CBSE Board Exam 2025: Students Share Diverse Opinions on Difficulty, Paper Pattern, and Overall Experience
The CBSE Board Exam 2025 has concluded, leaving students across the country with a mix of emotions. While some found the question papers manageable, others struggled with unexpected challenges. As students reflect on their performance, a wide range of opinions has emerged regarding the difficulty level, paper pattern, and overall experience of the exams.
Varied Reactions to Difficulty Level
One of the most discussed aspects of the CBSE Board Exam 2025 is the difficulty level of the question papers. Many students found subjects like Mathematics and Science particularly challenging due to tricky problem-solving questions and conceptual applications. Some reported that the difficulty level was higher than expected, especially in subjects where numerical and analytical skills were required.
On the other hand, students appearing for language exams, such as English and Hindi, expressed relief at relatively straightforward questions. However, some noted that while the questions were easy to understand, the marking scheme could be strict, making it important to focus on proper structure and presentation.
A student from Delhi commented, “The Mathematics paper was tougher than what I practiced in sample papers. Some of the questions required deep thinking, which made time management difficult.” Meanwhile, a student from Mumbai shared, “I found the English paper easy, but I am unsure how the evaluators will mark my answers.”
Changes in Paper Pattern Spark Discussion
CBSE introduced certain modifications to the paper pattern this year, which generated mixed reactions. The inclusion of more competency-based and application-oriented questions in various subjects required students to have a thorough understanding of concepts rather than relying solely on rote learning. While this approach was praised for testing practical knowledge, it also posed challenges for students who were accustomed to traditional question formats.
The Science paper, in particular, received attention for incorporating more case-study-based questions, while the Social Science paper had more analytical questions requiring critical thinking. Some students appreciated this change, as it encouraged deeper understanding rather than memorization. However, others found it difficult to adapt to the new format, especially if they had not practiced enough similar questions.
A student from Bengaluru remarked, “The shift towards application-based questions is good for learning, but it made the paper feel tougher than previous years.” Another student from Kolkata said, “I liked how the paper tested real-world application, but some questions were unexpected, making them difficult to answer.”
Overall Exam Experience and Expectations
Beyond the difficulty level and paper pattern, students shared varied experiences about their exam environment and overall preparedness. While some felt confident due to rigorous practice and coaching, others struggled with last-minute stress and time constraints.
The availability of sample papers and previous years’ question papers helped many students, but some felt that the actual exam was more challenging than what they had prepared for. Additionally, concerns about evaluation criteria and the impact of board results on future academic opportunities remain on students’ minds.
As students await their results, opinions continue to be divided on whether the CBSE Board Exam 2025 was fair or more difficult than expected. Regardless of individual experiences, the exams have been a significant milestone, testing not just academic knowledge but also perseverance and adaptability.

