CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2025-26: Subject-Wise PDF & Exam Pattern

CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2025-26: Class 10 is a landmark year in a student’s school life in India. The CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) syllabus for Class 10 forms the foundation for board exams, shapes subject choices in higher classes, and builds conceptual clarity for future competitive exams. For the academic year 2025–26, CBSE has released an updated syllabus to align with new pedagogical goals, emphasize competency-based learning, and reduce redundancy. In this article, we go deep into the new syllabus structure, major changes, subject-wise highlights, exam patterns, and how students and teachers should plan effectively.

What’s New in CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2025-26

1. Curriculum Update & Rationalisation
   The CBSE curriculum for Secondary (Classes IX–X) has been updated and published officially. The updated syllabus is designed to be aligned with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and aims to remove repetitive or low-value content while focusing on depth, skills, and applications.
2. Subject Groups & Structure
   The Class 10 syllabus is organized under Group L (Languages), Group A1 (Main Subjects), Group A2 (Electives / Academic Electives), and Internal Assessment / Activity-based subjects.
3. Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
   For most core subjects, the examination will be for 80 marks, and 20 marks will come through internal assessment / projects / practicals.
   The board has emphasized a balance between knowledge, application, analysis, and creation. The typology of questions may include MCQs, VSA (very short answer), short answer, long answer, assertion-reasoning, source- or case-based questions.
4. Completion & Revision Timeline
   As per the science syllabus guidelines, CBSE mandates that the entire syllabus should be completed by December 6, 2025 to allow sufficient time for revision and pre-boards.
5. Flexibility & Electives
   The CBSE allows a range of language options (over 40) under Group L.
   In Group A2, there are academic electives such as Computer Applications, Home Science, Painting, Music, NCC, Elements of Business, etc.
6. Continuity & Transition Measures
   One notable policy decision: Students who opted for Mathematics (Basic) (subject code 241) in Class 10 are allowed to switch to Regular Mathematics (code 041) in Class 11. This flexibility continues until the new schemes under NCF-SE are fully in place.

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Subject-Wise Highlights & Key Topics

Here’s a breakdown of the main subjects in Class 10 and their salient portions under the 2025–26 syllabus:

1. Mathematics (Codes 041 & 241)

• The syllabus is designed to include core areas such as Number Systems, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Statistics & Probability.
• Internal assessment / periodic work forms a portion of the total 100 marks, with the theory exam being 80 marks.
• For subject 241 (Basic), the content is simpler; however, the above-mentioned switching policy gives some relief to students.

2. Science (Subject Code 086)

• The syllabus spans disciplines of physics, chemistry, and biology. Some specific topics include optics (lens, refraction, prism), heredity & evolution, reproduction, human physiology, chemical reactions, etc.
• Practical work is essential. For instance, tracing the path of rays through a prism, identifying parts of embryos, observing budding or binary fission, etc.
• The question paper is designed to test knowledge, application, and higher-order thinking skills (20 % weight).

3. Social Science (SST)

• Social Science includes History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics as four sub-components.
• Topics such as Nationalism in India, Globalization, Economic Development, Political institutions, Climate, Resources, etc., are integrated.
• The exam pattern will include source-based and case-based questions to test interpretive ability.

4. English (Language & Literature / English Communicative)

• The English exam is divided into Reading (20 marks), Writing & Grammar (20 marks), and Literature (40 marks).
• The syllabus includes prose, poetry, and drama portions, along with grammar and composition topics.
• Internal assessment is through periodic writing tasks, projects, and speaking/listening exercises.

5. Hindi / Other Languages

• The syllabus for Hindi (Course A or B) or other regional / foreign languages follows similar structure: literature, grammar, and writing.
• Internal assessment components apply here as well.

6. Academic Electives (Group A2)

These could include:

• Computer Applications
• Home Science
• Painting
• Music (Vocal / Instrument)
• NCC
• Elements of Business
• Elements of Book Keeping & Accountancy, etc.

7. Internal / Activity Subjects

These include Art Education, Health & Physical Education, Work Experience, where students’ participation, projects, portfolios, and classwork contribute to internal assessment.

How to Effectively Plan Study Under the 2025–26 Syllabus

1. Obtain Official Syllabus PDFs
   Download subject-wise syllabus from CBSE’s official site (cbseacademic.nic.in) or affiliated portal.
2. Mark Important Deadlines
   Since syllabus completion is expected by December 6, 2025 (especially for subjects like Science), plan backward from that date to ensure no topic is left out.
3. Prioritize Core Subjects
   Mathematics, Science, English, and Social Science command high weight and are foundational for higher studies. Devote more time to these.
4. Use Internal Assessment Smartly
   Projects, practicals, and class assignments contribute to 20 marks. Do these with care—they can act as buffer marks.
5. Practice Different Question Types
   Include MCQs, assertion-reasoning, case-based questions in practice sets so you are comfortable with the new typology.
6. Revision & Mock Tests
   After syllabus completion, schedule periodic revision and full-length mock tests under timed conditions.
7. Balance Electives & Languages
   While electives add variety, don’t let them overshadow core subject preparation. Maintain balance.
8. Monitor Policy Updates
   CBSE often issues circulars or clarifications—stay updated via official website or school notices.

Challenges & Recommendations

• Content Load & Time Constraints
  Even with rationalisation, covering all chapters, internal projects, and revision is heavy. Students should avoid last-minute rush.
• Changing Question Patterns
  The novelty of assertion-reasoning or source-based questions can trouble some; regular exposure is essential.
• Coordination Between Teachers & Students
  Teachers must plan the timeline carefully, and students must strictly adhere to that plan.
• Elective Syllabus Depth
  Some electives might require additional effort or outside resources; choose them based on interest and capacity.
• Transition from Basic Maths
  Students opting for Maths (Basic) should be advised about difficulty in switching or coping at higher levels, though the current policy allows a switch.

Conclusion

The CBSE Class 10 Syllabus for 2025–26 is thoughtfully restructured to emphasize conceptual clarity, competency-based learning, and assessment variety. Students who plan ahead, adhere to timelines, and practice diverse question types will find themselves better prepared for not just the board exams, but future academic challenges.

Teachers, too, must adapt their lesson plans and evaluation strategies in line with new syllabi and keep students informed. With the right approach and disciplined execution, aspirants can confidently ace Class 10 and lay a strong foundation for Class 11–12.

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