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06-11-2025
The CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern 2025–26 has been officially revised by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
This new format makes the Science paper more subject-focused and competency-based, helping students understand real-life applications of science instead of just memorizing facts.
In this article, we’ll explain the new exam pattern, section-wise question distribution, marking scheme, and comparison with last year’s format — in simple and easy language.
The CBSE Class 10 Science subject includes three key areas:
Each topic is designed to test students’ understanding, logical thinking, and application of concepts.
The total marks for the subject are 100, divided as:
The theory paper carries 80 marks with a total of 39 compulsory questions.
These questions are divided into three subject-specific sections:
| Section | Subject | Marks | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Biology | 30 | 16 |
| B | Chemistry | 25 | 13 |
| C | Physics | 25 | 10 |
| Total | — | 80 | 39 |
| Section | Marks per Question | No. of Questions | Question Type | Question Numbers | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A – Biology | 1 mark | 9 | MCQs / Assertion–Reason | Q1–9 | 9 |
| 2 marks | 3 | Short Answer | Q10–12 | 6 | |
| 3 marks | 2 | Short Answer (Diagram / Reasoning) | Q13–14 | 6 | |
| 4 marks | 1 | Case / Experiment-Based | Q15 | 4 | |
| 5 marks | 1 | Long Answer (Descriptive) | Q16 | 5 | |
| Total | — | 16 Questions | — | — | 30 Marks |
| B – Chemistry | 1 mark | 8 | MCQs / Assertion–Reason | Q17–24 | 8 |
| 2 marks | 1 | Short Answer | Q25 | 2 | |
| 3 marks | 2 | Short Answer / Practical-Based | Q26–27 | 6 | |
| 4 marks | 1 | Case / Activity-Based | Q28 | 4 | |
| 5 marks | 1 | Long Answer (Application-Based) | Q29 | 5 | |
| Total | — | 13 Questions | — | — | 25 Marks |
| C – Physics | 1 mark | 3 | MCQs / Assertion–Reason | Q30–32 | 3 |
| 2 marks | 2 | Short Answer / Numerical | Q33–34 | 4 | |
| 3 marks | 3 | Short Answer (Diagram / Conceptual) | Q35–37 | 9 | |
| 4 marks | 1 | Case / Practical Application | Q38 | 4 | |
| 5 marks | 1 | Long Answer (Numerical / Conceptual) | Q39 | 5 | |
| Total | — | 10 Questions | — | — | 25 Marks |
| Overall Total | — | 39 Questions | — | — | 80 Marks |
| Unit | Topic | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| I | Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour | 25 |
| II | The World of Living | 25 |
| III | Natural Phenomena | 12 |
| IV | Effects of Current | 13 |
| V | Natural Resources | 5 |
| Total | — | 80 |
The CBSE Class 10 Science paper pattern for 2025–26 has undergone major structural changes.
Here’s a clear comparison:
| Feature | 2024–25 Exam Pattern | 2025–26 Revised Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 5 sections (A–E) | 3 subject-specific sections (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) |
| Total Questions | 39 | 39 |
| Section Focus | Mixed question types across sections | Subject-wise division for clarity |
| Section A | MCQs & Assertion–Reason (Q1–16, 1 mark each) | Biology (Q1–16, 30 marks total) |
| Sections B & C | Short Answer Questions (2–3 marks each) | Chemistry (Q17–29, 25 marks) and Physics (Q30–39, 25 marks) |
| Sections D & E | Long Answer & Case-Based Questions | Merged into respective subjects |
| Overall Weightage | 80 marks (unchanged) | 80 marks (unchanged) |
| Internal Assessment | 20 marks | 20 marks (same criteria) |
1. Biology (30 Marks)
Focus on Life Processes, Heredity, and Our Environment.
Practice diagrams (human heart, nephron, leaf structure).
Revise definitions and labelling questions regularly.
2. Chemistry (25 Marks)
Important chapters: Chemical Reactions, Acids, Bases, and Salts, Metals and Non-Metals, Carbon Compounds.
Learn chemical equations with balancing.
Practice reason-based questions and simple numerical problems.
3. Physics (25 Marks)
Focus on Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current, and Light – Reflection and Refraction.
Practice numericals daily.
Understand the concept behind formulas rather than rote learning.
The internal marks will remain the same as before — a total of 20 marks, divided as:
Students should actively participate in lab work, maintain their science notebooks properly, and attend all internal tests to score full marks.
Focus on NCERT textbook concepts — most questions are based on NCERT examples.
Q1. What is the total mark for the Science paper?
👉 Total marks = 100 (80 theory + 20 internal assessment)
Q2. How many sections are in the new Science paper?
👉 There are 3 subject-wise sections – Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Q3. Will MCQs and assertion–reason questions be asked?
👉 Yes, multiple-choice and reasoning-based questions will be included.
Q4. What is the biggest change in 2025–26?
👉 The paper is now divided by subject, making it easier to prepare systematically.
Q5. How can I score high marks?
👉 Focus on concept clarity, regular revision, and practice of sample papers.
The CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern 2025–26 focuses on application-based learning and real-life problem-solving.
With clear division among Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, students can now plan their studies effectively.
Start early, stay consistent, and follow NCERT thoroughly to secure excellent marks in the upcoming board exams!
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