- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Thu, 27 Nov 2025 08:05 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has revised the Class 10 Science Exam Pattern for the 2025–26 academic session. The 2026 board exam will follow a new section-wise structure dividing the paper into Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, ensuring balanced coverage of all branches of science.
Students preparing for the CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 must understand the latest question paper design, section-wise marks distribution, and internal assessment criteria to plan their preparation effectively.
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CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern 2025–26
The Science Theory paper will carry 80 marks and will consist of 39 critical questions divided into three sections: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Each section will have questions of varying difficulty levels and formats, such as MCQs, Assertion-Reasoning, Short Answer, Long Answer, and Case-Based questions.
All 39 questions are compulsory, with internal choice in select questions.
Each section tests knowledge, understanding, application, and analysis of scientific concepts. Questions range from MCQs and Assertion–Reasoning to diagram-based, numerical, and case-based types.
Section-Wise Question Distribution and Marks:
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 |
CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern 2026 – Key Takeaways
The revised CBSE Class 10 Science exam pattern for 2026 follows a subject-wise and competency-based approach, dividing the paper into Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. With 39 questions carrying 80 theory marks and 20 internal marks, Biology has the highest weightage, accounting for 30 marks.
The paper emphasises analytical thinking and the practical application of concepts. Students will face a mix of MCQs, short-answer, long-answer, and case-based questions designed to test deeper understanding and problem-solving skills.
How Difficult Was CBSE Science 2025 Paper?
As per the Science Expert faculty, Mr Sunil Hingorani, PhysicsWallah (PW), the difficulty level of the class 10 Science 2025 paper was moderate to challenging. Over the years, CBSE has shifted the focus to concept-based learning. Hence, the board exam question papers are now designed to assess students' conceptual understanding and critical thinking.
In the previous year’s paper, the difficulty mix was systematically balanced, featuring approximately 30 per cent easy, 50 per cent moderate, and 20 per cent difficult questions. While Biology was fairly easy, Chemistry was seen to be the trickiest section.
Class 10 Science Paper Tips and Strategies for the 2026 Board Exam Students
-Students should start by prioritising NCERT and NCERT Exemplar, completing the textbook thoroughly along with all in-text, back-exercise, and key Exemplar questions.
-After building a strong foundation, they must solve the last three years’ papers to understand competency-based, analytical, and case-based question patterns.
-They should attempt the official CBSE Sample Paper (2025–26) as a full three-hour timed test to build stamina and familiarity with the exam pattern.
-Effective revision methods like spaced repetition, mind maps, and compact revision sheets with Chemistry reactions, Physics formulas, and Biology diagrams should be used for quick review.
-Students must revise the full syllabus before practising multiple market sample papers and ensure proper well-being through enough sleep, a balanced diet, breaks, and light exercise.