CBSE Class 10 Science 2026 Official Blueprint & Chapter-wise Marks Distribution
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the official syllabus and assessment blueprint for CBSE Class 10 Science 2025-26. This comprehensive guide covers the complete marking scheme, unit-wise weightage, chapter-wise breakdown, and exam pattern to help students and teachers plan their preparation effectively.
CBSE Class 10 Science Exam Pattern 2025-26
CBSE conducts a single annual examination for Class 10 Science with no term-wise tests. The total marks are distributed as follows:
- Board Examination: 80 marks
- Internal Assessment: 20 marks
- Grand Total: 100 marks
Unit-wise Marks Distribution (Out of 80 Marks)
| Unit | Unit Name | Marks | Subject Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour | 25 | Chemistry |
| II | World of the Living | 25 | Biology |
| III | Natural Phenomena | 12 | Physics |
| IV | Effects of Current | 13 | Physics |
| V | Natural Resources | 5 | Integrated |
Unit I: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour (25 Marks)
Chemistry section covering chemical reactions, acids, bases, salts, and metals.
| Chapter | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| 1. Chemical Reactions & Equations | Chemical equations, balanced equations, types of reactions (combination, decomposition, displacement, double displacement, precipitation, redox), endothermic & exothermic reactions |
| 2. Acids, Bases & Salts | H+ and OH– ions definition, general properties, neutralization, pH scale, importance of pH in everyday life, preparation & uses of NaOH, bleaching powder, baking soda, washing soda, plaster of Paris |
| 3. Metals & Non-Metals | Properties of metals and non-metals, reactivity series, formation & properties of ionic compounds |
| 4. Carbon and its Compounds | Valency of carbon, covalent bonding, varieties of carbon, organic compounds, homologous series, nomenclature, chemical properties (combustion, oxidation, addition reaction, substitution reaction), ethanol & ethanoic acid |
Unit II: World of the Living (25 Marks)
Biology section covering life processes, control & coordination, reproduction, and heredity.
| Chapter | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| 5. Life Processes | Nutrition, respiration, transportation, excretion in plants and animals |
| 6. Control & Coordination | Coordination in plants, nervous system in animals, coordination in animals, reflex action, voluntary & involuntary actions, brain & spinal cord |
| 7. How Organisms Reproduce | Reproduction in organisms, reproduction in humans, reproductive health, family planning, safe sex, AIDS, contraception, abortion |
| 8. Heredity & Evolution | Evidence for evolution, variation, speciation, natural selection, inheritance of traits, Mendel's laws, sex determination in humans |
Unit III: Natural Phenomena (12 Marks)
Physics section covering light reflection/refraction and the human eye.
| Chapter | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| 9. Light – Reflection & Refraction | Reflection of light, spherical mirrors, mirror formula, refraction, lens formula, magnification, human eye & colourful world |
| 10. The Human Eye & the Colourful World | Power of accommodation, defect of vision & corrective lenses, scattering of light, atmospheric refraction |
Unit IV: Effects of Current (13 Marks)
Physics section covering electricity, magnetic effects, and energy sources.
| Chapter | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| 11. Electricity | Electric current, potential difference, Ohm's law, resistance, factors affecting resistance, resistivity, combination of resistors (series & parallel), heating effect of current, electric power |
| 12. Magnetic Effects of Electric Current | Magnetic field & field lines, field due to current-carrying conductor, force on conductor in magnetic field, electric motor, electromagnetic induction, electric generator |
Unit V: Natural Resources (5 Marks)
Integrated section covering environmental awareness and sustainability.
| Chapter | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| 13. Our Environment | Ecosystems, food chains, trophic levels, biodegradable & non-biodegradable waste, ozone layer depletion |
| 14. Management of Natural Resources | Forestation, water harvesting, mineral conservation, energy conservation, sustainable practices |
Question Paper Pattern (2025-26)
| Question Type | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) | 1 | Variable |
| Assertion-Reason | 1 | Variable |
| Short Answer (SA) | 2 | Variable |
| Short Answer-II (SA-II) | 3 | Variable |
| Long Answer (LA) | 5 | Variable |
| VSA (Very Short Answer) | 1 | Variable |
Internal choice is provided in select questions. All questions are compulsory.
Key Preparation Tips for Class 10 Science 2026
- Focus on NCERT: CBSE question papers are directly based on NCERT textbook concepts and examples
- Chemistry practice: Balance equations regularly – they form 25% of the paper
- Diagrams are key: Biology chapters (Life Processes, Control & Coordination) require neat labeled diagrams
- Physics numericals: Practice Ohm's law, mirror/lens formula, and electric power calculations
- Previous year papers: Solve at least 5 years of CBSE board papers for pattern familiarity
- Internal assessment: Don't ignore the 20 marks – regular practical files and projects contribute here
Where to Practice More?
Theorify QPTool provides chapter-wise practice papers, unit tests, and full-length mock exams aligned with the CBSE Class 10 Science blueprint. Visit qptool.theorify.in to access free sample papers and build exam-ready confidence.
Last updated: August 2026. For official notifications, visit cbseacademic.nic.in