CBSE Class 10th Exam Pattern 2025-26: Check Subject-Wise Exam Pattern, Weightage & Marking Scheme

Q: What is the syllabus of Class 10 2025 to 2026?

The Class 10 syllabus 2025-26 will be based on the NCERT curriculum across Science, Maths, Social Science, English, Hindi, and other electives. Subject Key Topics Covered Mathematics Number Systems, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, Probability Science Chemical Reactions, Acids-Bases-Salts, Life Processes, Light, Electricity, Heredity, Environment Social Science History: Nationalism, Industrialisation; Geography: Resources, Agriculture; Civics: Democracy, Rights; Economics: Development, Globalisation English Reading Comprehension, Writing (Letter, Article), Grammar, Literature (Prose & Poetry from NCERT books) Hindi Paragraph, Letter, Unseen passage IT/Computer Basics of IT, HTML

Sahaj Anand

Content Writer | Journalism Graduate | Updated on - Aug 23, 2025

The CBSE Class 10 Exam will have a big change this year. The CBSE will conduct 2 board exams in 1 year, and you can appear for the exam twice for the improvement of your CBSE Class 10 Score.

The CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026 will follow the 80+20 marking scheme, 80 marks will be given to the theory exam and 20 marks for the internal exam.
To pass CBSE Class 10, you have to score at least 33% marks in both the theory and practical exams.
The CBSE class 10 Exam pattern will include 50% of the competency-based questions, 20% of the objective-based questions and 30% of the short & long answer questions.

A few subjects like Artificial Intelligence, financial literacy and cyber security are also introduced, which will make you ready for the future along with core academics.

Download CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026 PDF

What is the CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern?

The CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern includes the pattern followed by CBSE for class 10 students. By the year 2026, the CBSE will be conducting 2 board exams in an academic year, giving candidates 2 opportunities to appear for the exam.

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern Overview

Component	Details
Exam Frequency	Two Board Exams in one academic year (Term I & Term II)
Total Marks	100 marks per subject
Theory Exam	80 marks (Board Exam conducted by CBSE)
Internal Assessment	20 marks (Periodic tests, projects, assignments, practicals)
Passing Criteria	Minimum 33% required in both Theory and Internal Assessment separately
Question Paper Pattern	50% competency-based, 20% objective (MCQs), 30% descriptive questions
Exam Duration	3 hours
New Subjects Introduced	Artificial Intelligence, Financial Literacy, Cybersecurity

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: Subject-Wise Marks

All of the main subjects will carry 80 marks theory and 20 marks of internal, which makes it a total of 100 marks.
The Internal Assessment is of 20 marks, which includes the periodic tests, projects, practicals, and the submission of the notebooks.
The Skills Subjects like AI, IT, Financial literacy, and cybersecurity, etc, will include 50 theory marks and 50 practical marks as a total of 100 marks.

CBSE Class 10 Subject-Wise Marking Scheme PDF

Subject	Download PDF
Science	Download PDF
Mathematics Basic	Download PDF
Mathematics Standard	Download PDF
Hindi A	Download PDF
Hindi B	Download PDF
Social Science	Download PDF
English	Download PDF

CBSE Class 10 Total Marks

The CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern will evaluate the candidates on the basis of both theory and practical exams.

Each Academic subject will carry 100 Marks, whereas the skill-based subjects will follow a pattern of 50-50.
The CBSE Class 10 Total Marks will differ according to the number of subjects candidates will choose.

Category	Subjects Included	Marks per Subject	No. of Subjects	Total Marks
Core Academic Subjects	Mathematics Science Social Science English Hindi/Other Language	100 (80+20)	5	500
Skill Subjects (Optional)	AI, IT, Financial Literacy, Cybersecurity, etc.	100 (50+50)	1	100
Additional Subjects (Optional)	Third Language / Extra Academic Subject	100	1	100
Overall	5 Core Subjects + 1 Skill Subject	–	6	600 Marks

CBSE Class 10 Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2025-26

The CBSE Class 10 Exam pattern will follow a theory and internal assessment, in which 80 marks are for the theory exam and 20 for the internal assessment.

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: Mathematics (Standard/Basic)

The CBSE Class 10 Maths Exam will be of 100 Marks, 80 marks of theory and 20 of internal marks.
The CBSE Maths exam will include Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics and Probability.

CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Exam Pattern

Section	Marks Distribution
Algebra & Number Systems	20
Geometry & Mensuration	15
Trigonometry	12
Statistics & Probability	11
Coordinate Geometry	7
Internal Assessment	20
Total	100

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: Science

The CBSE Class 10 Science Exam will also be of 100 marks, 80 for theory and 20 for practical/internal.
The CBSE Class 10 Science Internal Exam includes Lab practical, experiments, projects & viva exam.

CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern

Section	Marks Distribution
Physics	25
Chemistry	25
Biology	30
Internal Assessment	20
Total	100

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: Social Science (SST)

The CBSE Class 10 Exam will include History, Geography, Political Science and Economics.
The Map work is compulsory in the Exam.
The CBSE Class 10 Social Science Exam will be of 100 Marks, 80 theory and 20 internal.

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Exam Pattern

Section	Marks Distribution
History	20
Geography	20
Political Science	20
Economics	20
Internal Assessment	20
Total	100

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: English Language & Literature

The CBSE Class 10 English Exam will be of 100 marks, 80 for theory and 20 for internal.
The CBSE Class 10 English Theory Exam will include Reading, Writing, Grammar and Literature.

CBSE Class 10 English Exam Pattern

Section	Marks Distribution
Reading Comprehension	20
Writing & Grammar	20
Literature (Prose & Poetry)	40
Internal Assessment (ASL + Class Tests)	20
Total	100

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: Hindi (Course A / Course B)

The CBSE Class 10 Hindi Exam will include 100 marks, 80 for theory and 20 for the internal exam.
The CBSE Class 10 Internal Exam will include listening, speaking, an assignment, and periodic tests.
It offers Course A (Literature-focused) & Course B (Functional Hindi).

CBSE Class 10 Hindi Exam Pattern

Section	Marks Distribution
Reading	10
Writing	20
Grammar	15
Literature (Prose & Poetry)	35
Internal Assessment	20
Total	100

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: Skill Subjects (AI, IT, Financial Literacy, Cybersecurity)

The Skill subjects will be of 100 marks, 50 for theory and 50 for practical.
The CBSE Class 10 skill subject Exams will focus on hands-on learning, projects and lab work.

Skill Subjects Exam Pattern

Section	Marks Distribution
Theory (CBSE Board Exam)	50
Practical/Projects	50
Total	100

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: 80+20 Marks Distribution & Question Types

The CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern follows an 80+20 marks distribution format, which balances both theory and internal assessment.

This will help the evaluation of both the conceptual understanding and the practical application of knowledge.

80+20 Marks Distribution Format

80 Marks (Theory - Exam): Written Paper of 3 hours, which includes full syllabus coverage.
20 Marks (Internal Assessment): It is based on the periodic tests, assignments, notebook submission and subject enrichment activities.
It ensures continuous evaluation along with the board assessment as well.

Types of Questions in CBSE Class 10

Type of Question	Approx. Weightage in 80 Marks Board Paper	Nature of Questions
Competency/Case-based MCQs	40–50%	Situational, real-life application questions
Short Answer (2–4 marks)	30%	Conceptual and analytical questions
Long Answer (5–6 marks)	20–25%	Descriptive, detailed explanations
Objective / Very Short Answer	10%	Direct fact/definition-based

CBSE Twice-a-Year Exam Policy (From 2026)

From the year 2026, CBSE will conduct 2 board exams to reduce the pressure of exams and will give the candidates a chance to improve their scores.

This new format will ensure flexibility and will be aligned with the NEP 2020.

How the Twice-a-Year CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern Benefits Students

The CBSE Class 10 Exam pattern is the same as the format of 80+20 Marks.
As a result, the best of the 2 will be counted to help candidates maximise their scores.
After the main exam in February-March 2026, the candidates can give an improvement exam in May-June.
This will ensure less pressure along with more opportunities and better academic outcomes.

Exam Aspect	Twice-a-Year Exam Policy (from 2026)	Impact on Students
Number of Attempts	2 Board Exams (Feb–March & May–June)	Students will get a second chance without losing a year.
Marks Distribution (80+20)	Same 80 (theory) + 20 (internal)	The exam pattern is not changed
Result Consideration	The best of these 2 marks will be considered	Improves chances of higher marks & better percentage
Stress Factor	The Stress is low, as a second attempt is also available	Reduce the pressure of exam and a better mental health.
Preparation Strategy	The First attempt should be given seriously with proper preparation The second attempt is for the improvement of the score.	Helps students revise & refine weak areas
Alignment with NEP 2020	Fully aligned with NEP 2020 Policy.	Encourages flexibility & holistic learning

