CBSE Class 10 – Maths Sample Question Papers with Solutions - FREE PDF Download
CBSE Class 10 Sample Question Papers with Solutions are considered valuable study resources for students preparing for board exams.
Want to know what to expect in your exams? These papers break down the latest patterns, question styles, and marking systems for every subject in the CBSE Class 10 syllabus.
Practicing these sample papers enables students to enhance their confidence, develop effective time management skills and evaluate their readiness for upcoming board exams.
Each question paper includes detailed solutions that guide students step by step, helping them understand concepts better and improve how they write answers.
CBSE Class 10 Dual Exam Pattern 2025-26: Updated Subject-Wise Marking Scheme, Weightage and Key Changes
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is introducing a dual examination policy for Class 10 students starting in 2026, allowing them to appear for board exams twice in an academic year.
This reform, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to reduce exam stress and provide students with a "best of two scores" option.
Key Details of CBSE Class 10 Dual Exam System – Starting 2026
Staying informed about the updated question paper format, marking weightage, and key structural changes is crucial for effective exam strategy and time management. The 2025–26 pattern emphasizes competency-based learning, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, encouraging analytical thinking and practical understanding over rote memorization.
CBSE Class 10 Exam Structure 2025-26
|
Component |
Description |
|
Exam Conducting Authority |
Central Board of Secondary Education |
|
Question Paper Pattern |
MCQs: 20% |
|
Competency-based questions (case-based, source-based, or other types): 50% |
|
|
Short/long answer type questions: 30% |
|
|
Total Duration |
3 hours |
|
Mode of Examination |
Offline |
|
Number of Subjects |
5 or 6 (as elected by the student) |
|
Maximum Marks |
100 (Theory + Practical) |
|
80 marks for written exam + 20 marks for internal assessment. |
|
|
Dual Boards Exams |
Conducted in one academic year (from 2025-26) |
|
Passing Marks for Each Subject |
33% |
|
Passing Marks for the Overall Exam |
Aggregate 33% |
Increased weightage for Competency-Based Questions
As per recent updates, the new exam pattern introduces more competency-based questions and reduces the number of constructed response questions by 10% compared to the previous year.
|
Particulars |
Type of Questions |
Academic Session 2024-25 (Weightage) |
Academic Session 2025-26 (Weightage) |
|
Composition of question paper for year-end exam/ Board Exams (Theory) |
Competency Focused Questions in the form of MCQs/ Case-Based Questions, Source-based Integrated Questions, or any other type |
40% |
50% |
|
Select response-type questions (MCQ) |
20% |
20% |
|
|
Constructed response questions |
40% |
30% |
CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme & Weightage 2025-26
The CBSE Class 10 board exam paper is organized into three major sections, ensuring a balanced mix of objective questions, competency‑based problems, and descriptive answers. This exam format helps students showcase knowledge, analytical skills, and writing ability across different question types.
Theory Paper Components (80 Marks)
|
Sections |
Type of Questions |
Marks |
Weightage |
|
A |
18 MCQs and 2 Assertion-Reason Based Questions |
1 |
20 |
|
B |
5 Very Short Answer Type Questions |
2 |
10 |
|
C |
6 Short Answer Type Questions |
3 |
18 |
|
D |
4 Long Answer Type Questions |
5 |
20 |
|
E |
3 Source-Based/Case-Based Questions/ Passage-Based/Integrated units of Assessment |
4 |
12 |
|
Total Marks |
80 |
||
Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
|
Component |
Marks |
Description |
|
Periodic Tests |
5 |
Regular tests conducted by schools during the academic year |
|
Assignments & Projects |
5 |
Subject-specific projects to test creativity and application skills |
|
Practical Work |
5 |
Hands-on lab work and experiments (for Science/Maths/other practical subjects) |
|
Portfolio Assessments |
5 |
Overall student performance including class activities, participation, and submissions |
CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Weightage 2025-26
|
S.No |
Title |
Marks |
|
Unit-I |
Number Systems |
6 |
|
Real Numbers |
||
|
Unit-II |
Algebra |
20 |
|
Polyomials |
||
|
Pair of Linear Equations in two Variables |
||
|
Quadratic Equations |
||
|
Arithmetic Progressions |
||
|
Unit-III |
Coordinate Geometry |
6 |
|
Coordinate Geometry |
||
|
Unit-IV |
Geometry |
15 |
|
Triangles |
||
|
Circles |
||
|
Unit-V |
Trigonometry |
12 |
|
Introduction to Trigonometry |
||
|
Trigonometric-Identities |
||
|
Heights & Distances |
||
|
Unit-VI |
Mensuration |
10 |
|
Areas Related to Circles |
||
|
Surface Areas and Volumes |
||
|
Unit-VII |
Statistics & Probability |
11 |
|
Statistics |
||
|
Probability |
||
|
Total |
80 |
|
|
Internal Assessment |
20 |
|
CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme & Weightage 2025-26 (Revised)
For the 2026 CBSE Class 10 board exams, the Science paper pattern has been revised compared to 2024–25. The question paper is divided into three subject‑specific sections: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Among these, Biology carries the highest weightage, while Chemistry and Physics are allotted equal marks.
