CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-Wise New Marking Scheme

CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-Wise New Marking Scheme

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CBSE Class 10th Exam Date:01 Jan' 26 - 14 Feb' 26

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Manasvini GuptaUpdated on 20 Nov 2025, 01:41 PM IST
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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) determines the CBSE Class 10 exam pattern 2026. The CBSE 10th subject-wise exam pattern and marking scheme are put up by the board through its official website, cbseacademic.nic.in. CBSE has recently released the subject-wise marks bifurcation of all subjects. Students are advised to understand the CBSE 10th exam pattern and marking scheme to prepare well for the CBSE 10th exams 2026.
Download CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2025-26

This Story also Contains

  1. CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
  2. CBSE Class 10 Subject-wise Bifurcation of Marks
  3. CBSE Class 10 Maths Exam Pattern 2026
  4. CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern 2026
  5. CBSE Class 10 Social Science Exam Pattern 2026
  6. CBSE 10th Exam Pattern for English (Language and Literature)
  7. CBSE Class 10 Grading System 2026
CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-Wise New Marking Scheme
CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026

As per the latest CBSE exam pattern 10th Class 2026, the theory papers for all the main subjects will carry 80 marks, while 20 marks will be reserved for the internal assessment. Students should also be aware that the internal assessment includes periodic tests, notebook submission, and subject-specific activities, which are crucial for scoring well. A clear understanding of the CBSE 10th 2026 exam pattern will help students manage their study time effectively.

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026 Overview

Students can refer to the table given below to get the major highlights of the new CBSE 10th exam pattern 2026.

Name of the ExamCBSE Secondary Examination 2026
The Conducting BodyCentral Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
Examination ModeOffline
FrequencyOnce a year
Maximum marks100
Total duration for the theory paper3 Hours

CBSE Class 10 Subject-wise Bifurcation of Marks

SubjectCBSE theory marksCBSE 10th practical marks/Internal Assessment
Hindi Course- A8020
Hindi Course-B
8020
Science8020
Social Science8020
English (Communicative)8020
Mathematics Basic8020

CBSE Class 10 Maths Exam Pattern 2026

As per the CBSE 10th exam pattern of the Mathematics subject, the theory exam will consist of 80 marks in total, and the internal assessment will be 20 marks. The unit-wise marking scheme is listed below in the table:

CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

Unit No.

Unit Name

Marks

I

Number Systems

06

II

Algebra

20

III

Coordinate Geometry

06

IV

Geometry

15

V

Trigonometry

12

VI

Mensuration

10

VII

Statistics and Probability

11


Total

80

CBSE 10th Math Exam Pattern for Internal Assessment

Internal Assessment

Marks

Total Marks

Pen Paper Test and Multiple Assessment (5+5)

10

20 marks

Lab Practical (Lab activities to be done from the prescribed books)

5

Portfolio

5

CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern 2026

The CBSE Class 10 Science exam pattern 2026 is listed in the table below. The unit-wise marking scheme and topics incorporated in the syllabus are also mentioned below.

CBSE Class 10th Science Exam Pattern 2026

Units
Unit Name
Marks
I
Chemical Substances-Nature and Behaviour:
Chemical reactions, Acids, bases and salts, Metals and nonmetals, Carbon compounds
25
II
World of Living:
Life processes, Control and coordination in animals and plants, Reproduction, Heredity and Evolution
25
III
Natural Phenomena:
Reflection of light by curved surfaces, Refraction of light by spherical lens, Functioning of a lens in the human eye, Refraction of light through a prism, etc.
12
IV
Effects of Current:
Electric current, potential difference and electric current, Ohm’s law, Magnetic effects of current, Alternating current, Domestic electric circuits
13
V
Natural Resources:
Our Environment
05

Total
80

Internal Assessment
20

Grand Total
100

CBSE Class 10 Science Internal Assessment Marks

  1. Periodic Assessment = 05 marks + 05 marks

  2. Subject Enrichment (Practical Work) = 05 marks

  3. Portfolio = 05 marks

CBSE Class 10th Syllabus 2025-26
Students can access the subject-wise CBSE Class 10 syllabus for the 2025–26 academic session.
Check Now

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Exam Pattern 2026

The CBSE Class 10 Social Science exam will include theory questions and map skills-based questions. Go through the CBSE Class 10 Social Science 2026 exam pattern below:

CBSE Class 10 History Exam Pattern 2026

Topics

Weightage

  • The Rise of Nationalism in Europe

  • Nationalism in India

  • The Making of a Global World Sub topics 1 to 1.3

  • The Age of Industrialisation

  • Print Culture and the Modern World

18 + 2 Map pointing

CBSE Class 10 Political Science Exam Pattern 2026

Topics

Weightage

  • Power-sharing

  • Federalism

  • Gender, Religion and Caste

  • Political Parties

  • Outcomes of Democracy

20

CBSE Class 10 Geography Exam Pattern 2026

Topics

Weightage

  • Resources and Development

  • Forest and Wildlife Resources

  • Water Resources

  • Agriculture

  • Minerals and Energy Resources

  • Manufacturing Industries

  • Lifelines of National Economy (Only the map to be evaluated in the Board Examination)

17 + 3 Map pointing

CBSE Class 10 Economics Exam Pattern 2026

Topic

Weightage

  • Development

  • Sectors of the Indian Economy

  • Money and Credit

  • Globalisation and the Indian Economy Subtopics: What is Globalisation?, Factors that have enabled Globalisation

  • Consumer Rights (Project Work)

20

CBSE 10th Exam Pattern Social Science 2026 - Internal Assessment

Type of Assessment

Description

Marks

Periodic Assessment

Pen and Paper Test.

