CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 LIVE: Science 10th paper 'easy to moderate' in difficulty, physics tough
Sakshi Gupta | February 25, 2026 | 10:45 PM IST | 12 mins read
The CBSE Class 10 Science board exam 2026 has concluded at 1:30 pm. Check the new paper pattern, marking scheme, exam timing, total marks, minimum passing criteria, and much more.
Students can access the subject-wise CBSE Class 10 syllabus for the 2025–26 academic session.
Check NowCBSE Class 10 Science Exam 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has conducted the Class 10 Science board exam 2026 today, February 25 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. The CBSE Class 10 Science paper was split into three sections – physics, chemistry, and biology – for the first time.
CBSE Class 10th QP's: Science: Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 | AI | IT | Sanskrit | Data Science | Home Science | Social Science
CBSE Class 10th Answer Key: Science | Maths | Basic-Maths | English | IT | AI | Hindi
CBSE Class 10th: Admit Card | Exam Calendar | Syllabus | Science Imp. Questions
CBSE Class 10 PYQ's: Hindi | English | Science | Math-Basic | Math- Standard
Students are provided an additional 15 minutes to read the CBSE Class 10 question paper carefully . This year, the board has changed the Class 10 science exam 2026 paper pattern. Students can download their CBSE admit card on the official website of CBSE at cbse.gov.in.
In the new exam pattern , the science theory paper is held for 80 marks and consists of 39 compulsory questions separated into three sections: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Each section has questions of various difficulty and format, including MCQs, assertion-reasoning, short answer, long answer, and case-based questions.
This year, over 25 lakh students have registered for the Class 10 exam, out of which approximately 14 lakh are boys and 10.9 lakh are girls.
CBSE 2026 Class 10 Science paper analysis
According to Shikha Sharma, Head of Science Department, Silverline Prestige School, the CBSE Class 10 Science exam 2026 was easy to moderate, and Physics was tough; Biology was easy. The 3-hour, 80-mark question paper had a mix of skill-based and moderate questions, mostly based on CBSE model question papers.
Some of the questions were straightforward and easy, while the MCQs and skill-based questions were somewhat tricky. Overall, the students were able to complete the CBSE Class 10 Science paper on time and were satisfied with the difficulty level.
CBSE 2026 Class 10 Science Exam: Passing criteria
To qualify for the CBSE board exams 2026, students must obtain a minimum of 33% in all subjects, including theory, practicals, and internal evaluations. They must earn at least a Grade D in areas that entail a practical assessment and complete both the theory and practical components independently.
CBSE 2026 Class 10 Science Exam: Marking scheme
The CBSE Class 10 science exam weightage distribution is as follows.
| Units | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
|
I |
Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour |
25 |
|
II |
World of Living |
25 |
|
III |
Natural Phenomena |
12 |
|
IV |
Effects of Current |
13 |
|
V |
Natural Resources |
5 |
|
CBSE Class 10 total marks |
80 |
|
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February 25, 2026 | 10:45 PM IST
CBSE Science 2026: Fair and balanced paper with no major surprises
Experts describe the paper as balanced and student-friendly, rewarding consistent preparation and textbook-based revision.
February 25, 2026 | 10:00 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science: Internal choices offered flexibility
Several questions provided internal options, enabling students to attempt questions from their stronger units.
February 25, 2026 | 09:30 PM IST
CBSE Science Paper 2026: Length slightly on higher side
While manageable, students reported the paper felt lengthy due to a mix of MCQs, short answers, and long descriptive responses.
February 25, 2026 | 09:00 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science: Physics numericals required careful calculation
Physics included formula-based numericals and ray-diagram questions that demanded accuracy and step-wise presentation.
February 25, 2026 | 08:30 PM IST
CBSE Science Exam 2026: Chemistry focused on core reactions and concepts
Most Chemistry questions were direct, testing chemical reactions, equations, and conceptual clarity from NCERT.
February 25, 2026 | 07:48 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science 2026: Overall paper rated moderate by students
Initial reactions suggest the Science paper maintained a moderate difficulty level, closely aligned with NCERT concepts and expected board pattern.
February 25, 2026 | 06:57 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science Exam 2026: Balanced weightage across units
The paper maintained proportional representation from all major units, avoiding overemphasis on any single chapter.
February 25, 2026 | 06:29 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Exam 2026: Compartment
Students unable to clear one or two subjects will get another opportunity through compartment exams scheduled later in the year.
