CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2025–26 for Board Exams 2026
Understanding the CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2025–26 is essential for students aiming to excel in their Board Exams 2026. This syllabus outlines the core topics, assessment methods, and preparation strategies needed for success. Starting early with the syllabus helps build a strong foundation, reduces last-minute stress, and allows time for thorough revision. For parents and teachers, it provides clarity on what to focus on during the academic session 2025–26.
CBSE Class 10 Exam Overview (2026)
The CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the national authority for secondary education in India. Exams are conducted primarily in English and Hindi, with select subjects available in additional languages as permitted by CBSE.
Students typically study five compulsory subjects: Language 1 (e.g., English Language and Literature), Language 2 (e.g., Hindi Course A or B), Mathematics (Standard or Basic), Science, and Social Science. An optional sixth subject can be chosen from skill-based options like Information Technology or Artificial Intelligence, or other electives such as Computer Applications.
The marking scheme follows an 80+20 format: 80 marks for theory (board exam) and 20 marks for internal assessment. To pass,Students are required to secure at least 33% overall in each subject, including theory and internal assessment as per CBSE norms.
| Subject Category | Compulsory Subjects | Optional Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Languages (Group L) | English Language & Literature, Hindi Course A/B | Additional languages like Sanskrit, French, etc. |
| Core Academic (Group A1) | Mathematics (Standard/Basic), Science, Social Science | – |
| Electives (Group A2/S) | – | Computer Applications, Home Science, NCC, Skill subjects like AI, Data Science |
CBSE Class 10 Subject-Wise Syllabus 2025–26
The syllabus emphasizes competency-based learning, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020. Focus is on key units and concepts from NCERT textbooks, without unnecessary details.
Mathematics (Standard & Basic)
Mathematics is offered in two levels: Standard (Code 041) for students pursuing higher math, and Basic (Code 241) for a simpler approach. Both cover similar units but Standard includes more advanced applications.
Key units include:
- Number Systems: Real numbers, Euclid’s division lemma.
- Algebra: Polynomials, linear equations, quadratic equations, arithmetic progressions.
- Coordinate Geometry: Distance formula, section formula.
- Geometry: Triangles, circles, constructions.
- Trigonometry: Introduction, heights and distances.
- Mensuration: Areas, surface areas, volumes.
- Statistics & Probability: Mean, median, mode; basic probability.
As per the latest CBSE curriculum, no major syllabus reduction has been officially announced. Students should always cross-check with the CBSE academic circular.
Science
Science integrates Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, focusing on practical understanding.
Key areas:
- Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour: Chemical reactions, acids/bases/salts, metals/non-metals, carbon compounds.
- World of Living: Life processes (nutrition, respiration, transportation, excretion), control and coordination, reproduction, heredity.
- Natural Phenomena: Reflection/refraction of light, human eye, electricity, magnetic effects.
- Magnetic Effects of Electric Current: (Integrated with natural phenomena).
- Natural Resources: Sources of energy, environmental management (formative assessment focus).
Practicals include experiments like pH testing, resistance determination, and biological mounts.
English Language & Literature
This subject builds reading, writing, grammar, and literature skills using NCERT books: First Flight (prose/poetry) and Footprints Without Feet (supplementary).
Key sections:
- Reading: Comprehension of unseen passages (discursive/factual).
- Writing: Formal letters, analytical paragraphs, grammar-integrated writing.
- Grammar: Tenses, modals, determiners, reported speech.
- Literature: Prose like “A Letter to God,” “Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”; Poems such as “Dust of Snow,” “Fire and Ice”; Supplementary stories including “A Triumph of Surgery,” “The Thief’s Story.”
Emphasis on creative expression and analysis.
Hindi (Course A/B)
Hindi Course A (Code 002) is literature-focused, while Course B (Code 085) emphasizes language skills. Both use Sparsh and Sanchayan textbooks.
For Course A:
- Prose and Poetry from Kshitij: Themes like devotion, social issues.
- Supplementary: Kritika stories on cultural values.
For Course B:
- Prose: Stories addressing everyday life and ethics.
- Poetry: Verses on nature, patriotism.
- Some chapters deleted in previous years remain excluded, like certain poems in Sparsh.
Grammar covers samas, vakya bhed, alankar.
Social Science (History, Geography, Civics, Economics)
Divided into disciplines, with project work.
- History (India and Contemporary World-II): Nationalism in Europe/India, global world, industrialization, print culture.
- Geography (Contemporary India-II): Resources, agriculture, minerals, manufacturing, lifelines.
- Political Science (Democratic Politics-II): Power-sharing, federalism, gender/religion/caste, political parties, democracy outcomes.
- Economics (Understanding Economic Development): Development, sectors, money/credit, globalization.
Map work and interdisciplinary projects are key.
CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026
The question paper promotes application-based learning: 50% knowledge/understanding, 30% application, 20% analysis/evaluation. Formats include MCQs (20%), short answers (40%), long answers (40%), with case-based questions and ~33% internal choices.
Duration: 3 hours for 80 marks. Competency-focused to reduce rote memorization.
Internal Assessment & Practical Marks (Very Important)
Internal assessment (20 marks) includes periodic tests (5 marks), multiple assessments (5 marks), portfolio (5 marks), and subject enrichment (5 marks, e.g., practicals/projects).
- Science: Practicals like reactions and optics (5 marks in IA).
- Social Science: Projects on globalization or consumer rights.
- Languages: Speaking/listening activities.
- Maths: Lab activities on theorems.
These marks significantly impact final results, contributing to the 33% pass criteria. Schools submit IA marks to CBSE.
Has CBSE Reduced or Changed the Syllabus?
No major changes announced by CBSE for the 2025–26 syllabus. It aligns with previous years, focusing on full NCERT coverage without significant reductions. Any minor adjustments, like in Hindi Course B (e.g., deleted poems), are carried forward from prior updates. Avoid relying on rumors; refer to official CBSE sources.
How Students Should Use the Syllabus for Smart Preparation
Align studies with NCERT textbooks, as questions are directly based on them. Create a monthly plan: Dedicate early months to understanding concepts, mid-year to practice, and later to mocks.
For board + competitive exams like NDA/NTSE, build foundational skills in reasoning and application. Practice previous papers and focus on weak areas.
Why Early Syllabus Clarity Matters (Ground Zero Institute Angle)
At Ground Zero Institute, we emphasize starting with syllabus mastery to foster concept clarity and disciplined study habits. This approach not only prepares students for CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 but also builds exam strategies for long-term success. By understanding the CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2025–26 early, students gain confidence through structured guidance and mentorship.