CBSE Class 10 Science Question Paper Design 2025–26 | Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme & Preparation Tips

CBSE has announced the updated Class 10 Science Question Paper Design for 2025–26. Get complete details on competencies, exam pattern, internal assessment, and preparation strategies to score high marks.

CBSE Class 10 Science Question Paper Design (2025–26)

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the revised Science (086) question paper design for Class 10 students appearing in the academic year 2025–26. This new pattern focuses on competency-based education (CBE), ensuring that students develop not only factual knowledge but also application skills, analytical ability, and creativity.

• The Science subject will carry 100 marks in total, which includes:
• Theory Paper: 80 Marks
• Internal Assessment: 20 Marks

Science Theory Exam Pattern (80 Marks)

This distribution clearly shows that half of the marks will test your basic knowledge and understanding, while the remaining portion will assess your ability to apply, analyze, and create solutions.

Important Notes for Students

Types of Questions:

• Very Short Answer (VSA) including Objective Type Questions
• Assertion–Reasoning Type Questions
• Short Answer (SA) & Long Answer (LA) Questions
• Source-based, Case-based, and Passage-based Questions
• Integrated Assessment Questions
• Internal Choice: About 33% choice will be available in the question paper.

Skill Focus: Students must focus on practical application and higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) along with theoretical preparation.

Internal Assessment (20 Marks)

👉 Tip: Students should maintain a proper Science Portfolio, complete practical work regularly, and take school assessments seriously, as these marks can make a big difference in the final result.

How to Prepare for CBSE Class 10 Science 2025–26?

• Understand NCERT First – Most questions in CBSE exams come directly or indirectly from NCERT books. Don’t skip diagrams, in-text questions, and examples.
• Practice Assertion-Reason Questions – These are becoming more common and test your logical understanding.
• Work on Case-Based Questions – Read carefully and connect concepts to real-life situations.
• Revise Important Formulas & Definitions – Many direct questions are asked from Physics formulas, Chemistry reactions, and Biology definitions.
• Time Management – Practice sample papers within 3 hours to learn proper time allocation.
• Focus on Internal Assessments – Practical work, projects, and portfolio are easy marks; make sure they are neat and complete.
• Use Previous Year Papers – Solving past 5–10 years’ papers helps in understanding frequently asked concepts.

Key Highlights of CBSE Class 10 Science Question Paper Design 2025–26

• Competency-based education focus to promote application and problem-solving.
• 33% choice in the paper to reduce stress for students.
• Internal Assessment carries significant weightage (20%).
• Equal emphasis on theory and practical learning.
• Students must balance knowledge + application + analytical skills for success.

FAQs – CBSE Class 10 Science Exam 2025–26

Q1. How many marks will the CBSE Class 10 Science exam carry in 2026?
➡️ The Science exam will carry 100 marks in total (80 marks theory + 20 marks internal assessment).

Q2. What type of questions will be asked in Science Class 10 board exams?
➡️ The exam will include Objective, Assertion-Reasoning, Short Answer, Long Answer, Case-based, and Integrated questions.

Q3. Is there any choice in the Science question paper?
➡️ Yes, about 33% internal choice will be provided.

Q4. How important is the Science Portfolio for Class 10?
➡️ The portfolio carries 5 marks and contributes to internal assessment. Keeping it well-organized ensures easy scoring.

Q5. Which competency has the highest weightage in Class 10 Science?
➡️ Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding carries the highest weightage (50%).

The CBSE Class 10 Science Question Paper Design 2025–26 highlights the importance of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students are advised to focus on NCERT-based preparation, case-study questions, and internal assessments to score well. With the right strategy and consistent practice, scoring 90+ in Science is achievable.

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