Students preparing for the board exams for the year 2026 have realized how crucial this phase is, especially at this moment when the tentative schedule has been released. The Central Board of Secondary Education has confirmed that the Class 10 Board Exams 2026 will begin on 17th February 2026, and this timeline immediately shifts the focus towards full-fledged preparation. Therefore, keeping yourself updated with the CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2025 becomes one of the most important steps for scoring higher marks. When students understand how marks are distributed, which sections carry more weight, and how question types are structured, they can plan their studies in a more effective and focused manner.
Moreover, the board has also revised the paper pattern for major subjects such as Science and Social Science to make the exam more structured and competency-based. Hence , this shift encourages students to apply concepts, analyze information, and write answers with clarity rather than simply memorizing content. As a result, understanding the marking scheme plays a direct role in improving accuracy, time management, and confidence.
Students can further strengthen their preparation by practicing subject-wise sample papers available on SPM & Lalans Coaching, which help in understanding the marking pattern and question trends more clearly.
CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2025-26: Overview
CBSE has introduced major changes in the CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2025, giving more weight to competency-based questions and flexible assessment. So , students will now face a paper structure that focuses on conceptual understanding and application.
| Component | Details |
| Competency-Based Questions | 50% weightage (MCQs, case study-based, source-based) |
| Objective-Type Questions | 20% weightage (short, fact-based) |
| Short & Long Answer Questions | 30% weightage (descriptive/analytical) |
| Theory Exam | 80 marks |
| Internal Assessment | 20 marks (tests, assignments, projects, practicals) |
| Two Board Exams | Conducted in one academic year (from 2025-26) |
| Grading System | 9-point grading system introduced |
Hence, this structure makes the CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2025 more balanced, allowing students to score through multiple question formats.
CBSE Class 10 Exam Structure 2025-26
The written exam carries 80 marks, and it includes:
- First, the competency-based questions
- Second, the objective-type questions
- Lastly, the short- and long-answer questions
Hence, this internal assessment of 20 marks includes tests, projects, assignments, and also the overall performance.
Internal Assessment (20 Marks):
| Component | Marks | Description |
| Periodic Tests | 05 | Regular tests are conducted by schools during the academic year |
| Practical Work | 05 | Hands-on lab work and experiments (for Science/Maths/other practical subjects) |
| Assignments & Projects | 05 | Subject-specific projects to test creativity and application skills |
| Portfolio Assessments | 05 | Overall student performance, including class activities, participation, and submissions |
For Theory Paper ( 80 Marks) ):
| Component | Weightage | Details |
| Competency-Based Questions | 50% | Includes MCQs, case study-based questions, and source-based questions |
| Objective-Type Questions | 20% | Short, fact-based, and direct-answer type questions (Usually in the form of MCQs) |
| Short & Long Answer Questions | 30% | Requires detailed explanation, analysis, and interpretation |
Hence, if students understand this distribution, it will help them to know where they can score consistently throughout the year.
CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Exam Pattern 2025–26
The Mathematics paper remains unchanged this year, and both Basic and Standard levels follow one pattern. Moreover, the structure supports practical problem-solving and concept clarity.
| Section | Question Type | Question Numbers | Marks per Question |
| A | MCQs + Assertion Reason | Q1–Q18, Q19–20 | 1 mark each |
| B | Very Short Answer | Q21–25 | 2 marks each |
| C | Short Answer | Q26–31 | 3 marks each |
| D | Long Answer | Q32–35 | 5 marks each |
| E | Case Study-Based | Q36–38 | 4 marks each (sub-parts 1, 1, 1,1,2) |
Its internal choices are available in Sections B, C, D, and E.
Chapter-Wise Weightage (Maths)
| Unit | Name | Marks |
| 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 |
To apply this marking scheme effectively, students should also practice with the CBSE Class 10 Maths Sample Paper 2025–26, which reflects the same question structure and difficulty level.
Hence, we can clearly see in this weightage that Algebra and Geometry need more focus.
CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern 2025–26 (Revised)
This year, the Science paper under the CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2025 comes with major changes. The paper is now divided into subject-specific sections:
- Section A – Biology (Q.1 to Q.16)
- Section B – Chemistry (Q.17 to Q.29)
- Section C – Physics (Q.30 to Q.39)
Marks distribution:
• Biology – 30 marks
• Chemistry – 25 marks
• Physics – 25 marks
• Total – 80 marks
Type of Questions:
• MCQs and very short answers
• Short answers
• Long answers
• Assertion–reason
• Case-based or experiment-based
Moreover, internal choices are provided, but students are given the chance to attempt only one option.
Unit-Wise Weightage (Science)
| Unit | Marks |
| I. Chemical Substances – Nature & Behaviour | 25 |
| II. World of Living | 25 |
| III. Natural Phenomena | 12 |
| IV. Effects of Current | 13 |
| V. Natural Resources | 5 |
| Total | 80 |
Along with understanding the weightage, solving the CBSE Class 10 Science Sample Papers can help students improve accuracy across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics sections.
