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SupportCBSE Class 10th: Streams, Subjects, Pattern, All Details
CBSE Class 10th is a crucial stage in your academic journey as it includes the first board examination and lays the foundation for higher studies. Performance in Class 10 also helps you decide your stream for Class 11 based on your interests and career goals.
Last Updated on 07 Aug 2026
For the 2026-27 academic session, you should also be aware of CBSE's provision to conduct the First and Second Board Examinations during the same academic session. As per the rules, eligible candidates will get the opportunity to improve their performance in certain subjects through a second board examination. However, it is mandatory to appear in the First Board examination.
This guide provides complete details on CBSE Class 10th 2026-27, including the latest syllabus, exam pattern, subject-wise books, strategy, important dates, passing criteria, and more.
Table of Contents
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CBSE Class 10th: Key Highlights
The subjects covered in Class 10 Board exams include Mathematics, Science, Languages, Social Science, Computer Applications, Information Technology, and others. Take a look at the quick overview of the CBSE Class 10th exam below:
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | CBSE Class 10 Board Examination 2026-27 |
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Academic Session | 2026–27 |
| Exam Level | Secondary (Class 10) |
| Frequency | Two Board Examinations in an academic session (as per the latest scheme) |
| Maximum Marks | 100 Marks per Subject (Theory + Internal Assessment/Practical, wherever applicable) |
| Theory Marks | Up to 80 Marks (for major subjects) |
| Internal Assessment/Practical | Up to 20 Marks (for applicable subjects) |
| Question Types | Competency-based, Objective, Short Answer, and Long Answer Questions |
| Passing Criteria | Minimum 33% marks as per CBSE rules |
| Result Declaration | Released separately for the First and Second Board Examinations |
| Official Website | https://www.cbse.gov.in/ |
CBSE Class 10th Exam Dates
The CBSE Class 10 date sheet 2026-27 for the First Board Examination is expected to be released in the last week of October 2026. Check the expected dates below:
| Event | Expected Date (2026–27) |
| Release of CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet (First Board Examination) | Last Week of October 2026 |
| Conduct of CBSE Class 10 Board Exams (First Board Examination) | Second Week of February to First Week of March 2027 |
| Release of CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet (Second Board Examination) | First Week of March 2027 |
| Announcement of CBSE Class 10 Result (First Board Examination) | April 2027 |
| Conduct of CBSE Class 10 Board Exams (Second Board Examination) | Third Week of May 2027 |
| Announcement of CBSE Class 10 Result (Second Board Examination) | Third Week of July 2027 |
CBSE Class 10th Subjects
The assessment pattern for major CBSE Class 10 subjects includes an 80-mark theory exam along with a 20-mark internal assessment/practical. Check the overview of the Class 10 CBSE subjects below:
| Categories | Subjects | Detail of the Subject |
| Compulsory | Language I |
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| Language II |
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| Mathematics |
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| Science |
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| Social Science |
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| Optional | Additional Subject |
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| Skill Subject |
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| Internal Assessment (Compulsory) | Art Education |
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| Health & Physical Education + Work Experience |
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CBSE Class 10th Syllabus
You should thoroughly understand the Class 10 CBSE syllabus. This will make your preparation more exam-oriented. Download the subject-wise syllabus from the links shared below:
CBSE Class 10th Exam Pattern
The Central Board of Secondary Education prescribes the official CBSE Class 10 exam pattern. The Class 10 CBSE exam will cover competency-based questions (50% weightage), objective-type questions (20% weightage), and short- and long-answer questions (30% weightage).
