CBSE 10th Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-Wise New Marking Scheme
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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
- CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
- CBSE Class 10 Subject-wise Bifurcation of Marks
- CBSE Class 10 Maths Exam Pattern 2026
- CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern 2026
- CBSE Class 10 Social Science Exam Pattern 2026
- CBSE 10th Exam Pattern for English (Language and Literature)
- CBSE Class 10 Grading System 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 Exam | CBSE Secondary Examination 2026 |
| The Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Examination Mode | Offline |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Maximum marks | 100 |
| Total duration for the theory paper | 3 Hours |
CBSE Class 10 Subject-wise Bifurcation of Marks
| Subject | CBSE theory marks | CBSE 10th practical marks/Internal Assessment |
| Hindi Course- A | 80 | 20 |
| Hindi Course-B | 80 | 20 |
| Science | 80 | 20 |
| Social Science | 80 | 20 |
| English (Communicative) | 80 | 20 |
| Mathematics Basic | 80 | 20 |
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
Periodic Assessment = 05 marks + 05 marks
Subject Enrichment (Practical Work) = 05 marks
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 NowCBSE 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 |
| 18 + 2 Map pointing |
CBSE Class 10 Political Science Exam Pattern 2026
Topics | Weightage |
| 20 |
CBSE Class 10 Geography Exam Pattern 2026
Topics | Weightage |
| 17 + 3 Map pointing |
CBSE Class 10 Economics Exam Pattern 2026
Topic | Weightage |
| 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 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.
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.
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The link to the question paper is attached here. You can also find the answer key on the website of Careers360. Careers360 also provide student with preparation tips that will help them utilise their time in preparation.
https://school.careers360.com/articles/cbse-sahodaya-class-10-pre-board-question-paper-2025-26
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The link to the question paper is attached here. You can also find the answer key for the subjects on the careers360 website that will help you analyse in-depth performance.
https://school.careers360.com/articles/chennai-sahodaya-question-paper-2025-26
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You will be able to download the CBSE Class 10th Sample Paper 2025-26 from our official website, careers360, by using the link which is given below.
https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-10th-maths-sample-papers-2025-26
Thank you.
Hello,
The link to the question paper is attached here. You can also find the answer key that will help you analyse your in-depth performance. Careers360 provides students with preparation tips that will help them utilise their time correctly in preparation
https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-pre-board-sample-paper-2025-26
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The CBSE board under Sahodaya School Complexes conducts the Sahodaya School Complex Examination. This examination is based on the latest CBSE syllabus and guidelines.
Practicing with the Sahodaya question papers will give one an overview of the entire examination pattern of the finals, it's marking scheme and types of
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