CBSE Class 10 Science Question Paper 2026 Set-1 (Code: 31/1/1) is now available for download. CBSE conducted the Class 10 Science examination on Feb 25, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

The question paper consists of 35 questions carrying a total of 80 marks. Part A is compulsory for all candidates. Part B has two options. Candidates have to attempt only one of the given options. Option I: Physics and Option II: Chemistry. The Science question paper 2026 was rated moderately easy by the students.

CBSE Class 10 Science Question Paper 2026 (Set 1- 31/1/1) with Answer Key

Candidates can use the link below to download the CBSE Class 10 Science 2026 Set 1 Question Paper with detailed solutions.

CBSE Class 10 2026 Science​ Question Paper Set 1 with Solutions Download PDF Check Solution

Question 1:

Which structure in a leaf is mainly responsible for gaseous exchange?

  • (A) Xylem
  • (B) Stomata
  • (C) Phloem
  • (D) Cuticle

Question 2:

Identify the type of reproduction shown in the diagram given below:

  • (A) Budding
  • (B) Fragmentation
  • (C) Spore Formation
  • (D) Binary Fission

Question 3:

Identify the correct statement for spirogyra, leishmania and hydra :

  • (A) they reproduce sexually.
  • (B) they are unicellular.
  • (C) they are multicellular.
  • (D) they reproduce asexually.

Question 4:

Human brain has various parts or regions that help in different actions, responses and coordination. From the following, identify the part responsible for precision of voluntary actions :

  • (A) Cerebrum
  • (B) Cerebellum
  • (C) Medulla
  • (D) Pons

Question 5:

Pancreas secretes pancreatic juice which contain certain enzyme that helps in digestion of food. Choose the correct option from the following :

  • (A) Trypsin digests emulsified fats and lipase digests proteins.
  • (B) Trypsin digests proteins and lipase digests emulsified fats.
  • (C) Trypsin and lipase both digests fats.
  • (D) Trypsin digests proteins and lipase digests carbohydrates.

Question 6:

Sex is determined by different factors in various species. However, in human beings, it is determined genetically. Which amongst the following option(s) is/are correct for human beings ?

(i) Gamete carrying X chromosome from female parent.

(ii) Gamete carrying X chromosome from male parent.

(iii) Gamete carrying Y chromosome from male parent.

  • (A) (ii) and (iii)
  • (B) (i) only
  • (C) (i) and (iii)
  • (D) (iii) only

Question 7:

Which of the following group is not ‘biodegradable’ ?

  • (A) Vegetable peels, dead leaves, paper
  • (B) Cow dung, leather bag, water
  • (C) Polythene bag, rubber band, ball pen
  • (D) Paper, fruits, bones

Question 8:

Assertion (A) : Reflex actions do not involve thinking.

Reason (R) : Most reflex actions are controlled by the spinal cord.

  • (A) Both, Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • (B) Both, Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • (C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • (D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Question 9:

Assertion (A) : In human beings, the respiratory pigment is haemoglobin present in red blood cells.

Reason (R) : Haemoglobin has a very high affinity for carbon dioxide.

  • (A) Both, Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • (B) Both, Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • (C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • (D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Question 10:

What is the function of diaphragm in human respiratory system ? Where is it present in human body ?


Question 11(a):

State two differences between the act of chewing food and salivation on sight of food.


Question 11(b):

State two differences between pollination and fertilization.


Question 12(a):

Draw a neat diagram to show germination of pollen on the female reproductive part of the flower. Name and label the part that receives the pollen grain.


Question 12(b):

Draw a neat diagram to show germination of pollen on the female reproductive part of the flower. Name and label the structure that carries the male germ cell to reach the female germ cell.


Question 13:

Given below is a pyramid showing various trophic levels in an exosystem:



13 (a).
From the organisms listed below, identify which one is to be placed at which trophic level?
Deer, Grass, Lion, Snake, Rabbit


Question 13(b):

Discuss the reason why primary consumers will have more energy as compared to secondary consumers?


Question 13(c):

Why is the base of the pyramid broad?