February 25, 2026 | 05:58 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Scinece Exam 2026: Internal assessments
Apart from theory exams, internal assessment plays a crucial role in final results, especially in subjects like Science and Social Science.
February 25, 2026 | 05:34 PM IST
CBSE Board Class 10 Science Exams 2026: Evaluation Process
CBSE follows a centralised evaluation system where answer sheets are coded to maintain anonymity and ensure fair marking across centres.
February 25, 2026 | 05:02 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Analysis: Paper lengthy but manageable
Though the difficulty level was balanced, the paper felt slightly long due to MCQs, Assertion-Reason questions, competency-based items, numericals, and diagram-based problems. Students with strong time management skills were able to complete the paper comfortably.
February 25, 2026 | 04:27 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Analysis: Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Biology featured familiar diagrams and reasoning questions from NCERT. Chemistry focused on standard reactions and core concepts, while Physics included numerical and ray-diagram problems requiring formula application but remained within the expected pattern.
February 25, 2026 | 03:59 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Analysis: Paper moderate, NCERT-focused
As per expert Priyanka Sahu from Seth MR Jaipuria Schools, the Class 10 Science paper was moderate in difficulty and largely based on NCERT concepts. Most questions were direct and concept-driven, favouring students who revised the textbook thoroughly. The structure remained predictable with no major surprises.
February 25, 2026 | 03:30 PM IST
Is CBSE science paper tough?
The CBSE Class 10 Science paper was easy to moderate. It had a balanced mix of skill-based and direct questions, mostly based on CBSE 10th sample papers. Some MCQs and application-based questions were a bit tricky, but overall, students were able to complete the paper on time and were satisfied with its difficulty level.
February 25, 2026 | 03:25 PM IST
CBSE Science sample paper Class 10 2026 with solutions
Students who practised the CBSE Science sample paper Class 10 2026 with solutions said that the actual exam paper was easy.
February 25, 2026 | 03:13 PM IST
Section C tests higher-order thinking in CBSE Class 10 Science
According to the CBSE Class 10 Science paper analysis, the question paper had different sections, and Section C challenged students to think more deeply and use higher-order thinking skills.
February 25, 2026 | 03:00 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science Board Exam 2026: Overall sudent experience
The students were able to complete the CBSE Class 10 Science question paper within the given time and expressed satisfaction with the level of difficulty. Overall, all the questions of the CBSE Class 10 Science exam 2026 were easy to moderate, as per the media reports.
February 25, 2026 | 02:46 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science Paper 2026: MCQs and competency-based questions
As per the CBSE Class 10 Science paper review, the MCQs and skill-based questions were of average difficulty and moderate trickery, providing a balanced assessment of student understanding.
February 25, 2026 | 02:29 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science 2026: Difficulty level of the paper
According to Shikha Sharma, Head of Science Department, Silverline Prestige School, the CBSE Class 10 Science question paper was of average difficulty, with some questions being straightforward and easy to answer.
February 25, 2026 | 02:17 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science analysis: Paper 'easy to moderate' in difficulty
According to media reports, the CBSE Class 10 Science Exam 2026 was "easy to moderate" in difficulty, with students saying Physics was tough while Biology was easy.
February 25, 2026 | 02:14 PM IST
Is the CBSE Science exam today for Class 10?
The CBSE Science exam today, February 25, was conducted from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm for Class 10 students.
February 25, 2026 | 02:10 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 science question paper 2026
The CBSE Class 10 Science question paper 2026 will be released soon, allowing students to check the questions and evaluate their performance.
February 25, 2026 | 02:06 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 science paper review out soon
CBSE Science exam review will be shared soon by subject experts and teachers to help students understand the difficulty level and question types of the CBSE Class 10 Science question paper.
February 25, 2026 | 02:03 PM IST
CBSE Science exam 2026 weightage
The CBSE Science exam 2026 weightage is divided into 80 marks for the theory paper and 20 marks for the internal assessment, which includes projects, practicals and periodical tests.
February 25, 2026 | 02:00 PM IST
What is the passing marks for CBSE Class 10 Science?
For CBSE Class 10 Science, the passing marks are 33%. This means that a student needs to score at least 33% in theory, 33% in practical/internal assessment separately and 33% in aggregate to pass the exam. In terms of marks:
- Theory (out of 80): minimum 26.4 marks
- Practical or Internal assessment (out of 20): minimum 6.6 marks
February 25, 2026 | 01:55 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science 2026 paper analysis and question paper PDF available
The CBSE Class 10 Science 2026 paper analysis and question paper PDF will be available soon for students to check and evaluate their answers.
