Marking Scheme of CBSE Class 10: Subject-Wise Details for 2026 Board Exams
Neha Tanna16 Feb, 2026
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Understanding the marking scheme of CBSE Class 10 is essential for students preparing for the 2026 board exams.
CBSE designs its question papers strictly according to a predefined marking scheme, which explains how marks are distributed across sections, question types, and chapters.
For the academic session 2025–26, CBSE has released a detailed marking framework for all Class 10 subjects. Here it explains the marking scheme of CBSE Class 10 Science 2026, Maths 2026, English 2026, and Social Science 2026.
CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2026 Key Highlights
The CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2026 clearly explains subject-wise marks distribution, question patterns, and internal assessment weightage. Students are advised to check the detailed tables below to understand section-wise marks, chapter-wise weightage, and exam structure for smart and focused preparation.
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CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2026 Key Highlights |
|
|
Component |
Details |
|
Theory Exam |
80 Marks |
|
Internal Assessment |
20 Marks |
|
Total Marks |
100 |
|
Exam Duration |
3 Hours |
|
Question Types |
MCQs, Assertion-Reason, Short Answer, Long Answer, Case-Based |
CBSE follows a competency-based assessment model, where 40% of questions test application and reasoning skills
Subject-Wise Marking Scheme of CBSE Class 10
The CBSE Class 10 marking scheme provides a clear subject-wise breakup of marks for Science, Maths, English, Social Science, and languages.
It explains the distribution of marks across sections, question types, and internal assessments.
To understand the exact exam pattern and weightage for each subject, students are advised to check the detailed tables given below and plan their preparation accordingly.
Marking Scheme of CBSE Class 10 Science 2026
The CBSE Class 10 Science exam evaluates conceptual understanding across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Section-Wise Marking Scheme Science
The CBSE Class 10 Science paper is divided into multiple sections to assess conceptual understanding and application skills.
The section-wise marking scheme is given below, showing the number of questions, marks per question, and total marks for each section. Students should check the table below to understand the exam structure clearly.
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Section-Wise Marking Scheme Science |
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|
Section |
Number of Questions |
Marks per Question |
Total Marks |
|
A (MCQs + Assertion) |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
B (Very Short Answer) |
6 |
2 |
12 |
|
C (Short Answer) |
7 |
3 |
21 |
|
D (Long Answer) |
3 |
5 |
15 |
|
E (Case-Based) |
3 |
4 |
12 |
|
Total |
39 |
— |
80 |
Chapter-Wise Weightage Science
The CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus is divided into units with specific marks allotted to each chapter.
Understanding the chapter-wise weightage helps students prioritise high-scoring topics and plan revision effectively. The detailed chapter-wise marks distribution for Science is provided in the table below.
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Chapter-Wise Weightage Science |
||
|
Unit |
Topic |
Marks |
|
I |
Chemical Substances: Nature and Behaviour |
25 |
|
II |
World of Living |
25 |
|
III |
Natural Phenomena |
12 |
|
IV |
Effects of Current |
13 |
|
V |
Natural Resources |
5 |
|
Total (Theory) |
— |
80 |
The marking scheme of CBSE Class 10 Science 2026 shows Chemistry and Biology together carry 50 marks, making them high-priority areas.
CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2025-26 for Class 10: Hindi (Paper A)
The CBSE Class 10 Hindi (Paper A) marking scheme explains the section-wise distribution of questions and marks, including reading, grammar, textbook-based questions, and creative writing. Students should check the table below to clearly understand the exam pattern, number of questions, and total marks allocation for Hindi Paper A.
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CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2025-26 for Class 10: Hindi (Paper A) |
|||
|
Section |
No. of Questions |
Marks per Question |
Details |
|
Section A |
2 |
2 × 7 = 14 |
Section A includes questions based on an unseen passage. Answer as per the instructions. |
|
Section B |
4 |
4 × 4 = 16 |
Section B contains grammar-related questions, with internal choices. |
|
Section C |
4 |
30 |
Section C is based on the prescribed textbook. Answer as per the instructions. |
|
Section D |
4 |
20 |
Section D is based on creative writing, with internal choices. |
|
Total |
15 |
— |
80 Marks |
CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2025–26 for Class 10: Hindi (Paper B)
The CBSE Class 10 Hindi (Paper B) marking scheme outlines the section-wise breakup of questions and marks, covering reading comprehension, grammar, textbook-based questions, and creative writing. Students are advised to check the table below to understand the exam structure, question distribution, and total marks for Hindi Paper B clearly.
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CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2025–26 for Class 10: Hindi (Paper B) |
|||
|
Section |
No. of Questions |
Marks per Question |
Details |
|
Section A |
2 |
2 × 7 = 14 |
Section A includes questions based on an unseen passage. Answer as per the instructions. |
|
Section B |
4 |
4 × 4 = 16 |
Section B contains grammar-related questions, with internal choices. |
|
Section C |
5 |
28 |
Section C is based on the prescribed textbook. Answer as per the instructions. |
|
Section D |
5 |
22 |
Section D is based on creative writing, with internal choices. |
|
Total |
16 |
— |
80 Marks |
CBSE Class 10 Hindi Syllabus 2025-26: Marking Scheme
The CBSE Class 10 Hindi syllabus marking scheme for 2025–26 provides a clear question-wise and section-wise distribution of marks, covering reading, grammar, and textbook-based questions. Students should check the table below to understand how marks are allocated across different sections for effective exam preparation.
