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Understanding CBSE Exam Pattern for Class 10th Students

The CBSE examinations will commence on February 15. CBSE has always followed up-to-date practices and this is reflected in their pattern and content. This examination curriculum is in line with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). Students should refer to the latest CBSE exam pattern 2024-25 for class 10th and the marking scheme while strategizing for the upcoming board exams. While preparing for the CBSE 10th exams 2025 students can check the exam pattern on the official site- cbse.gov.in. The exam pattern mentions the types of questions asked in the exam, the duration, and more. Students can go through the CBSE Exam Pattern for Class 10th 2025 Students carefully to strategize their preparation.  

Changes in CBSE Exam Pattern for Class 10th

CBSE updates the exam patterns according to the needs of the students and their holistic development requirements. The board has always updated and adapted to newer policies, like the NEP policy for 2024. Students appearing for these exams should be known in the format and updated with the guidelines provided by CBSE. This year CBSE Exam Patterns for Class 10th follow these specific changes: 

Aspects Details
Reduction in Constructed Response Questions The reduction in short and long-response questions reflects the increasing emphasis on analytical and practical skills in students.
Increased Competency Based Questions Students will be tested on their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-life problems.
Focus on Internal Assessment Weightage Internal Assessment includes projects, files, periodic assessments, and assignments. They will now carry 40% of the total weightage.
Added Special Athlete and Olympiad Participants Provisions  This change will help students maintain both their academic and extracurricular advances.
75% Attendance Requirement CBSE requires students to maintain a minimum of 75% attendance in classes.
Security Measures In 2025, all examination halls will be required to have CCTV installed for increased surveillance.


CBSE Class 10th Exam Pattern in Detail

1. Internal Assessment Marking Scheme

  • Internal assessments will contribute to 20 marks.
  • It will consist of periodic tests, notebook submissions, portfolios, assignments, and project presentations.
  • The main exam will hold a weightage of 80 marks. 

2. Subject and Topic Wise Weightage

  • Mathematics: Emphasis on Algebra, Trigonometry, and Geometry due to significant marks allocation.
  • Science: Key areas include Physics (Light, Electricity), Chemistry (Carbon and its Compounds), and Biology (Life Processes, Control, and Coordination).
  • Social Science: Varied weightage across History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics. Prioritization based on topic-wise mark distribution is crucial.
  • English: The English exam will be focused on literature, reading, writing, and grammar concepts.
  • Hindi: Focus on the Unseen passages and descriptive answers will be higher.

3. Exam Format and Structure

  • Combination of objective-type questions like MCQs and subjective-type questions such as short and long-answer questions.
  • Question papers will be divided into multiple sections for comprehensive assessment.
  • Both theoretical understanding and practical application will be evaluated.

Highlighting the Importance of Exam Pattern

Students can get familiar with the exam pattern and then strategize accordingly to score well. These patterns help students offer clarity and reduce stress. When paired with the growing need for preparation, online learning platforms come in clutch. The digital educational platforms provide up-to-date and latest content to the students. With the ever-evolving changes in examination patterns, they can easily keep up with them if they have the right resources.

CBSE Class 10th Exam Pattern for Mathematics 

CBSE Class 10 Mathematics exam pattern for 2025 outlines the structure and distribution of questions, providing students with a clear framework for effective preparation. Below is the section-wise breakdown of the Mathematics question paper, including the number of questions, marks per question, and overall weightage provided.

Practical Exam- 80 Marks

Section

Question No. Type  Number of Question Marks per Question Total Marks

A

1-20   MCQs & Assertion Based 18 & 2 1 20
     B 21-25 Very Short Answers 5 2 10
     C 26-31 Short Answer Questions 6 3 18
     D 32-35 Long Answer Questions 4 5 20
E 36-38 Case-Based Question 3 4

12

Internal Assessment- 20 Marks

Type

Weightage

Periodic Test (Pen-Paper Based)

5

Multiple Assessment

5

Portfolio

5

Subject Enrichment Activities

5

Topic Wise Weightage

Unit

Unit Names

Weightage

I

Number Systems

6

II

Algebra

20

III

Coordinate Geometry

6

IV

Geometry

15

V

Trigonometry

12

VI

Mensuration

10

VII

Statistics & Probability

11

TOTAL

80


CBSE Class 10th Exam Pattern for
Science 

By being aware of the structure of the exams for the CBSE Class 10 Science exam pattern for 2025 and incorporating the right study techniques, students can approach the exams with confidence and ease. Below is the section-wise breakdown of the Science question paper, including the number of questions, marks per question, and overall weightage provided.

Practical Exam- 80 Marks

Section

Question No. Type  Number of Question Marks per Question

Total Marks

A 1-20 MCQs & Assertion Based 20 1

20

B

21-25 Very Short Answers 6 2

12

C

26-31 Short Answer Questions 7 3

21

D

32-35 Long Answer Questions 3 5

15

E

36-39 Case-Based Question 3 4

12

Internal Assessment- 20 Marks

Type

Weightage

Periodic Test I

5

Periodic Test II

5

Portfolio

5

Subject Enrichment Activities

5

Topic Wise Weightage

Unit

Unit Names

Weightage

I

Chemical Substances: Nature & Behaviour

25

II

World of Living

25

III

Natural Phenomenon

12

IV

Effects of Current

13

V

Natural Resources

5

TOTAL

80


CBSE Class 10th Exam Pattern for
Social Science

CBSE Class 10 Social Science exam pattern for 2025 provides the structure and details. You can also use animated video classes from ToppersSky to help your preparation go smoothly. Below is the section-wise breakdown of the Social Science question paper, including the number of questions, marks per question, and overall weightage provided.