February 25, 2026 | 01:50 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 science question paper analysis 2026
The CBSE Class 10 Science question paper analysis 2026 will be shared soon, providing students with insights into the difficulty level and types of questions asked in the CBSE 10th exam.
February 25, 2026 | 01:45 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science board paper 2026 answer key
The CBSE Class 10 Science board paper 2026 answer key will be released soon to help students estimate their scores.
February 25, 2026 | 01:39 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science board exam question paper
The CBSE Class 10 Science board exam question paper will be released soon, as the exam concludes today at 1:30 pm.
February 25, 2026 | 01:30 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2026: Science paper over
CBSE conducted the Class 10 Science board exam 2026 today from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. Soon, subject experts, coaching centres, and YouTube channels will release unofficial CBSE Class 10 Science exam answer keys and question papers with solutions to help students check their expected scores.
February 25, 2026 | 01:00 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science exam to conclude soon
The CBSE Class 10 Science board exam 2026 will conclude in half an hour. The question paper and exam analysis will be shared here after the exam ends.
February 25, 2026 | 12:26 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 science question paper with answer key 2026
Students who appeared for the CBSE Class 10 Science board exam 2026 must score at least 33% to pass. Careers360 subject experts will soon provide the CBSE 10 Science question paper with the answer key 2026, helping students check their responses.
February 25, 2026 | 12:00 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 science paper analysis soon
The CBSE Class 10 Science exam will end at 1:30 pm. After the exam, the CBSE Class 10 science paper analysis will be shared by students, teachers, and subject experts.
February 25, 2026 | 11:45 AM IST
How many students appeared for the board exam 2026 Class 10?
This year, nearly 25 lakh students are appearing for the Class 10 exams, including about 14 lakh boys and 10.9 lakh girls.
February 25, 2026 | 11:20 AM IST
CBSE unveils major changes for Class 10 board exam 2026
CBSE has announced several major changes for the 2025–26 board exams. The board has made APAAR ID linking mandatory for students, revised the exam registration fee, and again stated that students must have 75% attendance to appear for the Class 10 and 12 board exams.
Also read: CBSE unveils 8 major changes for Class 10, 12 board exams; what students need to know
February 25, 2026 | 11:10 AM IST
What is the date sheet of Class 10th board 2026?
According to the CBSE Class 10 exam date sheet 2026, the Security, Automotive, Agriculture, Food Production, Banking and Insurance, Healthcare, Apparel, Design Thinking, and Foundation Skills for Science papers will be held tomorrow from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
February 25, 2026 | 10:45 AM IST
What is the CBSE on screen marking system?
Starting from the 2026 board exams, CBSE is introducing On-Screen Marking (OSM), a digital system where teachers evaluate scanned answer sheets online to make the process faster and more accurate.
February 25, 2026 | 10:30 AM IST
CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026: Science exam starts
The CBSE Class 10 Science Board Exam 2026 has begun. Students must answer 39 compulsory questions separated into three sections: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
February 25, 2026 | 10:15 AM IST
CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026: Science paper to begin in 15 min
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will start the Class 10 Science exam today at 10:30 am, and it will end at 1:30 pm.
February 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM IST
Is a normal watch allowed in the CBSE board exam?
Yes, students can wear a simple analogue wristwatch to check the time in the CBSE Class 10 board exam 2026. However, digital watches, smartwatches and any electronic, Bluetooth or cellular devices are strictly not allowed inside the examination hall.
February 25, 2026 | 09:45 AM IST
Which pen is allowed in the CBSE board exam?
In CBSE Class 10 board exams, students can use blue or royal blue ink pens, including ballpoint, gel or fountain pens. It is recommended to use pens that do not leak and are comfortable to write with for long periods. Black pens, coloured pens and white ones are not allowed.
February 25, 2026 | 09:21 AM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science Board Exam 2026: Weightage
The CBSE Class 10 annual exam will be for 80 marks, and 20 marks will be given for the internal assessment. Out of the 80 marks, 68 marks will be for theory, and 12 marks will be for practical-based questions.
February 25, 2026 | 09:00 AM IST
What are the passing criteria of CBSE Class 10?