The total marks, including the theory exam and the internal assessment/practical, will be 100. Check the subject-wise CBSE Class 10th exam pattern below:
CBSE Class 10th Exam Pattern for English
Below is the latest CBSE Class 10 English exam pattern for reference:
| Section | Marks |
| Section A – Reading Skills | 20 |
| Section B – Writing Skills & Grammar | 10 (Grammar) + Writing tasks |
| Section C – Literature (First Flight & Footprints Without Feet) | 40 |
| Internal Assessment – Listening, Speaking & Project Work | 20 |
| Total | 100 |
Class 10 CBSE Exam Pattern for Hindi
Check the CBSE Class 10 Hindi exam pattern below:
| Component | Marks |
| Course A – Section A (अपठित बोध) | 14 |
| Course A – Section B (व्याकरण) | 16 |
| Course A – Section C (पाठ्यपुस्तक: क्षितिज भाग-2 + कृतिका भाग-2) | 30 |
| Course A – Section D (रचनात्मक लेखन) | 20 |
| Course A – Internal Assessment | 20 |
| Course A – Total | 100 |
| Course B – Section A (बहुविकल्पी / अपठित बोध) | 14 |
| Course B – Section B (व्याकरण) | 16 |
| Course B – Section C (पाठ्यपुस्तक: स्पर्श भाग-2 + संचयन भाग-2) | 28 |
| Course B – Section D (रचनात्मक लेखन) | 22 |
| Course B – Internal Assessment | 20 |
| Course B – Total | 100 |
CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern for Mathematics
You can find the complete details about the CBSE Class 10 Mathematics exam pattern in the table below:
| Section | Unit | Marks |
| I | Number Systems | 6 |
| II | Algebra | 20 |
| III | Coordinate Geometry | 6 |
| IV | Geometry | 15 |
| V | Trigonometry | 12 |
| VI | Mensuration | 10 |
| VII | Statistics and Probability | 11 |
| VIII | Internal Assessment | 20 |
| Total | Theory + Internal | 100 |
Class 10 CBSE Exam Pattern for Science
Below is the latest CBSE Class 10 Science exam pattern for reference:
| Section | Unit | Marks |
| I | Materials | 25 |
| II | The World of the Living | 25 |
| III | Natural Phenomena | 12 |
| IV | How Things Work | 13 |
| V | Natural Resources | 5 |
CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern for Social Science
Check the CBSE Class 10 Social Science exam pattern below:
| Section | Unit | Marks |
| History | India & Contemporary World-II | 20 |
| Geography | Contemporary India-II | 20 |
| Political Science | Democratic Politics-II | 20 |
| Economics | Understanding Economic Development | 20 |
CBSE Class 10th Exam Pattern for Computer Applications and Information Technology
Below is the latest CBSE Class 10 Computer and IT exam pattern for reference:
| Section | Unit | Topics | Marks |
| A | Theory Examination |
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50 |
| B | Practical Examination |
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50 |
| A | Theory Examination |
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50 |
| B | Practical Examination |
|
50 |
| – | Total | Overall assessment including theory and practical | 100 |
CBSE Class 10th Marking Scheme
The marking scheme for the CBSE Class 10 exam varies subject-wise. There will be no negative marking for incorrect MCQs. Below is the subject-wise CBSE Class 10 marking scheme 2026-27 in the table below:
Mathematics (Basic)
| Question Type | Questions | Marks Each | Total |
| MCQs | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Very Short Answer | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Short Answer | 6 | 3 | 18 |
| Long Answer | 4 | 5 | 20 |
| Case-Based (Integrated) | 3 | 4 | 12 |
| Total | 80 |
Social Science
| Question Type | Questions | Marks Each | Total |
| MCQs | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Very Short Answer | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Short Answer | 5 | 3 | 15 |
| Long Answer | 4 | 5 | 20 |
| Source-Based (Source + Map) | 2 | – | 5 + 12 |
| Total | 80 |
Science
| Question Type | Questions | Marks Each | Total |
| MCQs + Assertion-Reasoning | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Short Answer – I | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| Short Answer – II | 7 | 3 | 21 |
| Long Answer | 3 | 5 | 15 |
| Case-Based Questions | 3 | 4 | 12 |
| Total | 80 |
English Language & Literature
| Topics | Marks |
| Reading Skills (2 unseen passages) | 20 |
| Writing Skills & Grammar | 20 |
| Literature (First Flight + Footprints Without Feet) | 40 |
| Total | 80 |
Competency-Based Question Weightage
| Question Type | Weightage |
| Competency-Based Questions (MCQs, Case-Based, etc) | 50% |
| Constructed Response / Descriptive | 30% |
| Objective Type Questions (MCQs, A-R) | 20% |
Internal Assessment
| Component | Marks |
| Periodic Tests | 5 |
| Portfolio | 5 |
| Multiple Assessments | 5 |
| Subject Enrichment Activities | 5 |
| Total | 20 |
CBSE Class 10th Passing Marks
As per the CBSE 10th board rules, the qualifying marks in each subject of the external examination shall be 33% at the Secondary School Certificate Examinations. In class X, students are required to secure 33% marks to pass by combining marks of both theory and internal assessment.
Letter grades on a nine-point scale shall be considered for subjects of external examinations. However, the assessment for subjects of internal examination shall be made on a five-point scale, i.e. A, B, C, D & E.