Practical Exam- 80 Marks

Section

Question No. Type  Number of Question Marks per Question

Total Marks

A

1-20 MCQs & Assertion Based 20 1

20

B

21-2 Very Short Answers 4 2

8

C

25-29 Short Answer Questions 5 3

15

D

30-33 Long Answer Questions 4 5

20

E

34-36 Case-Based Question 3 4

12

F

37 Map-Skill Based 1 5

5

Internal Assessment- 20 Marks

Type

Weightage

Periodic Test (Pen-Paper Based)

5

Multiple Assessment

5

Portfolio

5

Subject Enrichment Activities

5

Topic Wise Weightage

Unit Unit Names

Weightage

I

India and Contemporary World II

20

II

Contemporary India II

20

III

Democratic Politics II

20

IV

Understanding Economic Development

20

TOTAL

80


CBSE Class 10th Exam Pattern for English 

CBSE 10th board exams 2025 outlines the format of the examination. Use the Cbse learning app to ensure clearing tough concepts at your own pace. Below is the section-wise breakdown of the English question paper, including the number of questions, marks per question, and overall weightage provided.

Practical Exam- 80 Marks

Section

Question No. Type Number of Question Marks per Question

Total Marks

A

1-6 Discursive Passage 6+2 1+2

10

A

7-12 Case-Based Passage 6+2 1+2

10

B

13-22 Grammar 12 (attempt 10) 1

10

B

23-26 Creative Writing 4 (attempt 2) 5

10

C

27-30 a)Reference to the Context 4 5

a+b+c =10

C

31-34 b) One extract out of two from Drama/Prose 4 5

a+b+c =10

C

35-38 c) One extract out of two from poetry 4 5

a+b+c =10

C

39-43 Short Answer Type Questions (First Flight) 5 (attempt 4) 3

12

C

44-46 Short Answer Type Questions (Footprints without Feet) 3 (attempt 2) 3

6

C

47-48 Very Long Answer Type Questions (First Flight) 2 (attempt 1) 6

6

C

49-50 Very Long Answer Type Questions (Footprints without Feet) 2 (attempt 1) 6

6

Internal Assessment- 20 Marks

Type

Weightage

Periodic Test (Pen-Paper Based)

5

Multiple Assessment

5

Portfolio

5

Subject Enrichment Activities

5

CBSE Class 10th Exam Pattern for Hindi 

Each subject typically has a time duration of 3 hours, and the question paper is divided into different sections, each with varying marks. Therefore, it is important to know the CBSE Class 10 Hindi exam pattern for 2025. Below is the section-wise breakdown of the Hindi question paper, including the number of questions, marks per question, and overall weightage provided. 

Practical Exam- 80 Marks

Section

Question No. Type  Number of Question Marks per Question

Total Marks

A

1-10 Comprehensive Ability 10 1

10

A

11-30 Grammar 20 (attempt only 16) 1

16

A

31-44 Literature 14 1

14

B

45-48 Prose 4 (attempt only 3) 2

6

B

49-52 Poetry 4 (attempt only 3) 2

6

B

53-55 Supplementary 3 (attempt only 2) 4

8

B

56-64 Writing 9 (attempt only 4) 6+5+5+4

20

Internal Assessment- 20 Marks

Type

Weightage

Periodic Test (Pen-Paper Based)

5

Multiple Assessment

5

Portfolio

5

Subject Enrichment Activities

5

Preparation Tips for the CBSE Class 10th Examinations

In-depth understanding and clarity of the CBSE Class 10 exam pattern are very important for board exam preparation. In addition to the theory exams, CBSE also evaluates students through internal assessments and practical exams. Students must be aware of the CBSE 10th pattern for Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Hindi, and English. These are the five major subjects that are mostly covered in the CBSE 10th board exams. To understand the exam pattern clearly, students must solve sample question papers officially released on the CBSE website – cbse.nic.in. Students can consider solving various sample papers from different online sources. They should focus on clearing concepts, regular revision, and maintaining a healthy routine.

Related Blog: How to Manage Exam Stress

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is new in the CBSE 2025 pattern?

This year, there are 50% Competency based questions, 20% MCQs type and 30% will be short and long answers type.

2. When will the CBSE class 10th examinations start?

CBSE Class 10th Examinations will commence from 15th February 2025.

3. How to score 90+ in class 10th CBSE board?

Make sure to familiarize yourself with the exam syllabus and pattern. Also, do thorough revision and clear your concept. You can get help from e-learning platforms to have perfect preparation.

4. What is the total weightage of the CBSE class 10th 2025 paper?

The Class 10th CBSE theory exam 2025 will be of 80 marks total, with internal assessment containing 20 marks in each subject.

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