The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will hold the Class 10 Maths board exam on February 17, 2026 . This article provides important details about the exam, including the official paper pattern, the marking scheme, and key topics to help students prepare effectively for the upcoming examination. Thousands of students across India will appear for this important exam.
Understanding the structure of the question paper and how marks are awarded is crucial for every student. Knowing these details early helps in creating a smart study plan. Students can focus their efforts on what matters most in the exam. This guide aims to make preparation simpler and clearer for all Class 10 students.
CBSE Class 10 Maths Exam Pattern 2026
The CBSE Class 10 Maths paper for 2026 will have five main sections: A, B, C, D, and E. In total, there will be 38 questions . Each section has a different type of question and a set number of questions. Students should go through this pattern carefully to know what to expect in the exam hall.
| Section | Question Type | Number of Questions |
| Section A | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) & Assertion-Reason Questions | 20 |
| Section B | Very Short Answer (VSA) Questions | 5 |
| Section C | Short Answer (SA-II) Questions | 6 |
| Section D | Long Answer (LA) Questions | 4 |
| Section E | Case-Based/Competency-Based Questions | 3 |
| Total | 38 |
Section A will test your basic knowledge with 20 questions. These include Multiple Choice Questions and Assertion-Reason questions. These are usually quick to answer if you know the concepts well. Section B has 5 Very Short Answer questions, requiring brief and direct answers. Section C contains 6 Short Answer questions, where you will need to explain your steps and reasoning clearly.
For more detailed answers, Section D includes 4 Long Answer questions. These questions often involve solving problems that require multiple steps and a deeper understanding of the topics. Finally, Section E features 3 Case-Based or Competency-Based questions. These questions present real-life scenarios or data. They ask you to apply mathematical concepts to solve problems related to them. This section tests your analytical skills and ability to use maths in practical situations.
CBSE Class 10 Maths Marking Scheme 2026
The total marks for the CBSE Class 10 Maths exam will be 80 marks . The time given for the exam is usually 3 hours. Each section carries a different weight in terms of marks per question. Understanding this marking scheme helps students decide how much time and effort to put into each type of question during the exam.
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
| Section A | 20 | 1 mark | 20 |
| Section B | 5 | 2 marks | 10 |
| Section C | 6 | 3 marks | 18 |
| Section D | 4 | 5 marks | 20 |
| Section E | 3 | 4 marks | 12 |
| Total | 38 | 80 |
As per the marking scheme, Section A questions are worth 1 mark each, making it a 20-mark section. Section B questions are 2 marks each, totaling 10 marks. Section C questions carry 3 marks each, adding up to 18 marks. Section D, with its long answer questions, holds 5 marks per question, contributing 20 marks to the total. Section E's case-based questions are 4 marks each, totaling 12 marks. This distribution ensures that the exam covers a wide range of question types and skill levels.
Important Topics for CBSE Class 10 Maths Exam 2026
To score well in the CBSE Class 10 Maths exam 2026 , students should focus on certain key areas. These areas are often high-scoring and fundamental. Regularly practicing problems from these topics can boost your confidence and performance. Here are some of the most important topics:
- Number Systems: This includes real numbers and their properties.
- Algebra: This important unit covers polynomials, pair of linear equations in two variables, quadratic equations, and arithmetic progressions.
- Coordinate Geometry: Focus on understanding coordinates, distance formula, and section formula.
- Geometry: This unit includes triangles, circles, and constructions. Theorems and their applications are crucial here.
- Trigonometry: Study introduction to trigonometry, trigonometric identities, and some applications of trigonometry (heights and distances).
- Mensuration: This involves surface areas and volumes of different 3D shapes.
- Statistics & Probability: Learn about mean, median, mode, and basic probability concepts.
Students should aim to solve a variety of questions from these topics. This includes those from past year papers, to get familiar with the types of questions asked in the board exam.
In conclusion, the CBSE Class 10 Maths exam 2026 is set for February 17, 2026 . By understanding the detailed exam pattern, marking scheme, and focusing on the important topics listed, students can prepare smartly and aim for excellent results. Consistent practice and a clear strategy based on this information will be key to success.