CBSE Class 10 English Exam Pattern 2025–26 (80 Marks Theory)
The English paper focuses on Reading, Writing & Grammar, and Literature.
| Section | Type of Questions | Marks |
| Reading (20 Marks) | Discursive passage | 10 |
| Case-based factual passage with visual input | 10 | |
| Writing & Grammar (20 Marks) | Grammar questions | 10 |
| Formal Letter Writing | 5 | |
| Analytical Paragraph Writing | 5 | |
| Literature (40 Marks) | Extract-based (Drama/Prose) | 5 |
| Extract-based (Poetry) | 5 | |
| Short Answer Questions – First Flight | 12 | |
| Short Answer Questions – Footprints Without Feet | 6 | |
| Long Answer Questions – First Flight | 6 | |
| Long Answer Questions – Footprints Without Feet | 6 | |
| Total | 80 |
Hence, students must prepare extracts, comprehension skills, formal writing, and literature-based long answers.
CBSE Class 10 English Communicative Exam Pattern 2025–26 (80 Marks Theory)
The CBSE Class 10 English Communicative Exam Pattern 2025–26 will follow the same assessment structure as before, ensuring a balanced evaluation of Reading, Writing, Grammar, and Literature skills. Moreover, students will be attempting 12 questions across four sections, and this format allows them to demonstrate comprehension, expression, grammatical accuracy, and literary understanding. Hence, this clarity in structure helps students plan their preparation strategically and score higher.
Section-Wise Question Marks Distribution (English Communicative)
| Section | Question Numbers | Details | Marks |
| A. Reading Skills | Q1–2 | Two passages (discursive & factual/case-based) with comprehension Qs | 22 |
| B. Writing Skills | Q3–6 | – Q3: Application (3 marks) – Q4: Factual description (4 marks) – Q5: Letter to editor (choice-based, 7 marks) – Q6: Article writing (choice-based, 8 marks) | 22 |
| C. Grammar | Q7–9 | – Q7: Fill in the blanks (3 marks) – Q8: Omission (4 marks) – Q9: Transformation (rearranging/reporting – 3 marks) | 10 |
| D. Literature | Q10–12 | – Q10: Extract-based (2 out of 3 extracts, 8 marks) – Q11: Short answer Qs (5 out of 6, 10 marks) – Q12: Long answer Q (choice-based, 8 marks) | 26 |
| Total | Q1–12 | 80 |
For better clarity in writing skills, literature answers, and comprehension, students can also refer to the CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper, which follows the same marking guidelines.
CBSE Class 10 Hindi (Course A) Exam Pattern 2025–26 (80 Marks Theory)
The CBSE Class 10 Hindi Course A Exam Pattern 2025–26 will consist of 80 marks divided into four sections, which are A, B, C, and D. Internal choices will be available in selected questions, and students will get 3 hours to complete the paper. This structure tests comprehension, grammar application, textbook learning, and writing skills systematically.
Question Paper Structure (Hindi A)
| Section | Details | Marks |
| A – अपठित बोध (Unseen Comprehension) | 1. गद्यांश आधारित प्रश्न (MCQs + लघु उत्तरीय) – 72. काव्यांश आधारित प्रश्न (MCQs + लघु उत्तरीय) – 7 | 14 |
| B – व्यावहारिक व्याकरण (Applied Grammar) | 3. वाक्य भेद (4 Qs) – 44. वाच्य परिवर्तन (4 Qs) – 45. पद परिचय (4 Qs) – 46. अलंकार पहचान (4 Qs) – 4 | 16 |
| C – पाठ्य पुस्तक एवं पूरक पाठ्य पुस्तक (Textbook & Supplementary Reader) | 7. गद्यांश आधारित MCQs – 58. गद्य पाठमाला से लघु उत्तरीय (3/4 Qs × 2 marks) – 69. काव्यांश आधारित MCQs – 510. काव्य पाठमाला से लघु उत्तरीय (3/4 Qs × 2 marks) – 611. पूरक पुस्तक से दीर्घ उत्तरीय (2/3 Qs × 4 marks) – 8 | 30 |
| D – रचनात्मक लेखन (Creative Writing) | 12. अनुच्छेद लेखन (120 शब्द) – 613. पत्र लेखन / औपचारिक पत्र – 514. स्ववृत्त / आवेदन / ई-मेल – 515. विज्ञापन / संदेश लेखन – 4 | 20 |
CBSE Class 10 Hindi (Course B) Exam Pattern 2025–26 (80 Marks Theory)
The CBSE Class 10 Hindi Course B exam will also carry 80 marks and include four sections, which is A, B, C, and D. So, students will be answering 16 questions, and internal choices will be provided. Hence,this paper focuses more on language usage and practical writing skills compared to Course A.
