. Sections B and C in Mathematics use step marking. Writing the correct formula, substituting values, and setting up the working earns marks at each step, even if the final answer is not reached.
- For Science and Technology, attend practical sessions. The practical exam is worth 10 marks and is assessed at the NIOS study centre. Regular attendance and practice of listed experiments help avoid losing these marks.
- Solve NIOS past question papers. NIOS has maintained a consistent pattern for years. Solving papers from the last 3–5 years gives a sense of frequently appearing topics, expected answer length for Section C, and time management under exam conditions.
Internal Choice in NIOS Class X Theory Paper
Yes, internal choice is available in the NIOS Class X theory paper. It is offered in Section B (Short Answer) and Section C (Long Answer).
NIOS provides more questions than required in these two sections. Students can choose the questions they are most confident about. Section A (Objective) is fully compulsory, and all 20 questions must be attempted.
Subjects Required for NIOS Secondary Certificate
Students must pass a minimum of 5 subjects for the NIOS Secondary (Class X) Certificate. The 5 subjects must include at least one language subject, such as English or Hindi.
NIOS offers over 25 subjects at the secondary level. These include languages, sciences, social sciences, commerce, and vocational subjects.
TMA in NIOS Class X Exam
TMA stands for Tutor Marked Assignment. It is an at-home written assignment worth 20 marks per subject.
The TMA is submitted online or at the NIOS study centre before the theory exam. TMA submission is mandatory. If a student does not submit the TMA for a subject, they cannot sit the theory exam for that subject.
TMA marks are added to theory and practical marks to compute the final subject score.
NIOS Class X Exam Pattern for Science and Technology
For Science and Technology (Subject Code 212), the theory paper carries 70 marks and lasts 3 hours. The practical exam conducted at the NIOS study centre carries 10 marks, and TMA carries 20 marks, totalling 100 marks.
The theory paper follows a three-section format. Section A has 20 objective marks, followed by short and long answer questions covering Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science.
NIOS Class X Exam Pattern for 2027
No major changes to the NIOS Class X 2027 exam pattern have been officially announced as of July 2026. The pattern is expected to remain the same as 2026.
- Offline pen-and-paper exam
- Three sections (A, B, C)
- 80 marks for theory
- 20 marks for TMA
- No negative marking
- 33% minimum pass criteria in theory and TMA separately
Check nios.ac.in for any official updates before the exam session.
NIOS Class X Exam Pattern 2027: Total Marks
Each subject in the NIOS Class X exam carries a total of 100 marks. The marks are divided between theory, practical, and Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA).
- Subjects without practical (e.g., Mathematics, English, Social Science): 80 marks for theory, 20 marks for TMA.
- Subjects with practical (e.g., Science and Technology): 70 marks for theory, 10 marks for practical, 20 marks for TMA.
Negative Marking
There is no negative marking in the NIOS Class X 2027 exam. Students can attempt every question, including all 20 questions in Section A, without any risk of losing marks for wrong answers.
Exam Sections
The NIOS Class X theory paper has three sections. Section A is fully compulsory with no internal choice, while Sections B and C provide internal choice.
| Section | Type | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| A | Objective type | 20 |
| B | Short Answer | Approximately 20-24 |
| C | Long Answer | Approximately 30-40 |
Exam Duration
The NIOS Class X theory exam is 3 hours per subject. All three sections must be completed within this single 3-hour window, with no separate time limit per section.
Exam Sessions
NIOS conducts the Class X board exam twice a year. Students can appear in one session for some subjects and the other session for others.
- April-May session
- October-November session
Pass Marks
Students must secure a minimum of 33% in the theory exam and a minimum of 33% in the TMA separately. Both conditions must be met independently, and a high TMA score cannot compensate for failing the theory exam, or vice versa.
Section A Question Types
Section A is the objective section and includes Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Fill in the Blanks, True or False, and Match the Following questions. This section carries 20 marks at 1 mark each, and all 20 questions are compulsory.
Internal Choice
Internal choice is available in Section B (Short Answer) and Section C (Long Answer). NIOS provides more questions than needed in these two sections, allowing students to choose the ones they are most confident about. Section A is fully compulsory.
Subjects Required for Certificate
Students must pass a minimum of 5 subjects for the NIOS Secondary (Class X) Certificate. The 5 subjects must include at least one language subject such as English or Hindi.
NIOS offers over 25 subjects at the secondary level, including languages, sciences, social sciences, commerce, and vocational subjects.
Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA)
TMA stands for Tutor Marked Assignment. It is an at-home written assignment worth 20 marks per subject, submitted online or at the NIOS study centre before the theory exam.
TMA submission is mandatory. If a student does not submit the TMA for a subject, they cannot sit the theory exam for that subject. TMA marks are added to theory and practical marks to compute the final subject score.
Science and Technology Exam Pattern
For Science and Technology (Subject Code 212), the theory paper carries 70 marks (3 hours), the practical exam conducted at the NIOS study centre carries 10 marks, and TMA carries 20 marks, totalling 100 marks.
The theory paper follows the three-section format: 20 objective marks in Section A, followed by short and long answer questions covering Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science.
Changes for 2027
No major changes to the NIOS Class X 2027 exam pattern have been officially announced as of July 2026. The pattern is expected to remain the same as 2026.
- Offline pen-and-paper exam
- Three sections (A, B, C)
- 80 marks for theory, 20 marks for TMA
- No negative marking
- 33% minimum pass criteria in theory and TMA separately
Check nios.ac.in for any official updates before the exam session.
