CBSE CLASS 10th Science Exam Pattern 2026 – Marking Scheme & Paper Structure

EaseToLearn is providing Guided Learning for your CBSE Class 10 Science Examination 2026–27. Get the latest updated CBSE Class 10 Science Sample Paper and CBSE Class 10 Science Study Material. Sign up for the EaseToLearn CBSE Class 10 Science Course to access the Latest CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern 2026.

Easetolearn will give students all the information regarding the CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern 2026. It will make it easier for students to understand the pattern of the CBSE Class 10 Science exam like the total number of questions, marking scheme, sections of the exam, and duration of the exam.

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CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern 2026

The CBSE Class 10 Science examination assesses students' understanding of Biology, Chemistry and Physics through objective-type questions, short-answer questions, long-answer questions and case-based questions. The theory question paper is divided into three sections, with separate marks allotted to each subject.

CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern Overview 2026

• Mode of Examination – Written examination

• Total Number of Questions – 39

• Total Marks – 80

• Exam Duration – 3 Hours

• Number of Sections – 3

• Section A – Biology (30 marks)

• Section B – Chemistry (25 marks)

• Section C – Physics (25 marks)

• Types of Questions – MCQs, Very Short Answer (VSA), Short Answer (SA), Long Answer (LA) and Case-Based Questions (CBQs)

• Compulsory Questions – All questions are compulsory

• Internal Choice – Available in selected questions

• Overall Choice – No overall choice is provided

CBSE Class 10 Science Section-Wise Marks Distribution 2026

CBSE Class 10 Science Question Paper Structure 2026

The question paper contains 39 compulsory questions divided into three sections: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The paper includes different question formats to assess conceptual understanding, application of knowledge, scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills.

The marks allotted to individual questions are indicated in the question paper. Students should follow the instructions given in each section and attempt the questions according to the prescribed format.

CBSE Class 10 Science Internal Assessment Pattern 2026

The internal assessment carries 20 marks and evaluates students' learning progress, practical skills, classroom participation and overall performance throughout the academic session.

Internal Assessment Marks Distribution

Details of Internal Assessment

• Periodic Assessment: Carries 10 marks and evaluates students' learning progress through periodic tests conducted by the school.

• Subject Enrichment (Practical Work): Carries 5 marks and assesses experimental skills, observations, practical activities, laboratory work and scientific understanding.

• Portfolio: Carries 5 marks and evaluates students' assignments, practical records, classwork and other evidence of learning.

Schools conduct and evaluate internal assessments according to the applicable CBSE guidelines.

CBSE Class 10 Science Final Assessment 2026

The final assessment combines the marks obtained in the annual theory examination and internal assessment.

The three-hour theory examination evaluates students' understanding of scientific concepts and their ability to apply knowledge to real-life situations. Students should practise numerical problems, scientific diagrams, chemical equations, competency-based questions and case-based questions.

According to the prescribed question-paper design, approximately 50% of the theory marks assess knowledge and understanding, 30% assess the application of knowledge and concepts, and 20% assess higher-order skills such as analysis, evaluation and creation.

Students should also complete practical activities, maintain their practical records and prepare their portfolios as instructed by their school.

CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern 2026: FAQs

1. What is the exam pattern for CBSE Class 10 Science?

The assessment consists of an annual theory examination carrying 80 marks and internal assessment carrying 20 marks, making a total of 100 marks.

2. What is the duration of the CBSE Class 10 Science examination?

The annual theory examination is three hours long.

3. How many marks are allotted to the Class 10 Science theory examination?

The theory examination carries 80 marks.

4. How many marks are allotted to internal assessment in Class 10 Science?

Internal assessment carries 20 marks, comprising periodic assessment (10), practical work (5) and portfolio (5).

5. How many questions are included in the CBSE Class 10 Science question paper?

The 2026–27 sample question paper contains 39 questions divided into three sections.

6. What is the section-wise marks distribution for CBSE Class 10 Science?

Section A (Biology) carries 30 marks, Section B (Chemistry) carries 25 marks, and Section C (Physics) carries 25 marks.

7. What types of questions are asked in the Class 10 Science examination?

Questions may include MCQs, assertion–reason questions, very short-answer questions, short-answer questions, long-answer questions and case-based questions.

8. Are all questions compulsory in the CBSE Class 10 Science examination?

Yes. All questions are compulsory, although internal choices are provided in selected questions. Students must follow the instructions printed on the question paper.

9. Is practical work included in the Class 10 Science assessment?

Yes. Practical work carries 5 marks under internal assessment.

10. What is the question-paper design for CBSE Class 10 Science?

The prescribed design allocates approximately 50% of theory marks to knowledge and understanding, 30% to application of concepts and 20% to higher-order thinking skills.

11. Does CBSE conduct a board examination for Class 10 Science?

Yes. CBSE conducts the Class 10 Science board examination. Students should consult the official CBSE examination notifications for the applicable examination schedule and instructions.

12. How can students prepare for the CBSE Class 10 Science examination?

Students should study the prescribed syllabus, revise important concepts, practise numerical problems and diagrams, balance chemical equations, complete practical activities and solve sample papers under timed conditions.