Question 14(a):

Give differences between the following: Nephron and neuron


Question 14(b):

Give differences between the following: Sensory nerve and motor nerve


Question 14(c):

Give differences between the following: Consumers and decomposers


Question 15(a):

Mendel took garden pea plants with different characteristics, such as height to study the inheritance pattern of factors (genes). He crossed tall pea plant with short pea plant and obtained all the tall plants in the \( F_1 \) generation.
Why only tall pea plants were observed in \( F_1 \) progeny?


Question 15(b):

By which method did Mendel obtain \( F_2 \) progeny?


Question 15(c)(i):

Write one difference between dominant and recessive trait.


Question 15(c)(ii):

Write two observations made by Mendel about \( F_1 \) progeny.


Question 16(a):

Given below are certain situations. Analyse each and describe its possible impact :
(i) A population of bacteria living in temperate waters whose temperature increased by global warming.
(ii) The sperm encounters the egg when it reaches the oviduct in human females.
(iii) Self pollination does not occur in a flower that contains only pistil.
(iv) Egg does not get fertilised in a human female.
(v) When the seed is placed under appropriate condition of water and air in the soil ?


Question 16(b):

Given below are certain situations. Analyse and describe what would happen when :
(i) Spores are liberated from blob-like structures of the bread mould?
(ii) Leaves of bryophyllum fall on wet soil ?
(iii) A pollen from different species land on the stigma of totally unrelated species ?
(iv) Copper-T is placed in the uterus of a human female ?
(v) Spirogyra breaks into smaller fragments upon maturation ?


Question 17:

Which of the following options clearly describes both the reactions?

  • (A) (i) is double displacement, (ii) is displacement reaction.
  • (B) Both, (i) and (ii) are displacement reactions and precipitation reactions.
  • (C) Both, (i) and (ii) are double displacement reactions and precipitation reactions.
  • (D) (i) is displacement, (ii) is double displacement reaction.
Correct Answer: (C) Both, (i) and (ii) are double displacement reactions and precipitation reactions.
View Solution




Step 1: Understanding the Concept:

A Double Displacement Reaction is one where two compounds react by an exchange of ions to form two new compounds.

A Precipitation Reaction is a double displacement reaction that results in the formation of an insoluble solid called a precipitate.


Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

In reaction (i): \( Ag^+ \) and \( Na^+ \) exchange their partners (\( NO_3^- \) and \( Cl^- \)). \( AgCl \) is formed as a white precipitate.

In reaction (ii): \( K^+ \) and \( Ba^{2+} \) exchange their partners (\( SO_4^{2-} \) and \( Cl^- \)). \( BaSO_4 \) is formed as a white precipitate.

Since both involve an exchange of ions and both produce an insoluble solid, they are categorized as both double displacement and precipitation reactions.


Step 3: Final Answer:

Both reactions exhibit ion exchange (Double Displacement) and form a precipitate (\( AgCl \) and \( BaSO_4 \)). Thus, option (C) is correct.
Quick Tip: Nearly all precipitation reactions you study in 10th-grade chemistry are also double displacement reactions.


Question 18:

Which one of the following can be used as an acid-base indicator by a visually impaired (blind) student?

  • (A) Turmeric
  • (B) Vanilla essence
  • (C) Methyl orange
  • (D) Litmus

Question 19:

The gases evolved on heating lead (II) nitrate crystals are:

  • (A) \( NO \) and \( O_2 \)
  • (B) \( N_2 \) and \( NO_2 \)
  • (C) \( NO_2 \) and \( H_2 \)
  • (D) \( NO_2 \) and \( O_2 \)

Question 20:

The formula of functional group for aldehyde is :

  • (A) \( -COOH \)
  • (B) \( -CHO \)
  • (C)
  • (D) \( -OH \)
Correct Answer: (B) \( -CHO \)
View Solution




Step 1: Understanding the Concept:

Functional groups determine the chemical properties of organic compounds.


Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

1. \( -COOH \): Carboxylic Acid group.

2. \( -CHO \): Aldehyde group (consists of a carbonyl group \( C=O \) bonded to at least one hydrogen).

3. \( >C=O \): Ketone group (carbonyl group bonded to two carbon atoms).

