The CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) has officially released the syllabus for Class 10 for the academic session 2025–26. The curriculum is designed in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and focuses on developing core concepts, critical thinking, and competency-based learning.
?? Core Subjects
1. Mathematics
CBSE offers two versions:
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Standard Mathematics (041) – For students planning to pursue Maths in higher classes
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Basic Mathematics (241) – For students not opting for Maths in Class 11
Key Units:
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Number Systems
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Algebra (Polynomials, Linear Equations)
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Geometry (Triangles, Circles, Constructions)
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Mensuration (Surface Areas, Volumes)
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Statistics & Probability
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Coordinate Geometry
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Arithmetic Progression
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Trigonometry
Assessment:
Final Exam: 80 marks | Internal Assessment: 20 marks
2. Science (Code 086)
Integrated subject covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Key Topics:
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Chemical Reactions & Equations
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Acids, Bases and Salts
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Metals and Non-metals
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Life Processes
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Heredity and Evolution
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Light: Reflection and Refraction
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Human Eye and Colorful World
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Electricity and Magnetic Effects
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Sustainable Management of Natural Resources
Assessment:
Final Exam: 80 marks | Internal (Practical-based) Assessment: 20 marks
3. Social Science (Code 087)
Four parts:
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History – India and the Contemporary World-II
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Geography – Contemporary India-II
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Civics – Democratic Politics-II
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Economics – Understanding Economic Development
Includes project work and map-based questions.
Assessment:
Final Exam: 80 marks | Internal Assessment: 20 marks
4. English – Language and Literature (Code 184)
Sections Covered:
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Reading Comprehension (Factual & Discursive passages)
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Writing (Formal letter, Analytical Paragraph, etc.)
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Grammar (Tenses, Modals, Voice, Clauses)
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Literature (First Flight & Footprints Without Feet) – Prose, Poetry, and Supplementary Reading
Assessment:
Final Exam: 80 marks | Internal (ASL, activities): 20 marks
5. Hindi
CBSE offers two versions:
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Hindi A (Code 002) – Literature-focused (Kshitij & Kritika)
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Hindi B (Code 085) – Language-focused (Sanchayan & Sparsh)
Assessment:
Final Exam: 80 marks | Internal: 20 marks
? Optional Subjects
Depending on availability in schools, students can opt for one of the following optional subjects:
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Computer Applications (165)
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Information Technology (402)
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Artificial Intelligence
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Home Science (064)
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Elements of Business / Bookkeeping & Accountancy
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Music (Vocal/Melodic/Percussion)
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Painting (049)
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NCC (076)
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Sanskrit (122)
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French / German / Spanish / Japanese
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Regional Languages – Urdu, Tamil, Punjabi, Bengali, etc.
? Exam Pattern – Class 10 CBSE 2025–26
| Component | Marks | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Final Board Exam | 80 | Based on entire syllabus of the subject |
| Internal Assessment | 20 | Periodic tests, notebooks, subject enrichment, etc. |
Question Types:
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MCQs (Approx. 40%)
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Competency-based/Analytical Questions (20%)
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Short & Long Answer Questions (40%)
? Internal Assessment Details
Each subject includes:
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Periodic Tests (Written tests during the year)
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Notebook Submission (Neatness, regularity, organization)
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Subject Enrichment Activities (ASL for languages, lab work for science, etc.)
These are monitored continuously and contribute 20% to the final result.
✅ Summary Table
| Subject | Final Exam | Internal | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics (Std/Basic) | 80 | 20 | Standard for higher studies; Basic for ease |
| Science | 80 | 20 | With practicals and experiments |
| Social Science | 80 | 20 | Includes project and map work |
| English | 80 | 20 | Reading, writing, literature, grammar |
| Hindi (A/B) | 80 | 20 | Literature or language-focused |
| Optional Subject | Varies | Varies | Skill-based and elective options available |
? Highlights of 2025–26 Syllabus
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Aligned with NEP 2020 – focus on conceptual clarity and applied learning
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Rationalized syllabus – removal of redundant or overlapping content
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Strong emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-life application
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Structured internal assessment for regular evaluation
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Skill-based subjects and vocational options available for holistic development
FAQs for CBSE 10th Syllabus 2025-26
Q1. What are the core subjects in CBSE Class 10 for 2025–26?
The main subjects are Mathematics, Science, Social Science, English, and Hindi. Students also have the option to choose one additional subject such as Computer Applications, IT, Sanskrit, or a foreign/regional language.
Q2. What is the difference between Basic and Standard Maths in Class 10?
Basic Maths is for students who do not wish to pursue Mathematics after Class 10, while Standard Maths is meant for those planning to take Maths in Classes 11 and 12. Both have the same syllabus but differ in difficulty level.
Q3. How is the CBSE Class 10 exam structured?
The final board exam carries 80 marks, and the remaining 20 marks come from internal assessment, which includes tests, notebook work, and subject enrichment activities.
Q4. Are practicals included in Class 10 Science?
Yes, Science includes practical activities and experiments. These are evaluated as part of the 20-mark internal assessment.
Q5. What types of questions are asked in the Class 10 board exam?
The question paper includes Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Competency-based Questions, and Short and Long Answer Questions. Around 40% of the paper focuses on MCQs and application-based questions.
Q6. What internal assessments are done in Class 10?
Internal assessment includes periodic written tests, notebook evaluation, and subject enrichment tasks such as projects, activities, or speaking/listening tasks in languages.
Q7. Are Class 10 board exams mandatory for all students?
Yes, all CBSE Class 10 students must appear for the board exams in all subjects including the optional subject (if opted).
Q8. Can students choose an optional subject in Class 10?
Yes, students may choose from optional subjects like Computer Applications, Artificial Intelligence, Sanskrit, Music, Painting, or IT based on what is offered by their school.
Q9. Is the syllabus reduced for Class 10 in 2025–26?
Yes, CBSE has made minor changes and rationalizations to the syllabus to focus on core concepts and reduce academic stress, as per NEP 2020 guidelines.
Q10. What is the minimum passing mark in CBSE Class 10?
Students must score a minimum of 33% in both internal assessment and final board exam in each subject to pass.