Theory Paper Components (80 Marks)
The CBSE Class 10 Science theory paper is set for 80 marks and includes 39 compulsory questions. The paper is divided into three sections—Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Each section features a variety of question types and difficulty levels, including MCQs, assertion–reasoning, short answer, long answer, and case‑based questions, ensuring comprehensive assessment of students’ knowledge and skills.
|
Sections |
Subject |
Weightage |
|
A |
Biology (Q1 to 16) |
30 |
|
B |
Chemistry (Q17 to 29) |
25 |
|
C |
Physics (Q30 to 39) |
25 |
|
Type of Questions |
||
|
Very Short Answer (VSA) / MCQs: 1 mark each |
||
|
Special Provision for Visually Impaired Candidates: Alternative questions will be provided in place of diagram/figure-based ones. |
||
|
Total Marks |
80 |
|
Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
|
Component |
Marks |
Description |
|
Periodic Tests |
5 |
Regular tests conducted by schools during the academic year |
|
Assignments & Projects |
5 |
Subject-specific projects to test creativity and application skills |
|
Practical Work |
5 |
Hands-on lab work and experiments (for Science/Maths/other practical subjects) |
|
Portfolio Assessments |
5 |
Overall student performance including class activities, participation, and submissions |
CBSE Class 10 Science Weightage 2025-26
|
S.No |
Title |
Marks |
|
Unit-I |
Chemical Substances – Nature & Behaviour |
25 |
|
Chemical Reactions and Equations |
||
|
Acid, Bases and Salts |
||
|
Metals and Non-Metals |
||
|
Carbon and its Compounds |
||
|
Unit-II |
World of Living |
25 |
|
Life Processes |
||
|
Control and Coordination |
||
|
How do Organisms Reproduce? |
||
|
Heredity |
||
|
Unit-III |
Natural Phenomena |
12 |
|
Light- Reflection and Refraction |
||
|
The Human Eye and the Colourful World |
||
|
Unit-IV |
Effects of Current |
13 |
|
Electricity |
||
|
Magnetic Effects of Electric Current |
||
|
Unit-V |
Natural Resources |
5 |
|
Our Environment |
||
|
Total |
80 |
|
|
Internal Assessment |
20 |
|
CBSE Class 10 Social Science Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme & Weightage 2025-26
(Revised)
For the 2026 CBSE Class 10 board exams, the Social Science paper pattern has been revised compared to 2024–25. The question paper is divided into four subject‑specific sections: History, Geography, and Political Science, Economics and every section is allotted 20 equal marks.
|
Sections |
Subject |
Weightage |
|
A |
History |
20 |
|
B |
Geography |
20 |
|
C |
Political Science |
20 |
|
D |
Economics |
20 |
CBSE Class 10 Social Science section-wise Question Distribution 2025-26 (Revised)
The Social Science question paper is divided into four subject‑specific sections: History, Geography, and Political Science, Economics and every section is allotted 20 equal marks. Each section features a variety of question types and difficulty levels, including MCQs, assertion–reasoning, Very Short Answer, Short Answer, Long Answer, and Case‑Based Questions and Map-Based Questions, ensuring comprehensive assessment of students’ knowledge and skills.
Section A – History (20 Marks)
|
Questions |
Type of Question |
Marks |
Weightage |
|
Q1 – Q4 |
4 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
1 |
4 |
|
Q5 |
1 Very Short Answer Type Questions (VSA) |
2 |
2 |
|
Q6 |
1 Short Answer Type Questions (SA) |
3 |
3 |
|
Q7 |
1 (Choice-Based) Long Answer Type Questions (LA) |
5 |
5 |
|
Q8 |
1 Case-Based Question (CBQ) |
4 |
4 |
|
Q9 |
1 Map-Based Question |
2 |
2 |
|
Total Marks |
— |
20 |
|
Section B – Geography (20 Marks)
|
Questions |
Type of Question |
Marks |
Weightage |
|
Q10 – Q15 |
6 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
1 |
6 |
|
Q16 |
1 Very Short Answer Type Questions (VSA) |
2 |
2 |
|
Q17 |
1 (Choice-Based) Long Answer Type Questions (LA) |
5 |
5 |
|
Q18 |
Case-Based Question (CBQ) |
4 |
4 |
|
Q19 |
1 Map-Based Question |
3 |
3 |
|
Total Marks |
— |
20 |
|
Section C – Political Science (20 Marks)
|
Questions |
Type of Question |
Marks |
Weightage |
|
Q20 – Q23 |
4 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
1 |
4 |
|
Q24 - Q25 |
2 Very Short Answer Type Questions (VSA) |
2 |
4 |
|
Q26 |
1 Short Answer Type Questions (SA) |
3 |
3 |
|
Q27 |
1 (Choice-Based) Long Answer Type Questions (LA) |
5 |
5 |
|
Q28 |
1 Case-Based Question (CBQ) |
4 |
4 |
|
Total Marks |
— |
20 |
|