To pass the CBSE Class 10 board exams, students need to score at least 33% marks in all five subjects, including theory and internal assessment or practical. Students need to score above 'E' in all subjects. For practical subjects, they need to pass both theory and practical separately.
February 25, 2026 | 08:45 AM IST
Does CBSE consider best of 5 in Class 10?
Yes, CBSE Class 10 uses the "best of 5" rule to calculate the overall percentage. If a student has scored 6 or more subjects, the five subjects with the highest marks, including the compulsory language, will count towards the final percentage. This allows a subject with lower marks to be replaced by an optional subject with higher marks.
February 25, 2026 | 08:30 AM IST
What is the exam pattern of CBSE Class 10?
The CBSE Class 10 exam pattern for 2025–26 includes an 80-mark theory test of 3 hours duration and 20 marks for internal assessment conducted by schools. In 2026, the question paper consists of 50% skill-based questions (MCQs and case-based questions), 30% short and long answer questions and 20% objective questions. Students need to score at least 33% marks in each subject to pass.
February 25, 2026 | 08:15 AM IST
Is 20 out of 80 pass in CBSE Class 10?
To pass the CBSE Class 10 board exam, students must score at least 33% in theory, 33% in practical or internal assessment separately, and 33% overall. This means students need a minimum of 26.4 marks out of 80 in the theory exam to pass.
February 25, 2026 | 08:00 AM IST
What is the 80 20 rule in Class 10?
In CBSE Class 10, as per the 80/20 rule, 80 marks are for the board theory exam, and 20 marks are for internal assessment like projects, practicals and exams.
February 25, 2026 | 07:45 AM IST
Which is the toughest chapter in science Class 10 CBSE?
In CBSE Class 10 Science, the toughest chapter varies from student to student, but most students find these chapters the most difficult:
- Electricity (Physics)
- Magnetic Effects of Electric Current (Physics)
- Carbon and Its Compounds (Chemistry)
- Life Processes (Biology)
February 25, 2026 | 07:20 AM IST
How many sections in CBSE Class 10 Science board exam 2026?
For the first time this year, the CBSE Class 10 Science answer booklet is divided into three sections: Section A for Biology, Section B for Chemistry, and Section C for Physics.
February 25, 2026 | 06:30 AM IST
CBSE Board Exams 2026: Total Students Appearing
This year, nearly 25 lakh students will take the Class 10 exams, including around 14 lakh boys and 10.9 lakh girls and for Class 12, approximately 10.2 lakh boys and 8.3 lakh girls are expected to appear.
February 25, 2026 | 05:30 AM IST
CBSE Board Exams 2026: Exam-day guidelines
As per the CBSE guidelines, students must strictly follow these rules on exam days:
-
Arrive at the examination centre at least 45–60 minutes before the scheduled start time.
-
Entry will be denied once the gates are closed.
-
Students must remain seated until the exam ends and the final bell is announced.
-
Exchanging stationery or discussing answers inside the exam hall is not permitted.
February 25, 2026 | 04:30 AM IST
CBSE Board Exams 2026: Restricted items inside exam centres
The following items are strictly banned inside the examination hall:
-
Mobile phones and other electronic gadgets
-
Smartwatches or digital devices
-
Calculators, unless officially allowed
-
Notes, papers, or any written material
February 25, 2026 | 03:30 AM IST
CBSE Class 10 Admit Card 2026 for Private Students: How to Download
Private candidates can download their Class 10 admit card from the official website of the CBSE by following these steps:
-
Visit the official CBSE website at cbse.gov.in.
-
Click on the link for “Admit Card / Hall Ticket for Private Candidates 2026” on the homepage.
-
Enter the required details such as:
-
Application number
-
Previous roll number (if applicable)
-
Candidate’s name
-
Father’s or mother’s name
-
-
Click on the Submit button.
-
The CBSE Class 10 admit card will appear on the screen.
-
Download the admit card and take a printout for exam use.
February 25, 2026 | 02:30 AM IST
CBSE Board Exams 2026: Minimum passing requirements
Students must score at least 33% marks in every subject to pass, including theory, practical, and internal assessment components. They are also required to pass theory and practical exams separately wherever applicable.
