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

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

    Manasvini GuptaUpdated on 16 Feb 2026, 01:58 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. 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. The 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

    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.

    Particulars
    Details
    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

    Subject
    CBSE theory marks
    CBSE 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 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

    TopicsWeightage
    • Power-sharing

    • Federalism

    • Gender, Religion and Caste

    • Political Parties

    • Outcomes of Democracy

    20

    CBSE Class 10 Geography Exam Pattern 2026

    TopicsWeightage
    • Resources and Development

    • Forest and Wildlife Resources

    • Water Resources

    • Agriculture

    • Minerals and Energy Resources

    • Manufacturing Industries

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

    17 + 3 Map pointing

    CBSE Class 10 Economics Exam Pattern 2026

    TopicWeightage
    • 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 AssessmentDescriptionMarks

    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

    SectionTopicsWeightage

    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 based 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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