Understanding the CBSE Class 10 exam pattern 2026-27 is crucial for exam preparation. The exam pattern includes details about question types, marking scheme, subject-wise weightage, and internal assessment. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the CBSE Class 10 marking scheme 2026-27.
CBSE Class 10 2026-27 Exam Pattern Overview
| Particulars |
Details |
| Exam Mode |
Pen and Paper (Offline) |
| Exam Duration |
3 hours for each subject |
| Total Marks per Subject |
100 marks (80 theory + 20 internal assessment) |
| Question Types |
MCQs, Case-Based, Assertion-Reasoning, Short Answer, Long Answer |
| Passing Marks |
33% in each subject (theory + internal combined) |
| Negative Marking |
No negative marking |
CBSE Class 10 2026-27: Subject-Wise Exam Pattern
1. Mathematics (Standard & Basic) – Exam Pattern
| Typology of Questions |
Total Marks |
Weightage (%) |
| Remembering & Understanding |
44 marks |
55% |
| Applying & Analysing |
20 marks |
25% |
| Evaluating & Creating |
16 marks |
20% |
| Total Theory Marks |
80 marks |
100% |
| Internal Assessment |
20 marks |
– |
| Grand Total |
100 marks |
– |
Mathematics Question Paper Breakdown:
- Section A: 20 MCQs (1 mark each) = 20 marks
- Section B: 5 Short Answer Type I (2 marks each) = 10 marks
- Section C: 6 Short Answer Type II (3 marks each) = 18 marks
- Section D: 4 Long Answer Type (5 marks each) = 20 marks
- Section E: 3 Case-Based Questions (4 marks each) = 12 marks
- Total Theory: 80 marks
2. Science – Exam Pattern
| Typology of Questions |
Total Marks |
Weightage (%) |
| Remembering & Understanding |
36 marks |
45% |
| Applying & Analysing |
28 marks |
35% |
| Evaluating & Creating |
16 marks |
20% |
| Total Theory Marks |
80 marks |
100% |
| Internal Assessment (Practical) |
20 marks |
– |
| Grand Total |
100 marks |
– |
Science Question Paper Breakdown:
- Section A: 20 MCQs (1 mark each) = 20 marks
- Section B: 6 Very Short Answer (2 marks each) = 12 marks
- Section C: 7 Short Answer (3 marks each) = 21 marks
- Section D: 3 Long Answer (5 marks each) = 15 marks
- Section E: 3 Case-Based Questions (4 marks each) = 12 marks
- Total Theory: 80 marks
3. Social Science – Exam Pattern
| Typology of Questions |
Total Marks |
Weightage (%) |
| Remembering & Understanding |
32 marks |
40% |
| Applying & Analysing |
24 marks |
30% |
| Evaluating & Creating |
24 marks |
30% |
| Total Theory Marks |
80 marks |
100% |
| Internal Assessment |
20 marks |
– |
| Grand Total |
100 marks |
– |
4. English – Exam Pattern
| Section |
Content |
Marks |
| Section A |
Reading Skills (Unseen Passages) |
20 marks |
| Section B |
Grammar & Writing Skills |
20 marks |
| Section C |
Literature (First Flight & Footprints) |
40 marks |
| Total Theory Marks |
– |
80 marks |
| Internal Assessment |
Listening, Speaking, Project |
20 marks |
| Grand Total |
– |
100 marks |
CBSE Class 10 2026-27: Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
The 20 marks of internal assessment for each subject are distributed as follows:
| Component |
Marks |
| Periodic Tests (Best 2 out of 3) |
5 marks |
| Multiple Assessments (Quizzes, Discussions, Presentations) |
5 marks |
| Portfolio (Classwork, Assignments, Project Work) |
5 marks |
| Subject Enrichment Activities (Practical/Lab Work, Maps, Models) |
5 marks |
| Total Internal Assessment |
20 marks |
CBSE Class 10 2026-27: Subject-Wise Marking Scheme Summary
| Subject |
Theory Marks |
Internal Assessment |
Total Marks |
| Mathematics (Standard/Basic) |
80 |
20 |
100 |
| Science |
80 |
20 |
100 |
| Social Science |
80 |
20 |
100 |
| English |
80 |
20 |
100 |
| Hindi |
80 |
20 |
100 |
CBSE Class 10 2026-27: Exam Pattern Highlights
- Competency-Based Questions: 50% of the paper contains MCQs, case-based, and assertion-reasoning questions.
- Constructed Response Questions: 20% short answer type (2-3 marks)
- Long Answer Questions: 30% descriptive type (5 marks)
- No Overall Choice: Internal choices are provided in some questions.
- Practical Exam: For Science, practical exam is conducted by the school for 20 marks.
CBSE Class 10 2026-27: Preparation Strategy Based on Exam Pattern
- For MCQs (20 marks): Focus on NCERT concepts, practice assertion-reasoning and case-based questions.
- For Short Answer Questions (30 marks): Write crisp, point-wise answers. Practice definitions, differentiate between concepts, and short explanations.
- For Long Answer Questions (30 marks): Practice writing detailed answers with diagrams (for Science), timelines (for History), and flowcharts.
- For Internal Assessment (20 marks): Actively participate in class activities, maintain a neat portfolio, and complete projects on time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026-27
- Q: Is there any change in CBSE Class 10 exam pattern for 2026-27?
A: CBSE follows the pattern introduced in 2023-24 with 50% competency-based questions. No major changes are expected for 2026-27. Always check the official CBSE website for the latest updates.
- Q: Is there negative marking in CBSE Class 10 board exams?
A: No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in CBSE Class 10 board exams.
- Q: What is the difference between Mathematics Standard and Mathematics Basic?
A: Mathematics Standard has a tougher level and is for students who want to take Maths in Class 11. Mathematics Basic is easier and for students not opting for Maths in higher classes.
- Q: How is the 20-mark internal assessment calculated?
A: Internal assessment includes Periodic Tests (5 marks), Multiple Assessments (5 marks), Portfolio (5 marks), and Subject Enrichment Activities (5 marks).
- Q: Can I use a calculator in CBSE Class 10 board exams?
A: No, calculators are not allowed in CBSE Class 10 board exams.
Important Notes and Disclaimers
- This page is updated for CBSE Class 10 – Academic Year 2026-27 | CBSE 2027 Board Examinations based on the official curriculum prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
- The exam pattern may be revised by CBSE. Students are advised to check the official CBSE website for the latest updates.
- For the latest updates, circulars, and sample papers, students must regularly visit the official CBSE website (https://www.cbse.gov.in).
- For specific queries related to subject combinations, textbooks, or examination dates, students should contact their school authorities.
This page is for informational purposes only. ALLEN Overseas has verified the information from official sources (cbse.gov.in). However, students must refer to official notifications from CBSE and their respective schools for final confirmation.
