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CBSE Board Exams 2026 Highlights: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducted Class 10 Science exam today.  The exam began at 10.30 am and concluded around 1.30 pm across various examination centres in the country. Over 25 lakh students are appearing for the examination this year.

In a major change introduced for the 2026 board exams, CBSE has revised the Science question paper pattern. For the first time, the Class 10 Science paper has been divided into three separate sections - Physics, Chemistry, and Biology - ensuring equal focus on all three core disciplines.

Students are being given an additional 15 minutes before the commencement of the examination to read the question paper carefully. This reading time allows candidates to understand the structure of the paper, analyse the questions, and plan their responses effectively before writing begins.

As per the new exam pattern, the Science theory paper is being conducted for 80 marks and consists of 39 compulsory questions. The paper is clearly divided into three sections: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Each section includes a variety of question formats and difficulty levels, such as multiple-choice questions (MCQs), assertion-reasoning questions, short answer questions, long answer questions, and case-based questions.

With the revised paper pattern being implemented today, the Class 10 Science examination marks an important development in the CBSE assessment system, aiming to strengthen conceptual clarity and comprehensive evaluation of students.

CBSE Boards 2026 LIVE: Subject matter expert says paper set within prescribed syllabus

Vineeta Kadwane, Subject matter expert, Lancers Army Schools, said the paper set within prescribed syllabus.

The CBSE Physics, Chemistry, and Biology papers conducted today were overall well-balanced and in line with the prescribed syllabus. The papers reflected a thoughtful mix of conceptual, application-based, and competency-oriented questions.

The Physics paper required clear understanding of concepts. While a few questions demanded careful thinking, the paper was manageable for students who had practiced regularly and focused on fundamentals.

Chemistry was comprehensive yet fair. The questions covered all key areas, with a good blend of objective and descriptive types. Students who had revised NCERT thoroughly and practiced writing structured answers would have felt comfortable.

The Biology paper was comparatively direct and student-friendly. Diagram-based and case-study questions tested understanding rather than rote learning. With proper revision, students could attempt it confidently.

Overall, the difficulty level was moderate. For sincere and well-prepared students, the papers were fair and achievable, though time management remained important.

CBSE Boards 2026 LIVE: "Question paper was balanced between theory and numerical"

Ms Warsha Sawant, TGT Science, Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Lucknow, said, the Grade 10 Science question paper was largely direct and NCERT/Exemplar-based, with minimal emphasis on higher-order or application-based questions. The overall difficulty level was easy to moderate, making it accessible to students with basic conceptual understanding.

Physics

Easy to moderate difficulty. Direct questions from ncert and exemplar. The question paper was balanced between theory and numerical.

Chemistry

Easy to moderate. Balanced question paper, question from ncert and exemplar. Experiment based questions were incorporated.

Biology

The question paper was of moderate difficulty. Most of the questions were directly based on the NCERT syllabus and were similar to the sample papers. A significant number of questions were memory-based, with many repeated or closely related PYQs.

The case study questions were clear and self-explanatory, making them easy to attempt. Several questions were diagram-based and straightforward, which helped students score well. Overall, the paper was student-friendly, and well-prepared students who had thoroughly revised NCERT content and previous years' questions were able to attempt the paper confidently.

CBSE Boards 2026 LIVE: "The question paper's difficulty level was above average"

Analysis By Ms. Meenu Kanwar, Principal, Amity International School, Mayur Vihar

For CBSE Class X Science examination, conducted on 25 February 2026 ,Delhi region .The question paper's difficulty level was above average.

It was competency based, with less focus on direct theoretical questions providing challenging questions based on application, analytical thinking and case based/ problem solving skills. Only Students with conceptual clarity will be able to attempt the paper confidently.

This year the paper was divided into 3 sections.

Section A Biology 

NCERT based questions closely aligned with the prescribed syllabus and sample paper pattern. It included some thought provoking CBQs like in Set 31/1/2 question no.10 on life processes, question no.13 on sex determination and question no.16 from Chapter Reproduction were a good check for in depth knowledge of biology concepts and their application.

Section B was Chemistry 

The MCQs were direct, in Set 31/1/3 Q27 (b) Q 28 (c) both choices were based on fine details of extraction of metals. These questions were indirect requiring the students to think and apply the learnt concepts to practical situation, The (b) part of 5 marker question specifically asked the role of conc. H2SO4 in the reaction a detail which students mostly overlook.

Section C on Physics 

Paper found slightly tricky like question 35 (b) and 36 (a) and (b) of set 31/1/2 from Magnetic Effects of current required deeper thinking, making the answering of questions time consuming. The same set included diagram-based questions from chapter on Light checking different competencies of the learner. It also had a numerical problem in a five-marker question on combination of resistors which needed comprehensive and analytical skills. However, the choices given internally in the same question were simple taking into account the different categories of learners.

