Sample Paper vs Previous Year Question Paper: Which one to Practice for Board Exams 2025-26
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CBSE Class 10th Exam Date:01 Jan' 26 - 14 Feb' 26
Sample Paper vs Previous Year Question Paper: Sample Papers (also known as mock papers) are practice tests created by education boards or academic experts. Whereas, the previous year's question papers are the actual question papers from exams held in past years. Both sample papers and previous year's question papers are important for board exam preparation, but they serve different purposes. The most effective strategy is to use both of them and prepare well for exams. We have provided the detailed procedure, how to follow them.
This Story also Contains
- Benefits of Practising Sample Papers
- Benefits of Practising Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)
- Which one to use: Sample Paper or PYQs
Benefits of Practising Sample Papers
They reflect the upcoming exam’s format, including structure, marking scheme, and question types. Boards sometimes make changes to the exam structure, such as the number of multiple-choice questions or the weightage of certain topics. Sample papers are your best bet for staying up to date with these changes. Many boards, like CBSE, release official sample papers each year.
Students can download CBSE 10th sample papers and 12th Class sample papers from here. They include a variety of standard and tricky questions to help prepare for possible variations.
They build confidence, improve time management, and help with self-assessment by providing real-time exam conditions.
By solving sample papers under timed conditions, students can learn to manage their time effectively and make sure to complete the entire paper within the given duration.
Benefits of Practising Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)
They show real exam patterns and marking schemes, giving authentic exposure to how questions are framed and weighted.
They help students recognise repetitive topics, frequently asked questions, and topic trends over time.
Students can download CBSE 10th PYQs and 12th Class previous year questions from here
CBSE Class 10th Syllabus 2025-26
Students can access the subject-wise CBSE Class 10 syllabus for the 2025–26 academic session.
Check NowWhich one to use: Sample Paper or PYQs
Neither resource alone is enough, but together, they form a powerful combo for exam readiness. Begin with PYQs (Previous Year Question Papers), which are real exam papers, offering authentic insight into the types of questions, structure, and level of difficulty that the board actually uses. Once a student is comfortable with PYQs and time remains, shift to Sample Papers. These reflect the latest exam format and help the candidate learn the new and evolving question types
PYQs might include content that’s less relevant to the current syllabus, whereas Sample Papers often present tougher or more variation of questions, pushing the preparation further
In short, start with PYQs for authenticity and confidence. Then, transition to sample papers for a more challenging task. Combining both gives the previous year's paper experience and future exam preparation.
Lastly, as students get closer to the exam, they can mix it up and solve a previous year's paper one day and a new sample paper the next. This keeps their practice dynamic and ensures they are prepared for any surprises the board might throw at them.
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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.
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Conducting Body: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
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Exam Period: The main theory exams are typically held between February and April 2026.
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Grading: Based on marks in five main subjects plus internal assessment marks (often 20 marks per subject) provided by the school.
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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:
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Syllabus: Strictly adhere to the rationalized syllabus released by CBSE for the 2025-26 academic year.
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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!
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