Question Paper Structure (Hindi B)
| Section | Details | Marks |
| A – अपठित बोध (Unseen Comprehension) | 1. गद्यांश आधारित प्रश्न (MCQs + लघु उत्तरीय) – 72. गद्यांश आधारित प्रश्न (MCQs + लघु उत्तरीय) – 7 | 14 |
| B – व्यावहारिक व्याकरण (Applied Grammar) | 3. पदबंध (5 में से 4) – 44. वाक्य रूपांतरण (5 में से 4) – 45. समास (5 में से 4) – 46. मुहावरे (5 में से 4) – 4 | 16 |
| C – पाठ्य पुस्तक एवं पूरक पाठ्य पुस्तक (Textbook & Supplementary Reader) | 7. गद्यांश आधारित MCQs – 58. गद्य पाठमाला से लघु उत्तरीय (3/4 Qs × 2 marks) – 69. काव्यांश आधारित MCQs – 510. काव्य पाठमाला से लघु उत्तरीय (3/4 Qs × 2 marks) – 611. पूरक पुस्तक से दीर्घ उत्तरीय (2/3 Qs × 3 marks) – 6 | 28 |
| D – रचनात्मक लेखन (Creative Writing) | 12. अनुच्छेद लेखन (120 शब्द) – 513. पत्र लेखन (100 शब्द) – 514. सूचना लेखन (60 शब्द) – 415. विज्ञापन लेखन (40 शब्द) – 316. लघु कथा / ई-मेल लेखन – 5 | 22 |
How to Download CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2025 PDF (Step-by-Step Guide)
Students often search for the official marking scheme, but many end up on incorrect or outdated links. To avoid confusion, here is a simple and clear step-by-step process to download the CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2025 PDF directly from the official CBSE website.
Step-by-Step Process
- First, visit the official CBSE website:
Then go to the official CBSE portal, cbse.gov.in.
- Click on the “Main Website” tab, and you will see the homepage displays several options. Select the Main Website to proceed.
- Then, select the “Board Examinations,” where CBSE uploads the Sample Papers, Question Bank, and marking schemes.
- Look for “Marking Scheme 2025”: Scroll through the list and find the CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2025 for all subjects.
- Click on the subject-wise PDF link: Choose the subject you need, such as Math, Science, English, or Hindi.
- Lastly, download and save the PDF. After clicking, the PDF will open, so click the download button to save it on your device.
Why Understanding CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2025 Matters
When students understand:
- First, the units, which carry higher marks
- Second, the number of questions that appear from each section
- Lastly, the section from which internal choices exist.
Hence,by this way, they can plan a revision in a more focused manner. This approach increases accuracy and reduces exam stress.
Conclusion
The CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2025 gives students a clear direction for preparation by outlining question formats, weightage, and assessment methods. When students align their study plan with this structure, they manage their time better, prioritize high-scoring areas, and improve overall performance. With consistent practice, proper revision, and a firm understanding of the marking scheme, students can confidently approach the 2026 board exams and aim for higher marks across all subjects.
FAQs
Q1. What is the marking scheme for CBSE Class 10 in 2025?
The CBSE Class 10 marking scheme for 2025 follows the familiar structure where the written board exam carries 80 marks, and the remaining 20 marks come from internal assessment conducted by schools. The internal assessment includes periodic tests, notebook submission, and subject enrichment activities such as speaking, listening, practical work, or project-based tasks depending on the subject. This model ensures that students are evaluated not only on their final exam performance but also on their consistent efforts throughout the year.
Q2. Does every subject follow the 80+20 marking pattern?
Yes, the 80+20 pattern applies to almost all major subjects such as English, Hindi, Math, Science, and Social Science. However, subjects that include practical or skill components may distribute the internal assessment slightly differently, especially in areas like experiments and lab work. Even with these variations, the total weight still adds up to the same structure, ensuring uniformity across the board.
Q3. Does CBSE provide step marking in the 2025 exams?
CBSE continues to follow step marking, especially in subjects like Mathematics and Science, where procedure and methodology play an important role. This means that even if a student makes a calculation mistake or fails to reach the final answer, marks are still awarded for correct steps, diagrams, formulas, or logical reasoning used in the solution. Step marking encourages students to present their work clearly and reduces the chances of losing all marks due to minor errors.
Q4. Are internal choices available in the Class 10 question paper?
Internal choices are included in various sections of the Class 10 question paper to give students flexibility and reduce exam stress. These choices usually appear in short-answer and long-answer questions, allowing students to select the questions they feel more comfortable answering. This approach helps students showcase their strengths and improves their chances of scoring higher.
Q5. How does the marking scheme help in preparation?
Understanding the CBSE Class 10 marking scheme helps students plan their study schedule more effectively because they can identify which sections carry more weight and require deeper focus. Knowing how internal assessment contributes to the final score also motivates students to perform well throughout the year rather than relying only on the final exam. Awareness of evaluation patterns, step marking, and question formats ultimately leads to more confident and strategic preparation for the board exams.
