The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) successfully conducted the Mathematics exam on February 12, 2026. Both papers, Mathematics (Standard) and Mathematics (Basic), were held from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Students’ reactions and school heads highlight that the Basic paper was more challenging compared to the Standard paper. A teacher from the Amity International School, Noida, reported that the CBSE Class 10 Mathematics (Standard) paper was “a well-designed and thoughtfully structured paper”.
Also Read: CBSE Class 10th Maths Question Paper 2026
CBSE 2026 Class 10 Mathematics Standard: Conceptual Understanding, Analytical Thinking
The CBSE Class 10 Maths Standard paper assesses not only routine practice but also conceptual understanding and application skills. The inclusion of a few Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions was noted. The questions required analytical thinking, clarity of concepts, and logical reasoning rather than mere memorisation. It was also noted that several direct and familiar questions were included, allowing students to attempt the paper confidently and secure passing marks. Thus, the paper strikes a fine balance between easy, moderate, and challenging questions, catering to learners across the performance spectrum.
CBSE Class 10th Basic Mathematics: Straightforward Questions Focussing on Fundamental Concepts
Teachers from Amity School also report that the CBSE Class 10 Basic Mathematics paper was well framed, student-friendly and appropriate for learners who find Mathematics challenging. The questions were largely straightforward, focusing on fundamental concepts and standard problem-solving techniques. Reports suggest that the board maintained a clear and necessary gap between the Basic and Standard papers, ensuring fairness and clarity in assessment. Overall, both papers reflect careful planning and a learner-centric approach, making the assessment meaningful, inclusive, and effective in evaluating students’ true mathematical understanding.
Also check: Latest CBSE Class 10 Pattern, Marking Scheme
CBSE 2026 Class 10 Mathematics Paper: NCERT-based Questions Dominated
Varun Goel, Head of Department, Mathematics, from Shiv Nadar School, Gurugram, reports that the CBSE Mathematics Standard paper included several direct and straightforward questions, such as the proof of the Basic Proportionality Theorem (BPT), properties of cyclic quadrilaterals, concepts related to tangents and radii, and finding the median and mode of grouped data.
Goel also points out that an application-based trigonometry question further reinforced conceptual clarity. “It was closely aligned with the prescribed NCERT curriculum, with nearly 70% of the questions based directly on textbook exercises and familiar formats. Students who prepared thoroughly from NCERT found the paper comfortable and accessible,” he added. Well-designed case study-based questions, including a competency-based question from Arithmetic Progressions (AP), effectively assessed the analytical thinking and problem-solving skills of the students.
CBSE Class 10 NCERT Questions in Maths Exam: 60% Questions from Textbook
The Grade 10 Mathematics Basic question paper was also well aligned with the prescribed NCERT curriculum. Around 60% of the questions were based on direct textbook exercises and concepts, allowing students who had prepared thoroughly from NCERT textbooks to approach the paper with familiarity. The paper included straightforward questions across key topics, along with competency-based and case study components. However, certain questions like those from Quadratic Equations, Areas Related to Circles, and the Arithmetic Progressions case-study, were relatively lengthy and required detailed working.
CBSE Class 10 Basic Mathematics Tougher and Lengthier than Standard
Dr. Alka Kapur, Principal of Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, highlights that the students found the CBSE Board Class 10th Mathematics (Basic) relatively tough and lengthy. It demanded extensive calculations, which posed challenges for the learners who opted for the Basic level to avoid higher complexity. “The students find the graph-based question particularly difficult,” Dr. Kapur added. She also states that Mathematics (Standard) has been a cake walk for the students in comparison to Mathematics (Basic) due to its length and complexity.
School heads also observed that the case study-based question in the Mathematics (Standard) paper was directly aligned with NCERT concepts, and even multiple choice questions catered to the students with varying intellectual abilities and provided an opportunity to score well.