CBSE Class 10 Syllabus PDF

Subject Name	Syllabus pdf link
CBSE Class 10 English Language & Literature Syllabus	Download pdf
CBSE Class 10 Communicative English	Download Pdf
CBSE Class 10 Science Syllabus	Download pdf
CBSE Class 10 Maths Syllabus	Download pdf
CBSE Class 10 Social Science Syllabus	Download pdf
CBSE Class 10 Hindi Course A Syllabus	Download pdf
CBSE Class 10 Hindi Course B syllabus	Download pdf

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: Topic-Wise Weightage 2025-26

The CBSE Class 10 Topic-wise weightage 2025-26 will give students an understanding of the marks carried by each unit and chapter in the board Examination.

This will help candidates with a smart preparation strategy, by ensuring students focus on high-weightage topics to maintain balance in the syllabus.

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: Mathematics Weightage

The Weightage of Algebra is the highest of 20 marks and is important for securing the overall score.
The Geometry & Trigonometry together consist of 27 marks, forming a strong base for competency-based questions.
The Weightage of the Number system & coordinate geometry are low, 6 Marks for each question, but it is important for accuracy.
For High accuracy, the balanced focus should be on Statistics & Probability for 11 marks and Mensuration for 10 Marks.

Unit / Topic	Marks
Number Systems	6
Algebra (Polynomials, Linear Equations)	20
Geometry (Circles, Constructions)	15
Trigonometry	12
Mensuration (Surface Areas & Volumes)	10
Statistics & Probability	11
Coordinate Geometry	6
Total (Theory)	80

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: Science Weightage

In the science exam, the weightage of biology is a maximum of 30 marks; it's important for high-scoring candidates.
The Physics and Chemistry combined carry 25 marks each, giving equal focus amongst all the concepts.
The Practical-based topics are asked more in the exam.

Unit / Topic	Marks
Physics (Light, Electricity, Human Eye, etc.)	25
Chemistry (Chemical Reactions, Acids-Bases-Salts, Metals & Non-Metals, Carbon Compounds, Periodic Classification)	25
Biology (Life Processes, Reproduction, Genetics, Evolution, Environment)	30
Total (Theory)	80

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: Social Science Weightage

The weightage carried by all 4 sections will be of equal weightage, 20 Marks each.
The History & Geography, combining 40 marks, are asked from factual and map-related questions.
Political science is important for conceptual and competency-based questions.
The Economics carrying 20 marks is easier, but important for scoring full marks.

Unit / Topic	Marks
History (Nationalism, Industrialisation, Print Culture, etc.)	20
Geography (Resources, Agriculture, Industries, etc.)	20
Political Science (Democracy, Federalism, Gender, Political Parties, Outcomes of Democracy)	20
Economics (Development, Sectors of Economy, Money & Credit, Globalisation, Consumer Rights)	20
Total (Theory)	80

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: English Language & Literature Weightage

The Literature section includes the 40-mark questions, with deep textual-based understanding.
The Reading & Writing/Grammar Section is 20 marks each, and is important for scoring well.
The Candidates can increase their score by reading comprehension and enhancing their writing skills.

Section / Topic	Marks
Reading Comprehension (2 Passages)	20
Writing Skills & Grammar	20
Literature (First Flight & Footprints Without Feet)	40
Total (Theory)	80

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: Hindi (Course A/B) Weightage

The Hindi literature carries the maximum marks as 35, and the prose & poetry are important for scoring higher marks.
The Writing section is of 20 marks, and the grammar section is of 15 marks, together contributing 35 marks and requires regular practice.
The Reading section is 10 marks and is easy to score.

Section / Topic	Marks
Reading	10
Writing	20
Grammar	15
Literature (Prose & Poetry)	35
Total (Theory)	80

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: Skill Subjects (AI, IT, Financial Literacy, Cybersecurity, etc.) Weightage

The Skill subject carries a total of 100 marks in total.
In these subjects, equal weightage of Theory for 50 Marks and Practical for 50 Marks will ensure full holistic development.
More Emphasis will be given to the practical application in the field of IT, AI, Financial literacy and cybersecurity.

Component	Marks
Theory (CBSE Written Exam)	50
Practical / Projects	50
Total	100

CBSE Class 10 Internal Assessment Pattern 2026

The CBSE Class 10 Internal Assessment will carry 20 marks for each subject and will be testing candidates throughout the year, other than the main exam.
Including the periodic tests, notebook submission, enrichment activity and practical/project work.

