
The CBSE Class 10 Maths exam on 17 February 2026 was the first major board paper for many. Walking into the exam hall with last-minute formula revision, trying to stay calm, and hoping the paper sticks close to NCERT is exactly what most of you experienced.
Once the paper began, many students said the pattern felt familiar. The initial nervousness reduced after solving the first few questions, especially the MCQs.
The CBSE Class 10 Maths paper was conducted from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM across exam centres. According to student feedback, the paper followed the NCERT textbook closely and matched the type of questions seen in CBSE sample papers and previous year questions.
If you had revised NCERT examples, solved PYQs, and practised full-length mock papers, the paper likely felt manageable.
Most students described the paper as moderate. It was neither too easy nor overly difficult. The CBSE Class 10 Maths question Paper 2026 focused more on concept clarity than tricky twists.
Students who had practised step-wise solving and time-bound tests felt more comfortable while attempting the paper.
Based on student reactions:
MCQs and short answer questions were largely straightforward
Algebra and arithmetic questions were manageable for most
Geometry and case study based questions felt slightly tricky to a few students
Long answer questions needed careful calculation and took more time
Students who had practised 3-hour mock tests said time management did not become a major issue.
After the exam, many students looked relieved. Some felt the paper went better than their pre-boards. A few students were unsure about one or two questions. Overall, the common feeling was that the paper was fair and within the syllabus.
Parents waiting outside exam centres noticed that students were more relaxed compared to what they expected before the exam.
If you walked out of the exam hall feeling your Maths paper did not go as planned, you are not alone. Many students feel this way right after the exam, especially when a few questions did not click or time felt tight.
This year, with board exams happening in two phases, one paper does not decide your final result. What matters more is how you use this experience for the next exams and the next phase.
Instead of replaying mistakes in your head, use today’s paper as feedback:
Note which chapters or question types felt difficult
Think about whether time management or calculation errors caused problems
Adjust your revision approach for the upcoming subjects
Avoid excessive answer checking or comparisons with friends. It usually increases stress without changing the outcome. Staying focused on what is coming next will help you perform better in the remaining papers.