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CBSE vs NCERT Syllabus: Same or Different?
Students are often confused whether the CBSE and NCERT syllabi are different or the same. Often, the terms CBSE syllabus and NCERT syllabus are used interchangeably, yet they serve different roles in the education system. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is an exam-conducting authority that conducts board exams across India and abroad for its affiliated schools. On the other hand, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) develops textbooks, teaching methodologies, and learning resources based on national education policies. Let us dive in to understand this more deeply.
This Story also Contains
- What is the Main Difference between CBSE and NCERT?
- Role of NCERT Books in the CBSE Curriculum
- CBSE Syllabus vs NCERT Syllabus for Competitive Exams
- Common Misconceptions Related to CBSE and NCERT Syllabus
What is the Main Difference between CBSE and NCERT?
The CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) and NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) are related but distinct. In the simple pointers below, we have explained the primary differences:
CBSE recommends NCERT books for its curriculum because they provide standard content aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP).
In short, NCERT designs the study material, while CBSE organises and regulates examinations and school education across India for schools which are affiliated to it.
Also, Check: Best CBSE Schools in India
CBSE vs NCERT Syllabus for Class 10 Maths
While NCERT mentions the unit/chapters incorporated in the textbook, CBSE mentions the complete list of topics incorporated in the final exam syllabus along with its marking scheme. This is particularly beneficial to students in understanding the mark allocation for each unit and preparing accordingly for the final exams. In the following table and subsequent image given below, students can understand it better:
CBSE Class 10 Maths Syllabus and Marking Scheme 2025-26
Units | 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 & Probability | 11 |
Total | 80 |
Sample Image of NCERT 10th Maths Syllabus
Both have the same units and chapters when we compare CBSE Class 10 Maths and the NCERT syllabus. Similarly, other subject syllabi are almost the same.
Role of NCERT Books in the CBSE Curriculum
The CBSE recommends NCERT textbooks for almost all of the subjects offered by it because they provide a structured, easy-to-understand pattern and language that closely aligns with board exam requirements. While CBSE may modify its syllabus slightly, NCERT books remain the primary study material for most schools and enrolled students.
CBSE Syllabus vs NCERT Syllabus for Competitive Exams
Many competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and UPSC are based largely on NCERT textbooks, even if the students follow the CBSE curriculum. Students who focus on NCERT books often find it easier to prepare for these exams because the concepts are presented systematically and align with exam patterns.
NCERT books provide clear explanations, logical progression of topics, and a strong foundation in basic concepts, which are important for understanding advanced problems in competitive exams.
Common Misconceptions Related to CBSE and NCERT Syllabus
Some of the common misconceptions that students have regarding the NCERT and CBSE syllabus are mentioned in the table below, along with a reality check:
Misconception | Reality |
CBSE and NCERT are the same | CBSE is an education board that conducts exams, while NCERT is an organisation that develops textbooks and learning resources. |
NCERT is only for CBSE students | NCERT textbooks are used by many boards across India, including state boards, as well as the CBSE. |
CBSE does not have its own syllabus | CBSE designs its own syllabus and evaluation framework, but often recommends NCERT textbooks for study. |
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Questions related to CBSE Class 10th
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to CBSE Class 10th ?
Hello,
If you want to get your 10th marksheet online, you just need to visit an official website like https://www.cbse.gov.in/ or https://results.cbse.nic.in/ for the CBSE board, and for the state board, you can check their website and provide your roll number, security PIN provided by the school, and school code to download the result.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Hello, if you are searching for Class 10 books for exam preparation, the right study material can make a big difference. Standard textbooks recommended by the board should be your first priority as they cover the syllabus completely. Along with that, reference books and guides can help in practicing extra questions and understanding concepts in detail. You can check the recommended books for exam preparation from the link I am sharing here.
https://school.careers360.com/ncert/ncert-books-for-class-10
https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-best-reference-books-for-cbse-class-10-exam
Hello
You asked about Class 10 sample paper board exam and most important questions. Practicing sample papers and previous year questions is one of the best ways to prepare for the board exam because it gives a clear idea of the exam pattern and types of questions asked. Schools and teachers usually recommend students to solve at least the last five years question papers along with model papers released by the board.
For Class 10 board exams, the most important areas are Mathematics, Science, Social Science, English, and Hindi or regional language. In Mathematics, questions from Algebra, Linear Equations, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, and Probability are repeatedly seen. For Science, the key chapters are Chemical Reactions, Acids Bases and Salts, Metals and Non metals, Life Processes, Heredity, Light and Electricity. In Social Science, priority should be given to Nationalism, Resources and Development, Agriculture, Power Sharing, Democratic Politics, and Economics related topics. In English, focus on unseen passages, grammar exercises, and important writing tasks like letter writing and essays.
CBSE Sample Papers 2026: How to Download
Follow these steps to access the SQPs and marking schemes:
Step 1: Visit https://cbseacademic.nic.in/
Step 2: Click on the link titled “CBSE Sample Papers 2026”
Step 3: A PDF will open with links to Class 10 and 12 sample papers
Step 4: Select your class (Class 10 or Class 12)
Step 5: Choose your subject
Step 6: Download both the sample paper and its marking scheme
If you are looking for Class 10 previous year question papers for 2026 preparation, you can easily access them through the links I’ll be attaching. These papers are very helpful because they give you a clear idea about the exam pattern, marking scheme, and the type of questions usually asked in board exams. Practicing these will not only improve your time management but also help you identify important chapters and commonly repeated questions.
https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-previous-year-question-papers-class-10
https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-previous-year-question-papers
Hello,
Yes, you can give the CBSE board exam in 2027.
If your date of birth is 25.05.2013, then in 2027 you will be around 14 years old, which is the right age for Class 10 as per CBSE rules. So, there is no problem.
Hope it helps !
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