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: Internal Assessment Marks Distribution

Component	Marks	Details
Periodic Tests	10 marks	3 tests were conducted during the year, and the best two were considered
Notebook Submission	5 marks	Evaluation of regularity, assignment completion, and neatness
Subject Enrichment Activities	5 marks	Includes lab work, ASL (English/Hindi), map work (Social Science), practicals, and projects
Total	20 marks	Added to the 80 marks theory for the final 100 marks assessment

Changes in CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026

The CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026 has certain changes by introducing the biannual exam system for the 2025-26 academic session.

Students can appear for 2 board exams in 1 year, to reduce the academic stress by giving multiple opportunities to the candidates.

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern: Changes

Component	Previous Pattern (till 2025)	New Pattern (2026 onwards)
Number of Board Exams	One annual board exam	Two board exams (Biannual)
Marks Distribution	80 marks (Theory) + 20 marks (Internal)	Same – 80 marks (Theory) + 20 marks (Internal)
Passing Criteria	33% in both Theory & Internal	Same – 33% in both Theory & Internal
Competency-Based Questions	40% of the total paper	50% of the total paper
Objective Type Questions (MCQs, short answers)	20% of the total paper	20% (no change)
Constructed Response Questions (Long/Short Answer)	40% of the total paper	30% of the total paper
New Subjects & Skills	Limited electives	More focus on AI, Cybersecurity, and Financial Literacy
Assessment Style	Single opportunity	Two opportunities for improvement in the same academic year

Check:

FAQs for CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern

Ques. Will there be boards in 2025-26 for Class 10?

Ans. Yes, the CBSE Class 10 Board Exam will be conducted in 2025-26, and 2 board exams will be conducted from the academic year 2026.

The Candidates can appear in both exams; the best score will be considered for the final result.

Board Exam Frequency (2025-26 onwards):

Academic Year	Board Exam Frequency	Best Score Considered
2024-25	1 board exam	Final marks of single exam
2025-26	2 board exams	Best of two attempts

Ques. What is the pattern of CBSE 2025-26?

Ans. The CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern will be of 100 marks for each subject.

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern (per subject):

Component	Marks	Weightage
Theory (Board Exam)	80	80%
Internal Assessment	20	20%
Total	100	100%

Ques. What is the pattern of the Class 10 exam 2026?

Ans. The CBSE Class 10 Exam will follow a structure of the 80+20 method.

CBSE Class 10 Paper Pattern:

Question Type	Expected Weightage
MCQs / Objective	20-25%
Short Answer (2–3 marks)	30-35%
Long Answer (5–6 marks)	40-45%

Ques. What is the syllabus of Class 10 2025 to 2026?

Ans. The Class 10 syllabus 2025-26 will be based on the NCERT curriculum across Science, Maths, Social Science, English, Hindi, and other electives.

Subject	Key Topics Covered
Mathematics	Number Systems, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, Probability
Science	Chemical Reactions, Acids-Bases-Salts, Life Processes, Light, Electricity, Heredity, Environment
Social Science	History: Nationalism, Industrialisation; Geography: Resources, Agriculture; Civics: Democracy, Rights; Economics: Development, Globalisation
English	Reading Comprehension, Writing (Letter, Article), Grammar, Literature (Prose & Poetry from NCERT books)
Hindi	Paragraph, Letter, Unseen passage
IT/Computer	Basics of IT, HTML

Ques. How many failed in CBSE 10 2025?

Ans.

In the Year 2025, around 22 lakh candidates appeared for the CBSE Class 10 Exam.
The Passing percentage of candidates was 93% from which 1.56 lakh candidates failed.

CBSE Class 10 2025 Result Data:

Total Students Appeared	Pass %	Students Failed (Approx.)
22.38 lakh	93%	1.56 lakh

Ques. How many MCQs are in the board exam 2026 Class 10?

Ans. The CBSE Class 10 Board Exam will include 20-25% MCQ questions in every subject.

As the Exams are of 80 Marks, 20 Marks will be of MCQs.

Ques. What is the exam pattern of Class 10?

Ans. The CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern includes 80 marks for the theory exam and 20 marks for the internal assessment.

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern Overview (2026):

Subject	Exam Duration	Theory (80)	Internal (20)
Science	3 hours	80	20
Mathematics	3 hours	80	20
Social Science	3 hours	80	20
English/Hindi	3 hours	80	20

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.