The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is all prepared to conduct the CBSE Class 10 Science exam on February 25, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. As per the CBSE 2026 exam pattern for Class 10th students, 50% of the questions will demonstrate knowledge and understanding, 30% of the questions will be based on the application of knowledge and concepts, and 20% of the competencies will be to formulate, analyse, evaluate, and create.
The CBSE Class 10th Science Syllabus 2026 focuses on strengthening a student’s conceptual understanding in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The subject encourages students to apply scientific principles in real-life situations and develop logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and practical knowledge in the CBSE 2026 Class 10th exam.
Read more: CBSE Class 10 Science Question Paper, Exam Analysis 2026, Reviews from Teachers and Students
CBSE Class 10 Science Sample Papers 2026 PDF Download
The board has released the CBSE Class 10 sample papers 2025-26 on July 30, 2025, on its official website – cbseacademic.nic.in. Before downloading the sample papers, students can check the unit-wise marks distribution as per the Class 10 Science Syllabus 2026 below.
Check the CBSE 2026 Class 10 official sample paper for the Science subject, as released by the board.
| CBSE Class 10 Science Sample Question Paper 2026 | Download PDF |
CBSE Class 10 Science students can check the compilation of assessment items that are aligned to the NCERT/CBSE curriculum in the table below.
| CBSE Class 10 Curriculum Aligned Competency-Based Test Items | Download PDF |
Also check: Download CBSE 10th Sample Paper PDF for All Subjects
CBSE Class 10 Science Exam 2026: Strict Section-Wise Answer Writing
CBSE has adopted a discipline-specific evaluation system, which implies that different examiners may evaluate different subject sections of the same answer booklet. According to this new rule, if an answer is written in the wrong subject section, it will be treated as “Attempt Not Done”, irrespective of its correctness. Before writing answers, students must mentally map their answer booklet.
For Science, the structure is clearly divided into:
- Section A: Biology
- Section B: Chemistry
- Section C: Physics
Students should keep in mind the serious consequences of the new rules introduced by the CBSE while appearing for the CBSE Class 10 Science exam on February 25.
Read more: Latest CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme
CBSE Class 10th Science Exam 2026: Question Type and Competencies
The CBSE 10th Science paper includes very short objective-type questions, assertion-reasoning type questions, short answers, long answers, source-based, case-based, passage-based questions, and integrated assessment questions. Candidates must also note that an internal choice of approximately 33% will be provided. Students should be aware of the competency-based questions asked and the verbs used for such questions in the CBSE Class 10 Science exam 2026.
Students should also focus on verbs like state, name, list, identify, define, suggest, describe, outline, summarise, etc, for questions to ‘Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding’. Competencies on the ‘Application of Knowledge and Concepts’ will have verbs like calculate, illustrate, show, adapt, explain, distinguish, etc. Competencies to ‘Formulate, Analyse, Evaluate and Create’ will include verbs like interpret, analyse, compare, contrast, examine, evaluate, discuss, construct, etc.
Through the revised exam pattern, the board aims to ensure that students focus less on rote learning and more on understanding the concepts. Students are advised to go through the latest CBSE 10th syllabus 2026 to study for the board examinations.