February 25, 2026 | 01:30 AM IST
CBSE Board Exams 2026: Essential Items to Carry
Students appearing for the exams should bring the following:
-
Admit card
-
School identity card
-
Blue or black ballpoint pens
-
Pencils and eraser
-
Transparent water bottle
February 25, 2026 | 12:30 AM IST
CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2026 datesheet
|
Exam dates |
Subjects |
|
17-Feb-2026 |
Mathematics Standard, Mathematics Basic |
|
18-Feb-2026 |
Home Science |
|
20-Feb-2026 |
Beauty and Wellness, Marketing and Sales, Multi Skill Foundation Course, Data Science |
|
21-Feb-2026 |
English |
|
23-Feb-2026 |
Urdu Course A, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati |
|
24-Feb-2026 |
Element of Business |
|
25-Feb-2026 |
Science |
|
26-Feb-2026 |
Security, Automotive, Agriculture, Food Production, Banking and Insurance, Healthcare, Apparel, Design Thinking, Foundation Skill for Science |
|
27-Feb-2026 |
Computer Applications, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) |
|
28-Feb-2026 |
Arabic, Sanskrit, Rai, Gurung, Tamang, Sherpa |
|
2-Mar-2026 |
Hindi Course A, Hindi Course B |
|
5-Mar-2026 |
Sindhi, Malayalam, Odia, Kannada |
|
6-Mar-2026 |
Painting |
|
7-Mar-2026 |
Social Science |
|
9-Mar-2026 |
Telugu, Russian, Limboo, Lepcha, Nepali |
|
10-Mar-2026 |
French |
|
11-Mar-2026 |
Tibetan, German, National Cadet Corps (NCC), Bhoti, Bodo, Tangkhul, Japanese, Bhutia, Spanish, Kashmiri, Mizo, Bahasa Melayu, Elements of Book Keeping & Accountancy |
February 24, 2026 | 11:30 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Physics Board Exam 2026: Name of chapters
The chapters included in the Physics sections are:
- Electricity
- Light-Reflection & Refraction
- Human Eye & Colourful World
- Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
February 24, 2026 | 10:30 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Physics Board Exam 2026: Weigtage
The weightage of chemistry section is 25 marks. Electricity chapter carriers 10 marks, Light-Reflection & Refraction consits 8 marks, Human Eye & Colourful World chapter include 4 marks and Magnetic Effects of Electric Current carries 3 marks.
February 24, 2026 | 10:00 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Chemistry Board Exam 2026: Chapters included
The chapters included in the CBSE Class 10 Chemistry Board Exam 2026 is Mentals & Non-metals chapter, Acid, Bases & Salts and Carbon & its Compounds
February 24, 2026 | 09:30 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Chemistry Board Exam 2026: Weightage
The weightage of chemistry section is 25 marks. Mentals & Non-metals chapter carriers 12 marks, Acid, Bases & Salts chapter consits 7 marks and Carbon & its Compounds carries 6 marks.
February 24, 2026 | 09:00 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science Board Exam 2026: Weightage of Biology section
The weightage of biology section is 30 marks. Only Life processes chapter include 10 marks and other four chapters: Control & Coordination, How Do Organisms Reproduce?, Our Environment, and Heredity & Evolution consists 5 marks each.
February 24, 2026 | 08:30 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Science Board Exam 2026: How many chapters are there in Biology section?
Biology section consits five chapters: Life processes, Control & Coordination, How Do Organisms Reproduce?, Our Environment, and Heredity & Evolution.
February 24, 2026 | 08:00 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Board 2026: Phase 2 exam eligibility
To register for the CBSE Class 10 Board phase 2 exam 2026, students must qualify in the mentioned below category.
- Candidates who completed Phase 1 but want to enhance their scores in up to three subjects.
- Those who failed one or two subjects in Phase 1 might reapply to pass those specific exams.
- Those who qualified after replacing a failed primary subject with a vocational/skills subject.
- Athletes that competed in national/international sporting events that conflicted with Phase 1 dates may participate in Phase 2.
February 24, 2026 | 07:30 PM IST
CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026: Two-exam system
This year, CBSE will conduct the class 10 board exams twice a year. This initative aims to reduce student stress by giving a second chance to improve scores within the same year.
February 24, 2026 | 06:56 PM IST
CBSE Board Class 10 Science board exam 2026: New paper pattern
| Total marks | 80 |
| Total questions | 39 |
| Section division |
Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
|
| Questions format | MCQs, Assertion–Reasoning, Short Answer, Long Answer, and Case-based Questions |
| Topics |
Chemical Substances – Nature & Behaviour, World of Living, Natural Phenomena, Effects of Current, and Natural Resources
|
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