Section D – Economics (20 Marks)
|
Questions |
Type of Question |
Marks |
Weightage |
|
Q29 – Q34 |
6 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
1 |
6 |
|
Q35 - Q37 |
3 Short Answer Type Questions (SA) |
3 |
9 |
|
Q38 |
1 (Choice-Based) Long Answer Type Questions (LA) |
5 |
5 |
|
Total Marks |
— |
20 |
|
CBSE Class 10 Social Science Map-Based Questions (20 Marks) 2025-26 (Revised)
|
Sections |
Subject |
Marks |
|
A (Q9) |
History |
2 |
|
B (Q19) |
Geography |
3 |
|
Total Marks |
5 |
|
Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
|
Component |
Marks |
Description |
|
Periodic Tests |
5 |
Regular tests conducted by schools during the academic year |
|
Multiple Assignments |
5 |
Quizzes, debate, role play etc. through interdisciplinary projects |
|
Subject Enrichment Activities |
5 |
(Project Work on Consumer Rights OR Social Issues OR Sustainable Development) |
|
Portfolio Assessments |
5 |
Overall student performance including class activities, participation, and submissions |
CBSE Class 10 Social Science Weightage 2025-26
|
S.No |
Title |
Marks |
|
History |
India & the Contemporary World - II |
18 + 2 (Map) |
|
Nationalism, Industrialisation, Print culture, etc. |
||
|
Geography |
Contemporary India - II |
17 + 3 (Map) |
|
Resources, Agriculture, Industries, etc. |
||
|
Political Science |
Democratic Politics - II |
20 |
|
Power Sharing, Federalism, Political Parties, etc. |
||
|
Economics |
Understanding Economic Development |
20 |
|
Develop, Sectors, Globalisation, etc. |
||
|
Total |
80 |
|
|
Internal Assessment |
20 |
|
CBSE Class 10 English Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme & Weightage 2025-26
The CBSE Class 10 English board exam (2025–26) will consist of an 80‑mark theory paper, assessing students across three key areas: Reading, Writing & Grammar, and Literature. The exam pattern remains consistent with previous years, ensuring a balanced evaluation of comprehension skills, written expression, and literary analysis.
Theory Paper Components (80 Marks)
|
Sections |
Topic |
Weightage |
|
I |
Reading Skills |
20 |
|
II |
Writing Skills |
30 |
|
III |
Literature |
30 |
|
Total Marks in Theory |
80 |
|
|
Internal Assessment |
20 |
|
|
Total Marks |
100 |
|
Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
|
Component |
Marks |
Description |
|
Periodic Tests |
5 |
Regular tests conducted by schools during the academic year |
|
Multiple Assignments |
5 |
Quizzes, debate, role play etc. through interdisciplinary projects |
|
Subject Enrichment Activities |
5 |
(Project Work on Consumer Rights OR Social Issues OR Sustainable Development) |
|
Portfolio Assessments |
5 |
Overall student performance including class activities, participation, and submissions |
CBSE Class 10 English Weightage 2025-26
|
S.No |
Title |
Details |
Marks |
|
Section-A (Reading Comprehension Through Unseen Passage) |
Discursive passage |
A passage of 400–450 words to test comprehension and analysis. |
10 |
|
Case-based factual passage |
A 200–250 word passage with visual input (data/chart) to assess factual knowledge. |
10 |
|
|
Section-B (Grammar & Writing) |
Grammar |
Grammar-related questions to assess language skills. |
10 |
|
Formal Letter Writing |
Write a formal letter based on a given situation in 100–120 words. One out of two questions to be answered. |
5 |
|
|
Analytical Paragraph Writing |
Write an analytical paragraph based on a map/chart/graph in 100–120 words. One out of two questions to be answered. |
5 |
|
|
Section-C (Literature) |
Reference to the Context (Drama/Prose) |
One extract from Drama/Prose to test understanding and analysis. |
5 |
|
Reference to the Context (Poetry) |
One extract from Poetry to test interpretation and analysis. |
5 |
|
|
Short Answer Questions – First Flight |
Answer four out of five short questions from First Flight (40–50 words each). |
12 |
|
|
Short Answer Questions – Footprints Without Feet |
Answer two out of three short questions from Footprints Without Feet (40–50 words each). |
6 |
|
|
Long Answer Questions – First Flight |
One out of two long answer questions (100–120 words) based on creativity and extrapolation from First Flight. |
6 |
|
|
Long Answer Questions – Footprints Without Feet |
One out of two long answer questions (100–120 words) involving theme/plot analysis from Footprints Without Feet. |
6 |
|
|
Total |
80 |
||
|
Internal Assessment |
20 |
||