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CBSE Class 10 Hindi Syllabus 2025-26: Marking Scheme |
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Question No. |
Section |
Marks |
Description |
|
1 |
Reading (5 marks) |
5 |
Two passages with five multiple-choice questions. Students choose one passage. |
|
2 |
Reading (5 marks) |
5 |
Five questions based on unread poetry. Students choose one verse. |
|
3–6 |
Grammar (16 marks) |
16 |
Multiple-choice questions for grammar. |
|
7–10 |
Textbook (14 marks) |
14 |
MCQ-style sub-questions on Hindi prose and poetry from Course A textbook. |
|
11–13 |
Textbook & Secondary Textbook (20 marks) |
20 |
Questions based on Hindi prose and poetry from Course A textbook and secondary textbook. |
Marking Scheme of CBSE Class 10 Maths 2026
The Maths paper focuses on numerical accuracy, logical steps, and problem-solving ability.
Section-Wise Marking Scheme Maths
The CBSE Class 10 Maths question paper is divided into multiple sections to test problem-solving, logical reasoning, and application of concepts. The section-wise marking scheme given below explains the number of questions, marks per question, and total marks for each section, helping students understand the exam pattern clearly.
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Section-Wise Marking Scheme Maths |
|||
|
Section |
Questions |
Marks per Question |
Total Marks |
|
A (MCQs + Assertion) |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
B (VSA) |
5 |
2 |
10 |
|
C (SA) |
6 |
3 |
18 |
|
D (LA) |
3 |
4 |
12 |
|
E (Case-Based) |
4 |
5 |
20 |
|
Total |
38 |
— |
80 |
Chapter-Wise Weightage Maths
The CBSE Class 10 Maths syllabus is divided into units with specific marks allotted to each chapter. Knowing the chapter-wise weightage helps students focus on high-scoring topics like Algebra and Geometry and plan their preparation strategically. The detailed chapter-wise marks distribution for Maths is given in the table below.
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Chapter-Wise Weightage Maths |
||
|
Unit |
Topic |
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 (Theory) |
— |
80 |
The marking scheme of CBSE Class 10 Maths 2026 clearly highlights Algebra and Geometry as the most scoring units
Marking Scheme of CBSE Class 10 English 2026
The English paper assesses reading comprehension, writing skills, grammar, and literature.
Section-Wise Marking Scheme English
The CBSE Class 10 English question paper is divided into reading, writing and grammar, and literature sections.
The section-wise marking scheme below explains how marks are distributed across these areas, helping students understand the exam structure and prepare answers with better time management and clarity.
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Section-Wise Marking Scheme English |
||
|
Section |
Component |
Marks |
|
I |
Reading Skills |
20 |
|
II |
Writing Skills & Grammar |
30 |
|
III |
Literature |
30 |
|
Total (Theory) |
— |
80 |
Detailed Question Distribution English
The CBSE Class 10 English paper includes a variety of question types such as reading passages, grammar-based questions, writing tasks, and literature-based answers. The detailed question distribution given below shows the marks allotted to each component, helping students understand the importance of each section and prepare accordingly.
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Detailed Question Distribution English |
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|
Question Type |
Marks |
|
Discursive Passage |
10 |
|
Case-Based Factual Passage |
10 |
|
Grammar |
10 |
|
Formal Letter Writing |
5 |
|
Analytical Paragraph |
5 |
|
Prose Extract |
5 |
|
Poetry Extract |
5 |
|
Short Answers (Literature) |
18 |
|
Long Answers (Literature) |
12 |
|
Total |
80 |
The marking scheme of CBSE Class 10 English 2026 gives maximum weightage to writing and literature, making presentation and structure crucial
Marking Scheme of CBSE Class 10 SST 2026
Social Science includes History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics.
Section-Wise Marking Scheme SST
The CBSE Class 10 Social Science question paper is divided into multiple sections, including objective, short answer, long answer, case-based, and map-based questions.
The section-wise marking scheme below explains the distribution of marks across different sections, helping students understand the exam pattern and plan their answers effectively.
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Section-Wise Marking Scheme SST |
|||
|
Section |
Questions |
Marks per Question |
Total Marks |
|
A (MCQs) |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
B |
4 |
2 |
8 |
|
C |
5 |
3 |
15 |
|
D |
4 |
|
20 |
|
E (Case-Based) |
3 |
4 |
12 |
|
F (Map-Based) |
1 |
— |
5 |
|
Total |
37 |
— |
80 |
Chapter-Wise Weightage SST
The CBSE Class 10 Social Science syllabus is divided into History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics, with equal marks allotted to each subject. Understanding the chapter-wise weightage helps students give balanced importance to all sections and prepare systematically. The detailed marks distribution is provided in the table below.
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Chapter-Wise Weightage SST |
|
|
Subject |
Marks |
|
History |
20 |
|
Geography |
20 |
|
Political Science |
20 |
|
Economics |
20 |
|
Total (Theory) |
80 |
The marking scheme of CBSE Class 10 SST 2026 ensures equal importance to all four components
CBSE Class 10 Internal Assessment (All Subjects)
In CBSE Class 10, internal assessment carries 20 marks for each subject and plays an important role in the final result. It includes periodic tests, notebook submission, and subject enrichment activities such as projects or practical work. Students should take internal assessments seriously to maximise their overall score.
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Internal Assessment (All Subjects) |
|
|
Component |
Marks |
|
Periodic Tests |
Included |
|
Notebook Submission |
Included |
|
Subject Enrichment / Practical |
Included |
|
Total Internal Assessment |
20 |
Internal assessment can significantly improve final scores if handled seriously.
How to Use the CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme for Smart Preparation?
For effective exam preparation and better score planning, students should check the tips given below and apply them while revising according to the CBSE Class 10 marking scheme.
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Prioritise high-weightage chapters
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Practice case-based and competency-based questions
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Improve answer presentation for long answers
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Allocate revision time according to marks distribution