CBSE Class 10 marking scheme 2025-26

The CBSE Class 10 Board Exams for 2025-26 are from February 17 to March 11, as announced by the Central Board of Secondary Education. Before the exams, CBSE releases the Class 10 Paper Pattern, which gives students a clear idea of the exam format and marking scheme. This helps them prepare more effectively for the exams.

The second phase of CBSE Class 10 exams, meant for improvement or compartment, is expected to be held from May 15 to June 1, 2026. For example, the Social Science exam may be on May 22. Students can keep the higher marks scored between the two exam phases.

Overview of CBSE Marking scheme 2026 class 10

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has shared the new marking scheme for the Class 10 board exams for the 2025–26 academic year. This marking scheme explains how marks are divided for each subject and which topics carry more weight.

The updated exam pattern focuses more on understanding and application of concepts. Around 50% of the paper will be competency-based questions that test thinking skills instead of just memory. Each subject will have an 80-mark theory exam along with 20 marks for internal assessment.

In this article, you will learn about the exam structure, marking scheme, and chapter-wise weightage for main subjects such as Science, Mathematics, Social Science, English, and Hindi so you can plan your studies in a smarter way and score better in the board exams.

Marking Scheme of CBSE class 10 2025-26

• Exam Format and Question Paper Structure

CBSE Class 10 exams test both your understanding and how well you apply what you learn. The question paper includes MCQs, short answers, and long answers to check different skills.

For the 2026 exams, 50% of the questions will be competency-based, including MCQs and case studies. About 20% will be objective questions, and 30% will short and long answers. CBSE follows a 9-point grading system and conducts board exams twice a year.

Internal assessment carries 20 marks, divided equally into periodic tests, practical or activity work, projects, and portfolios. The exams are tentatively expected to start from February 17, 2026.

• Marking Scheme and Key Topics

The marking scheme for each subject highlights the key topics you should focus on to prepare effectively. 
For example:

1. In Science, most marks come from Chemical Substances and The World of Living, with 25 marks each. Natural Phenomena carries around 12 marks.
2. For Social Science, History has 18 marks plus 2 marks for map work. Geography has 17 marks along with 3 marks for maps. Civics and Economics carry 20 marks each.
3. In Mathematics, Algebra is the most important with about 20 marks. Geometry carries around 15 marks, and Trigonometry has nearly 12 marks.

• Internal Assessments and Practical Work

Along with the written exam, CBSE also includes internal assessments for all subjects. These contribute 20 marks to your final grade and include periodic tests, notebook work, and activities like lab experiments or projects. The remaining 80 marks come from the written exam.

The CBSE Class 10 marking scheme for 2025-26 is here to help students understand how marks are distributed across subjects. This guide offers a detailed chapter-wise marking breakdown for subjects like Social Science and Mathematics. It also provides an overview of the Class 10 blueprint, making it easier for students to plan their studies and get a clear understanding of the CBSE curriculum.

Here’s a detailed exam format for the CBSE Class 10 Board Exams in 2025.

 Mathematics – Exam Pattern 2026

Science – Revised Pattern 2026

Includes: Assertion–reason questions, diagram-based questions, MCQs and competency-based questions.

Social Science – Revised Pattern 2026

English – Language & Literature

English Communicative

Hindi A / Hindi B

• The theory exam will be worth 80 marks, while the internal assessment will contribute 20 marks.
• This is the latest CBSE Class 10 exam pattern students should follow for the 2026 board exams.
• You’ll have 3 hours to complete the exam.

Exam Guidelines and Instruction

• Some questions will have limited options to choose from.
• For visually impaired students, there will be alternative questions to replace visuals like maps.
• Additional instructions will be provided for certain sections and specific questions.

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The marking scheme for Class 10 serves as an essential guide for students preparing for their CBSE exams.

By following the marking scheme, students can understand the distribution of marks for each chapter and focus on key areas that carry higher marks. It helps in effective time management and ensures that students cover all important topics in a structured manner.

Regular practice using the marking scheme will not only improve exam performance but also increase students' confidence in tackling various types of questions. 

Ultimately, the CBSE marking scheme is a valuable tool that helps in strategic preparation for the Class 10 board exams, contributing to better results and a deeper understanding of the subjects.

Eduzia Learning offers personalized one-on-one coaching with expert tutors to help students improve their scores. With exams just around the corner, join now and take the first step toward a brighter future!