5

Multiple Assessment

Quiz, debate, role play, viva, group discussion, visual expression, interactive bulletin boards, gallery walks, exit cards, concept maps, peer assessment, Self-assessment, etc, through an Interdisciplinary project

5

Subject Enrichment Activity

Project Work on Consumer Rights, OR Social Issues OR Sustainable Development

5

Portfolio

Classwork, Work done (activities/ assignments), reflections, narrations, journals, etc. Achievements of the student in the subject throughout the year, Participation of the student in different activities like Heritage India quiz

5

CBSE 10th Exam Pattern for English (Language and Literature)

The English exam is divided into three sections: A, B, and C. The CBSE Class 10 English exam pattern is mentioned in the table below:

CBSE Class 10th English Exam Pattern 2026

Section

Topics

Weightage

1

Reading Skills

20

2

Writing Skills with Grammar

20

3

English Literature (Ques from textbooks)

40

Total

80

Internal Assessment (Based on Assignments & Projects)

20

Total

100

CBSE Class 10 Grading System 2026

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) follows a 9-point grading system to assign grades to students. As per the new CBSE grading system, grades are awarded to students as on their marks in the CBSE 10th exam. The following is a nine-point scoring table:

CBSE Grading System for Class 10

Grades

Particulars

A-1

Top 1/8th of the passed candidates

A-2

Next 1/8th of the passed candidates

B-1

Next 1/8th of the passed candidates

B-2

Next 1/8th of the passed candidates

C-1

Next 1/8th of the passed candidates

C-2

Next 1/8th of the passed candidates

D-1

Next 1/8th of the passed candidates

D-2

Next 1/8th of the passed candidates

E*

*Essential Repeat

Also, Check: CBSE Results 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the total marks in CBSE 10th 2026?
A:

The theory papers will carry 80 marks, and the internal evaluation will be of 20 marks.

Q: Are NCERT books enough to prepare for the CBSE Class 10 exams 2026?
A:

Yes, NCERT books are enough for the preparation of CBSE 10th board exams.

Q: Where can I download the CBSE Class 10 exam pattern 2026 from?
A:

The complete CBSE 10th exam pattern and syllabus have been put up by the board on the official website, cbseacademic.nic.in. 

Q: What happens if I fail in one Core subject?
A:

If a student fails in any one of the three compulsory subjects- Science, Mathematics, or Social Science, but passes in the Skill subject (offered as the sixth optional subject), the failed core subject will be replaced by the Skill subject. The final result of the Class X board examination will then be computed based on this replacement.

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Questions related to CBSE Class 10th

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CBSE Class 10th ?

Hi! If you’re looking for the Class 11 English half yearly question paper for 2025-26 (CBSE board), you’ll find the right resource once you check the link provided from Careers360. Solving previous or sample papers is a smart way to prepare, as it helps you understand the question types, marking scheme, and important topics. This practice will boost your confidence and help you manage your time well in the actual exam.
https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-class-11-half-yearly-sample-papers-2025-26

Hi dear candidate,

Could you please specify us the board of education for which you need the half yearly question papers of class X so that we can help you further.

Below are few links which may help you and it has all the subjects with English as well:

CBSE Class 10 Half Yearly Exam Question Paper 2025-26 with Answer Key & Analysis

ICSE Class 10 Half Yearly Sample Papers 2025-26 PDF (All Subjects)

BEST REGARDS

Hi dear candidate,

Can you please specify the board of education or state for which you need to know the exam pattern and syllabus so that we can guide you accordingly.

Since, most of the boards uses NCERT as base syllabus, you can refer to the link below:

NCERT Syllabus for Class 10 – All Subjects PDF Download 2025-26

Exam pattern:

CBSE 10th New Exam Pattern 2026- Marking Scheme, Subject-Wise Exam Pattern

BEST REGARDS

The CBSE Class 10th Board Exams for the 2026 session will follow the revised curriculum, emphasizing competency-based questions.

  • Conducting Body: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

  • Exam Period: The main theory exams are typically held between February and April 2026.

  • Grading: Based on marks in five main subjects plus internal assessment marks (often 20 marks per subject) provided by the school.

  • Passing Criteria: You must achieve at least 33% overall in each subject (theory + practical/internal assessment combined) to be declared pass.

Key Preparation Strategy

The most crucial element of your preparation is understanding the exam structure:

  • Syllabus: Strictly adhere to the rationalized syllabus released by CBSE for the 2025-26 academic year.

  • Practice: Your primary resource should be the latest sample papers and previous year question papers. These accurately reflect the format and types of competency questions being asked.

For the most comprehensive and official announcements, including the detailed time table and access to crucial practice materials, always check the official board updates, as tracked by Careers360: https://school.careers360.com/exams/cbse-class-10th .

HELLO,

If you want admission to 9th grade under the CBSE board in Andhra Pradesh , visit nearby CBSE affiliated schools during the admission period that is generally from January  to April or you can check the official websites of the schools in which you are interested for admission if they are accepting the admissions now .

After deciding the school and getting information about admission deadline from the school you can fill out the admission form with documents submission like your previous report card , transfer certificate and birth certificate , they make take entrance test or interview to confirm your admission

To know more visit :- https://school.careers360.com/schools/cbse-schools-in-andhra-pradesh

Hope this Helps!