CBSE Class 10 Science – Study Guide, Syllabus, Revision & Board Exam Guidelines

The Central Board of Secondary Education Class 10 Board Examinations 2026 are scheduled to begin on February 17, 2026, with the Science examination set for February 25, 2026. For the 2026 academic session, CBSE has introduced significant reforms aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), including a two-phase board examination system for Class 10 and a restructured question paper format in key subjects. 

This page provides a consolidated overview of the latest CBSE updates, exam pattern changes, marking guidelines, most important questions, chapter-wise notes, as well as mind maps for better understanding of the chapters. 

CBSE Class 10 Science: Syllabus Breakdown

The Science syllabus is divided into three core disciplines:

• Physics

• Chemistry 

• Biology 

Each discipline includes concept-based theory, application-based questions, diagrams, numericals, and case-study questions. The syllabus is structured in a progressive manner.

CBSE 10th Science Chapter-wise Syllabus

The Class 10 Science syllabus includes the following chapters:

Each chapter contains clearly defined learning outcomes such as understanding chemical reactions and balancing equations, studying physiological processes in humans and plants, applying formulas in electricity and light, and understanding inheritance patterns in heredity.

CBSE 10th Science Weightage of Marks in Board Exams

CBSE 10th Science Marks Weightage 2026 must be followed by students appearing for board exams. CBSE assigns weightage approximately as follows:

Additionally, competency-based and case-study questions may be drawn from any section. Understanding this distribution helps students prioritize chapters intelligently before the 10th board exam.

Important Questions for Class 10 Science (Chapter-wise MIQs)

Practicing Most Important Questions (MIQs) is essential during the final revision stage. These questions are based on previous board trends, repeated patterns, and high-probability concepts. Below is the chapter-wise structure for important questions:

Notes for CBSE Class 10 Science (Chapter-wise Notes)

The Central Board of Secondary Education Class 10 Science syllabus is divided into Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. For board exam preparation, students should focus on clear concepts, definitions, diagrams, numericals, and important reactions.

Mind Maps for Quick Revision of Class 10 Science

Mind maps help in quick visual revision, especially during the final week before the exam. They summarise the entire chapters into flowcharts, diagrams, and summary formats. Below is the chapter-wise mind map structure:

Mind maps are especially useful for revising formulas, reactions, diagrams, and inheritance patterns quickly.

CBSE Class 10 Science Previous Year Question Papers

Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs) for CBSE Class 10 Science help students analyse frequently asked concepts, important diagrams, and commonly repeated numerical types. Solving past papers provides clarity on how questions are framed, how marks are distributed, and the level of difficulty expected in the board exam. Regular practice of PYQs also improves answer presentation skills and builds familiarity with the actual board examination format.

CBSE Class 10 Science Sample Papers 2026

CBSE Class 10 Science Sample Papers 2026 are designed according to the latest exam pattern and revised paper structure introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education. These model papers reflect the current section-wise division (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), updated marking scheme, and the inclusion of case-study and competency-based questions. Practising sample papers helps students understand question trends, improve time management, and identify weak areas before the board examination scheduled for February 25, 2026.

CBSE Class 10 Science Board Exam: Presentation & Evaluation Guidelines

With the exam on February 25th, presentation and answer-writing strategy become extremely important.

Does CBSE Give Step Marks? (Marking Scheme Explained)

CBSE follows a step-marking system in subjects involving numericals, including Science. If a student writes the correct formula, substitutes correct values, and follows the right method, partial marks may be awarded even if the final answer contains a minor calculation error. Clear steps and logical presentation are essential to score full marks.

How to Write 10-Mark Answers: Word Limit & Structure

It is important for students to know how to write 10-mark answers in order to score well in board exams. 

Students should structure answers with a short introduction, well-organized explanation covering key points, diagram (if required), and a brief conclusion.

What Happens If You Miss the 10th Science Board Exam?

It is important for Class 10th students to know what happens if they miss a CBSE Board exam. If a student misses one or two exams due to genuine reasons:

• They may be placed in the compartment category

• Supplementary exams are usually conducted in July

• Missing all exams may require appearing as a private candidate next year

Since Science is a core subject, students should avoid unnecessary risks and ensure they appear on February 25, 2026.

How to Plan Your Class 10 Science Revision Before the Exam?

Since the Science Board Exam is on February 25, 2026, revision must now be structured. Students should:

• Complete full syllabus revision at least 4–5 days before the exam

• Solve at least 4–5 full CBSE 10th Science sample papers under timed conditions

• Analyze mistakes and improve weak areas

• Revise formulas, diagrams, and reactions daily

• Keep the final day for light revision only

Latest CBSE Board Exam Updates for Class 10 Students 

• The Central Board of Secondary Education has introduced major reforms for the 2026 board exams in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). These changes aim to reduce exam stress, improve assessment quality, and modernise evaluation methods.

• From 2026, Class 10 students will have two board exam opportunities, a mandatory main exam starting February 17, 2026 (results in April) and an optional improvement exam in May (results in June). Students can improve marks in up to three subjects, and the full syllabus applies to both attempts.

• The Class 10 admit card for 2026 was released on February 3, 2026. Carrying the admit card is mandatory, and submission of the LOC (List of Candidates) is required for appearing in the first exam.

• Internal assessments were conducted only before the first exam and will apply to both attempts. No subject changes are allowed except in limited approved cases.

• CBSE has restructured the Science question paper pattern: Section A (Biology), Section B (Chemistry), and Section C (Physics). This structured format ensures clearer subject-wise assessment.
  
  

The 2026 Class 10 Science board exam reflects a clear shift in how students are being assessed. The introduction of two exam opportunities, structured subject-wise paper sections, and defined evaluation guidelines indicates a stronger focus on clarity and conceptual understanding.

For students appearing in 2026, students must focus on understanding the exam pattern, marking scheme, and official guidelines. With the help of the resources provided by PW, students can prepare well for the board exams.