4. \( -OH \): Alcohol (Hydroxyl) group.


Step 3: Final Answer:

The functional group for an aldehyde is represented as \( -CHO \).
Quick Tip: Note that the aldehyde group is always located at the end of a carbon chain.


Question 21:

Which of the following is a poor conductor of electricity?

  • (A) \( Pb \)
  • (B) \( Cu \)
  • (C) \( Ag \)
  • (D) \( Al \)

Question 22:

The natural sources of oxalic acid, lactic acid and methanoic acid respectively are :

  • (A) tomato, curd, ant-sting
  • (B) tomato, orange, nettle-sting
  • (C) orange, milk, ant-sting
  • (D) orange, sour milk, nettle-sting

Question 23:

When an element 'X' reacts with water, it starts floating. Identify the element 'X' :

  • (A) Potassium
  • (B) Calcium
  • (C) Sodium
  • (D) Iron

Question 24:

Assertion (A) : Carbon shares its valence electrons with other atoms of carbon or with atoms of other elements.
Reason (R) : The shared electrons belong to the outermost shells of both the atoms and lead to both atoms attaining the noble gas configuration.

  • (A) Both, Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • (B) Both, Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • (C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • (D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Question 25(a):

What are amphoteric oxides?


Question 25(b):

Categorise the following based on their nature: \( ZnO, Na_2O, CO_2 \)


Question 26(a):

Name the substance oxidised and reduced in the following reaction: \( ZnO + C \longrightarrow Zn + CO \)


Question 26(b):

Balance the following chemical reaction: \( Pb(NO_3)_2 + KI \longrightarrow PbI_2 + KNO_3 \)


Question 26(c):

Give one example each of electrolytic decomposition and decomposition by sunlight.


Question 27(a):

Explain chlor-alkali process with chemical equation. Name the products formed at anode and cathode.


Question 27(b):

Write the preparation of following compounds with balanced chemical equation :
(i) Baking soda
(ii) Bleaching powder
(iii) Plaster of Paris


Question 28:

Read the following passage and answer the questions given below :
Most of metals occur in combined state in form of ores. Carbonate ores are converted into oxides by calcination and sulphide ores by roasting. Oxides are reduced with suitable reducing agent like carbon to get free metal. Highly reactive metals like - Al, Mg are also used as reducing agents to obtain metal from their oxides. Most reactive metals are obtained by electrolytic reduction of their molten ores. Alloying is a very good method of improving the properties of a metal. We can get desired properties by this method. The electrical conductivity and melting point of an alloy is less than that of pure metals.
(a) Why carbonate or sulphide ores are converted to oxides before extraction of metal from it ?
(b) Write a reaction in which Aluminium is used as a reducing agent to obtain metal from its oxide.
(c) (i) How is copper obtained from its ore (\( Cu_2S \)) ? Give equations of the reactions.
OR
(c) (ii) (I) Why highly reactive metals cannot be obtained from their oxides by using carbon as a reducing agent ?
(II) Why solder, an alloy of lead and tin, is used for welding electrical wires together ?


Question 29(a)(i):

Give reasons for the following :
(I) Covalent compounds are poor conductor of electricity.
(II) Soap does not form lather in hard water.
(III) Carbon shows catenation but silicon does not.


Question 29(a)(ii):

Write chemical equations for the following :
(I) Oxidation of ethanol by acidified \( K_2Cr_2O_7 \).
(II) Hydrogenation of ethene.


Question 29(b):

Mohan heated ethanol with a compound 'X' in the presence of a few drops of conc. \( H_2SO_4 \) and observed a sweet smelling compound 'Y' is formed. When 'Y' is treated with sodium hydroxide it gives back ethanol and a compound 'Z'.
(i) Identify 'X', 'Y' and 'Z'.
(ii) Write the role of conc. \( H_2SO_4 \) in the reaction.
(iii) Write the chemical equations involved and name the reactions.


