| name | marking-scheme |
| description | What CBSE examiners ACTUALLY look for when marking. Decoded from real marking schemes. Know the value points = know exactly what to write. |
Marking Scheme Decoded — What Examiners Actually Check
How CBSE Examining Works
1. CBSE releases a "Marking Scheme" to examiners (not public)
2. Each question has specific "value points" — keywords/steps that earn marks
3. Examiners tick value points as they scan your answer
4. No value points found = 0 marks, even if answer is "partially correct"
Value Point System
1-Mark Questions (MCQ/VSA)
Value points: 1 keyword or correct option
→ Either fully correct (1M) or wrong (0M)
→ No partial marking
→ STRATEGY: Attempt ALL — no negative marking in CBSE
2-Mark Questions
Value points: Formula (0.5M) + Correct answer with units (1.5M)
OR: Two distinct points (1M each)
→ Partial marks: formula alone = 0.5M, answer without formula = 1M
→ STRATEGY: Always write formula first, then substitute
3-Mark Questions
Value points: 3 distinct points (1M each)
OR: Definition (1M) + Explanation (1M) + Example/Diagram (1M)
→ Partial marks: any correct point = 1M
→ STRATEGY: Write exactly 3 numbered points. Don't merge them.
5-Mark Questions
Value points split as:
Math: Given (0.5M) + Formula (0.5M) + Steps (2-3M) + Answer (0.5M) + Diagram (0.5M)
Science: Definition (1M) + Explanation (2M) + Diagram (1M) + Example (1M)
SST: 5 distinct points (1M each)
→ STRATEGY:
Math: ALWAYS show Given/To Find/Formula/Solution/Therefore
Science: ALWAYS include diagram
SST: ALWAYS write 5 numbered points (not 3 or 4)
Case Study (4M)
Value points:
Sub-part (i): 1M — usually direct from passage
Sub-part (ii): 1M — application/analysis
Sub-part (iii): 2M — deeper analysis OR choose correct option + justify
→ STRATEGY: Answer (i) first — it's free marks from the passage
Subject-Specific Examiner Lookouts
Mathematics
Examiners CHECK:
✅ "Therefore" / "Hence" statement at the end
✅ Units (cm², m³, etc.)
✅ Correct sign in answer
✅ Complete steps (not jumps)
Examiners PENALIZE:
❌ Final answer without working → max 1M regardless
❌ Wrong formula → 0M for entire calculation
❌ Missing units → 0.5M deducted
Science
Examiners CHECK:
✅ NCERT terminology used
✅ Balanced equation with state symbols
✅ Labeled diagram
✅ Named examples (not just "an acid" — say "hydrochloric acid")
Examiners PENALIZE:
❌ Diagram without labels → 0M for diagram portion
❌ Equation without state symbols → 0.5M lost
❌ Vague language: "it reacts" → WHAT reacts with WHAT?
Social Science
Examiners CHECK:
✅ Specific names, dates, and events
✅ Constitutional article numbers where relevant
✅ Data/statistics where relevant
Examiners PENALIZE:
❌ Vague answers: "there was a movement" → WHICH movement?
❌ Wrong dates → 0M for that point
❌ Writing 3 points when 5 are asked → max 3M
English
Examiners CHECK:
✅ Format compliance (letter format, title+byline for article)
✅ Word limit adherence
✅ Grammar accuracy
✅ Connectors and flow
Examiners PENALIZE:
❌ Missing format → 1M lost automatically
❌ High error density (3+ errors per sentence) → accuracy mark lost
❌ Off-topic content → content marks lost
