CBSE Syllabus & Exam Pattern

Here you can quickly check the latest CBSE syllabus outline and exam pattern for different classes. For Class 10 we have given a clear explanation of exam style and how your final marksheet is prepared.

Note: This is a simplified summary for students and parents. For any official updates or detailed subject–wise syllabus, always refer to the latest circulars and syllabus PDFs on the official CBSE website.

Select Class

Subjects (Typical CBSE Pattern)

  • English
  • Hindi / Second Language
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Science
  • Computer / Information Technology (school based)

Assessment Style

  • Regular class tests and periodic tests
  • Half–yearly and annual exams (school level)
  • Projects, notebook work, subject enrichment activities

Subjects (CBSE Secondary Level – Class 9)

  • English Language & Literature
  • Hindi / Other Second Language
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Science
  • Work Education, Art Education, Health & Physical Education

Exam Pattern (Internal + Final)

  • 80 marks – year–end exam (per subject)
  • 20 marks – internal assessment (periodic tests, notebook, activities)

Core Subjects (CBSE Class 10)

  • English Language & Literature
  • Hindi / Other Second Language
  • Mathematics (Standard / Basic)
  • Science
  • Social Science
  • Additional Subject (e.g. IT / Skill Subject – optional)

Board Exam Pattern (Per Main Subject)

Component Marks Details
Theory Board Exam 80 3 hour written paper conducted by CBSE with different sections (MCQs, short & long answer)
Internal Assessment 20 Periodic tests, notebook submission, subject enrichment & practicals (as per subject)
Total per subject 100 Minimum marks required as per CBSE pass criteria

How Your Final Class 10 Marksheet is Prepared

For each main subject, CBSE adds your theory marks (out of 80) and your internal assessment marks (out of 20). This gives your final marks out of 100 in that subject.

  • Example: Science – 65/80 in theory + 18/20 internal = 83/100 final marks
  • Similar calculation is done for all other core subjects.

Grading System (Indicative)

  • A1: 91–100 marks
  • A2: 81–90 marks
  • B1: 71–80 marks
  • B2: 61–70 marks
  • C1: 51–60 marks
  • C2: 41–50 marks
  • D: 33–40 marks
  • E: < 33 (needs improvement as per CBSE rules)

Important Points for Students

  • Take periodic tests and internal activities seriously – those 20 marks can change your grade.
  • Focus on NCERT textbooks first – most board questions are based on NCERT.
  • Practice previous year papers and sample papers to understand the exact question pattern.

Class 10 Board Corner – Subject & Chapter View

Below is a quick chapter–wise view of the five main subjects usually counted for your final marksheet: English, Hindi, Mathematics, Science, Social Science. Always match with the latest CBSE syllabus PDF for your session.

English Language & Literature

First Flight Footprints Without Feet
  • Chapter 1: A Letter to God
  • Chapter 2: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
  • Chapter 3: Two Stories About Flying
  • Chapter 4: From the Diary of Anne Frank
  • Chapter 5: The Hundred Dresses – I & II
  • Chapter 6: Glimpses of India
  • Chapter 7: Madam Rides the Bus
  • Chapter 8: The Sermon at Benares
  • Chapter 9: The Proposal (Play)
  • Footprints: A Triumph of Surgery, The Thief’s Story, The Midnight Visitor, A Question of Trust, Footprints Without Feet, The Making of a Scientist, The Necklace, The Hack Driver, Bholi, The Book That Saved the Earth (check latest list).

Hindi (example: Course B)

क्षितिज कृतिका
  • क्षितिज पाठ: दो बैलों की कथा, ल्हासा की ओर, साना–साना हाथ जोड़ि, जयपुर से पत्र, यात्री आदि (as per current book).
  • कृतिका पाठ: माता का अँचल, जॉर्ज पंचम की नाक, साना–साना हाथ जोड़ि आदि।
  • अपठित गद्यांश, पत्र–लेखन, अनुच्छेद, विज्ञापन, संवाद आदि लेखन कौशल।

Mathematics (Standard)

Algebra Geometry Trigonometry
  • Chapter 1: Real Numbers
  • Chapter 2: Polynomials
  • Chapter 3: Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables
  • Chapter 4: Quadratic Equations
  • Chapter 5: Arithmetic Progressions
  • Chapter 6: Triangles
  • Chapter 7: Coordinate Geometry
  • Chapter 8: Introduction to Trigonometry & its Applications
  • Chapter 9: Circles & Constructions
  • Chapter 10: Areas Related to Circles
  • Chapter 11: Surface Areas and Volumes
  • Chapter 12: Statistics & Probability

Science

Physics Chemistry Biology
  • Chemical Reactions and Equations
  • Acids, Bases and Salts
  • Metals and Non-metals
  • Carbon and Its Compounds
  • Periodic Classification of Elements
  • Life Processes
  • Control and Coordination
  • How do Organisms Reproduce?
  • Heredity and Evolution
  • Light – Reflection and Refraction, The Human Eye and the Colourful World
  • Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
  • Sources of Energy, Our Environment, Management of Natural Resources

Social Science

History Geography Civics Economics
  • History (India and the Contemporary World – II): The Rise of Nationalism in Europe, Nationalism in India, The Making of a Global World, The Age of Industrialisation, Print Culture and the Modern World.
  • Geography (Contemporary India – II): Resources and Development, Water Resources, Agriculture, Minerals and Energy Resources, Manufacturing Industries, Lifelines of National Economy.
  • Civics (Democratic Politics – II): Power Sharing, Federalism, Gender, Religion and Caste, Political Parties, Outcomes of Democracy, Challenges to Democracy.
  • Economics (Understanding Economic Development): Development, Sectors of the Indian Economy, Money and Credit, Globalisation and the Indian Economy, Consumer Rights.

Streams & Subjects (Typical)

Science Stream

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics / Biology
  • English
  • Optional Subject (e.g. Computer Science, Physical Education etc.)

Exam Pattern

  • Year–end board exam with theory paper (usually 70 or 80 marks, depending on subject)
  • Practical / project / internal assessment (20–30 marks)
  • Regular unit tests, half–yearly, pre–boards at school level