Here is the marking scheme for reference:
| Subject | Component | Minimum Passing Marks (33%) |
| Theory Exam | 80 | Around 26 marks |
| Internal Assessment/Practical | 20 | Around 7 marks |
| Total | 100 | 33 |
CBSE Class 10th Grading System
CBSE places all students who have passed the exam in a rank order and awards grades accordingly. In the case of a tie, all students with the same score will receive the same grade. If the number of students at a given score point needs to be divided into two segments, the smaller segment will go with the larger.
The grading method will be considered in subjects where the number of candidates who have passed is more than 500.
| 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 | Failed candidates |
How to Prepare for CBSE Class 10th Board Exams
Class 10 is your first board examination, so a little nervousness is normal. However, maintain consistency throughout your preparation to score well. You should understand your syllabus, practise often, and revise smartly.
Build a Daily Study Routine
Create a daily timetable and follow it every day. Give sufficient hours to all subjects, but focus more on the subjects you find difficult. Make sure you take short breaks between studies to stay focused.
Learn Concepts
You should understand every chapter from scratch instead of memorising answers. Conceptual clarity will help you solve both objective and descriptive questions with ease.
For subjects like Mathematics and Science, you can practice numerical problems regularly. For languages, you should work on improving your grammar and vocabulary by solving question banks, quizzes, and topic-wise examples.
Solve Sample Papers in Exam Conditions
Once you complete at least 50% of the syllabus, start practising sample papers and previous years' question papers in a timed environment. It helps improve your speed, accuracy, and confidence. You will learn about all the areas that require improvement.
Revise Smartly Before the Exam
Do not skip revision before the final exam. Prepare short notes for the regular revision of formulas, definitions, and diagrams. Do not study any new topics at the last moment. Get enough sleep and eat healthy during this stage to give your best on the exam day.
CBSE Class 10th Exam-Day Guidelines
You should follow CBSE Class 10th exam day guidelines to maintain the decorum of the exam hall:
- You should reach the allocated exam centre at the reporting time mentioned on the admit card. Late entry will not be permitted,
- You must plan your travel early based on local weather and traffic conditions. This helps you arrive on time and complete verification formalities without any rush.
- You should follow the prescribed dress code and wear proper school uniforms.
- You should carry both the school identity card and the CBSE-issued admit card to appear in the exam.
- Carry only the stationery items permitted by CBSE.
- Items such as electronic devices, including mobile phones, are strictly prohibited inside the exam premises.
- You should avoid spreading rumours or sharing exam-related material on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, YouTube, X, etc.
CBSE Class 10th Result
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) declares the results of the Class X Board Examination a few weeks after the exam is over. It is released separately for the main examination and the second board exam.
The Second Board Examination offers eligible students of the First Board Exam an additional chance to improve their performance.
The better of the two performances is considered for preparing the final result. The overall pass percentage after combining the results of the Main and Second Board Examinations for 2026 was 96.78%.
You can access your results through the DigiLocker Results Portal using the provided link. You can collect your printed mark sheet-cum-passing certificate from your respective schools.
Check out more important resources for the CBSE Exam here:
| CBSE Class 11th Syllabus | CBSE Class 12th Syllabus |
| CBSE Class 11th: All details | CBSE Class 12th: All details |
CBSE Class 10th Compartment Exam
A candidate failing in two of the five subjects of the external exam shall be placed in compartment in those subjects, subject to qualifying in all the subjects of the internal assessment.
A candidate placed in a compartment may reappear at the compartmental exam to be conducted in July/August. If they do not qualify, they can take a second chance in March/April next year and may further appear for the third chance at the compartmental examinations to be organised in July/August of that year.
The candidate will be declared 'Pass' if they qualify the compartmental subject/subjects in which they had failed.
A student who does not participate or fails at one or all the chances of compartment shall be considered to have failed in the examination. They will be required to reappear in all the subjects at the subsequent annual exam of the Board.
What to Choose After CBSE Class 10th?
Completing Class 10 is an achievement because it is the stage where you choose your stream for further studies. The board marks matter in this decision. But your interests, strengths, and career goals play a key role in deciding your stream.
However, your stream does not fully restrict your career options. If you choose Humanities, you can prepare for CLAT and pursue a career in law. If you go for Commerce, you can aim for IPMAT to join an IIM after Class 12 or prepare for CA.
If you choose Science (PCM), you can appear for JEE to study engineering. If you prefer Science (PCB), you can prepare for NEET to pursue a medical career.
| Stream | Popular Career Options | Entrance Exams / Courses |
| All Streams (Any Background) |
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| Science (PCM/PCB) |
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| Commerce |
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| Arts / Humanities |
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Check the latest CBSE Class 11 syllabus for all subjects below:
Discover CLAT exam resources that can help you get started early:
FAQs About CBSE Class 10th
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