Overall, the paper was fair, comprehensive and aligned with CBSE's competency-based assessment approach.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: "Questions were NCERT based and there were no surprises in the paper"

Analysis By Divya Bhatia, Principle, Amity International School Saket, Delhi

1. Paper was as per the sample paper issued by CBSE

2. Division of the paper in sections was as per the blue print provided( Bio:30 Marks. Chem: 25 marks, Phy: 25 Marks)

3. Questions were NCERT based and there were no surprises in the paper

4. Some questions were of HOTs type and application based.

5. Overall it was a very balanced paper.

6. Students were satisfied and happy with the paper

CBSE Boards 2026 LIVE: Class 10 Science Paper Rated Moderately Easy by Bengaluru Teacher

Analysis By Parvathy V - PGT Physics and Academic coordinator, JAIN International Residential School, Bengaluru


The paper was as per the latest pattern with 3 sections: Section A- Biology for 30 marks, Section B- Chemistry for 25 marks and Section C- Physics for 25 marks. The paper had a total of 39 questions . The paper was a mix of straightforward questions and concept- based questions. It followed the revised pattern, focusing on competency based learning and application of concepts.

Section A (Biology)

The paper is well-balanced and thoughtfully designed. It covered all major concepts from the syllabus, giving students a fair chance to show their understanding and clarity of concept. It is a mix of straightforward and thought-provoking questions, all of which are scoring with proper preparation. It not only tested the knowledge effectively but also ensured critical thinking.

Overall, it was a well-structured, student- friendly, scoring paper.

Section B( Chemistry)

The Chemistry section was commendably straightforward, with all three question sets featuring nearly identical questions. The paper was direct and comprehensive, covering all marks levels, thereby rendering it readily accessible to students. A thorough understanding of the NCERT textbook is likely to have greatly benefited students in tackling the exam.

Section C( Physics)

Physics section was mildly difficult. The MCQ is easy to attempt.The 2 and 3 marks were moderate while the case study urges students to connect and apply. The 5 marks question on electricity in set 1 and 2, requires attentive calculation while in set 3, it is straight application of the formula.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: Paper concludes

The Class 12 Science paper has concluded.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 Live: When can students check paper analysis?

The Class 10 paper analysis can be checked by students after the science paper is over.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: Only One Hour Remaining

Time is running out for students appearing in the CBSE Class 10 Science exam, with just one hour left before the paper concludes. Invigilators will shortly instruct candidates to finish up and stop writing.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: Know Exam Weightag

The exam is conducted for 80 marks, while 20 marks are allotted for internal assessment. Out of 80 marks, 68 marks are for theory and 12 marks are for practical-based questions.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 Live: CBSE Class 10 Science Exam 2026 Starts at 10:30 AM

The Class 10 Science board exam 2026 began today at 10:30 AM at centres across the country. In line with CBSE rules, students were given 15 minutes to read the question paper beforehand, helping them understand the questions and strategize their approach.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: Gate Are Closed

Entry for the exam has now ended. No student will be permitted to enter the examination hall at this time.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: Exam entry gate to close at 10 am

The exam entry gate will close at 10 am. Students are advised to reach the exam centre by the prescribed time.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: Two board exams for Class 10

From this year onwards, Central Board of Secondary Education will conduct two board examinations for Class 10 students. The first exam will be held in February-March 2026, while the second exam will begin on May 15, 2026, and will continue for 15 days. Students who pass the examination and meet the eligibility criteria will be given an opportunity to improve their scores. They can choose to reappear in any three subjects out of Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages to enhance their overall performance.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: Passing criteria

To qualify for the CBSE board exams 2026, students must obtain a minimum of 33% in all subjects, including theory, practicals, and internal evaluations. They must earn at least a Grade in areas that entail a practical assessment and complete both the theory and practical components independently

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: Check Last-Minute Section-Wise Tips From Educators

Ms. Ranjana Thapar, Science faculty at Satya School, Gurugram, has shared important instructions and section-wise tips For students:

Physics

  • While solving numericals, write the formula first, substitute the values correctly, and mention proper units.
  • Draw ray diagrams and electric circuits neatly using a pencil, with proper arrows and labels.
  • Use the correct scale while plotting graphs.

Chemistry

  • Practice balancing chemical equations and understand different types of reactions.
  • Revise important chemical formulas and equations regularly.

Biology

  • Diagrams and flowcharts carry separate marks.
  • Ensure diagrams are neat, well-labeled, and relevant to the question.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: When will the exams conclude?

Class 10 exams will conclude on March 10 while Class 12 exams will end on April 10

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE:Toughest Chapters in Class 10 CBSE Science

1.Electricity (Physics) - Involves numerical problems, formulas, and conceptual understanding of current, voltage, and resistance.

2.Magnetic Effects of Electric Current (Physics) - Requires clarity of concepts like magnetic fields, electromagnets, and Fleming's rules.

3.Carbon and Its Compounds (Chemistry) - Includes chemical bonding, properties of carbon compounds, and reaction mechanisms, which can be tricky.

4.Life Processes (Biology) - Covers detailed functions of body systems such as respiration, digestion, and circulation, making it content-heavy.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: How many students are appearing this year In Class 10?

Around 25 lakh in Class 10 and 18.5 lakh in Class 12 across thousands of centres.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: What is new about Class 10 board rules?

From 2026, all students must appear in the first board exam. Direct entry to the second exam is not allowed.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: Check Date And Time

The CBSE Class 10 science Board Exam 2026 is scheduled to be conducted today from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Students must carry their admit cards to the examination centre without fail.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 LIVE: Which exams are scheduled today?

Class 10 Science and Class 12 Beauty and & Wellness, Typography & Computer Application papers will be held today in a single shift.

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