Question 30:

A convex lens of focal length \( 15 cm \), is forming a real image. If the size of image is same as the size of object, then position of object and position of image will be, respectively :

  • (A) \( -15 cm \) and \( -15 cm \) from lens
  • (B) \( -15 cm \) and \( +15 cm \) from lens
  • (C) \( -30 cm \) and \( +30 cm \) from lens
  • (D) \( -30 cm \) and \( -30 cm \) from lens

Question 31:

When you look at an object very close to your eyes, the :

  • (A) Ciliary muscles of your eye contract and the eye lens becomes thick
  • (B) Ciliary muscles of your eye get relaxed and the eye lens becomes thick
  • (C) Ciliary muscles of your eye contract and the eye lens becomes thin
  • (D) Ciliary muscles of your eye get relaxed and the eye lens becomes thin

Question 32:

Assertion (A) : When rays of white light pass through a prism, on emerging they give spectrum of seven colours.
Reason (R) : It is due to the scattering of light that red light bends minimum and violet light bends the maximum.

  • (A) Both, Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • (B) Both, Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
  • (C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
  • (D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Question 33:

The given figure shows image formation by a lens. Analyse the figure and answer the following questions :



(a) What is the type of lens used for image formation in the given ray diagram ?
(b) If the real image is formed at a distance of \( 30 cm \) from the lens and the size of image is twice the size of the object, then where was the object placed ?


Question 34(a):

The resistance of a wire of \( 0.01 cm \) radius and \( 1.0 cm \) length is \( 7 \ \Omega \). Calculate its resistivity.


Question 34(b):

An electric heater is rated \( 220 V \); \( 11 A \). Calculate the power consumed if the heater is operated at \( 200 V \).


Question 35:

A person is unable to read a book placed closer than \( 1 meter \) from his eyes. Identify the defect of vision in his eyes. Draw the ray diagrams to show the defect of vision and its correction.


Question 36(a):

Describe an activity to show that a current carrying conductor, placed in an external magnetic field experiences a force.


Question 36(b):

Imagine that you are sitting in a chamber with your back to one wall. An electron beam, moving horizontally towards the front wall from the back wall, is deflected by a strong magnetic field to your right side. Find the direction of the magnetic field.


Question 37(a):

The pattern of magnetic field due to a current carrying wire depends upon the shape made by that wire. Justify.


Question 37(b):

A current carrying straight wire AB is shown in the given diagram. Out of X, Y and Z on which point will the strength of magnetic field be maximum and why ?


Question 38(a):

Read the following passage and answer the questions given :
Lenses can form different types of images depending upon their focal length and position of object. A convex lens can create real, inverted or virtual, erect images, while a concave lens forms only virtual and diminished images. The focal length determines the power of lens. Convex lenses have positive focal length while concave lenses have negative focal length by convention. When lenses are placed together, their combined power is determined by the sum of their individual powers. Ray diagrams help to visualize how light converges or diverges through lens to form an image.

A convex lens of focal length \( 20 cm \) is used to form an image. If an object is placed at \( 40 cm \) from the lens, what will be the position and nature of image ?


Question 38(b):

Illustrate the formation of image with the help of ray diagram, when the object is placed between the optical centre and principal focus of concave lens.


Question 38(c)(i):

A lens combination consists of a convex lens of focal length \( 30 cm \) and a concave lens of focal length \( 15 cm \) placed together. Find the equivalent focal length and power of this lens combination.


Question 38(c)(ii):

Two lenses are placed in contact. One is a concave lens with focal length \( 2 m \) and the other is a convex lens with focal length \( 1.5 m \). What type of lens will the combination behave as (convex or concave) ? Give reason.


Question 39(a)(i):

Due to change in length and area of cross-section of a conductor, resistance of conductor changes while resistivity does not change. Why ?


Question 39(a)(ii):

Conductors of electric toasters and electric iron are made of an alloy rather than a pure metal. Why ?


Question 39(a)(iii):

Define the S.I. unit of electric current.


Question 39(b)(i):

How many bulbs of resistance \( 8 \ \Omega \) each should be connected in parallel combination to draw a current of \( 2 A \) from a battery of \( 4 V \) ?


Question 39(b)(ii):

Name the device used for measuring electric current. How is it connected in a circuit ?


Question 39(b)(iii):

State Joule's law of heating.

CBSE Class 10 Science Question Paper All Sets