The Class 10 Science examination conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on February 25, 2026, was largely rated balanced, syllabus-aligned, and student-friendly, with many educators noting that Physics was comparatively the most demanding section.
Held from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm across centres in India and abroad, the exam introduced a clearly demarcated three-section format—Physics, Chemistry, and Biology—for the first time, ensuring uniform weightage and structured coverage of all core disciplines. Students were also given 15 minutes of mandatory reading time to familiarise themselves with the paper before writing.
Exam Pattern and Structure
As per the revised format, the theory paper carried 80 marks and consisted of 39 compulsory questions. Each section included a mix of:
- Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
- Assertion–reason items
- Short- and long-answer questions
- Numericals and diagram-based problems
- Case-study and competency-based questions
The paper was designed to assess conceptual understanding, application, and analytical thinking, rather than rote memorisation.
Teachers’ Take: Balanced Overall, Physics Slightly Tougher
Subject experts who reviewed the paper described it as well-balanced and strictly based on the NCERT syllabus.
A senior subject expert from Lancers Army Schools rated the overall difficulty level as moderate, noting that the Physics section required stronger conceptual clarity and careful numerical application. Students who had practised regularly and focused on fundamentals, she said, would have found it manageable.
Chemistry, according to educators, was comprehensive yet fair, covering key textbook areas through both objective and descriptive formats. Biology was widely viewed as the most direct and student-friendly, with familiar diagrams and case-based questions that tested understanding rather than memory.
Structured Format Helped Time Management
Educationists also welcomed the subject-wise segmentation, calling it a positive change that helped students stay focused and manage time better. Most questions were described as direct, familiar, and aligned with classroom teaching and sample papers.
While some teachers felt the paper appeared slightly lengthy due to the variety of question types, they noted that internal choices across sections provided flexibility, reducing exam pressure for students.
Section-Wise Snapshot
- Physics (25 marks): Most analytical; included numericals, ray diagrams, and higher-order thinking questions
- Chemistry (25 marks): Largely straightforward; NCERT-based reactions and concepts
- Biology (30 marks): Direct and scoring; diagram-based and reasoning-focused questions
Experts pointed out that Physics had a stronger emphasis on HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills), making it the toughest section for many students.
Overall Assessment
Teachers across schools agreed that students who thoroughly studied NCERT textbooks, practised exemplar problems, and managed time well are likely to perform comfortably. The paper reflected CBSE’s continued shift towards competency-based assessment, prioritising clarity of concepts over rote learning.
In summary, while Physics tested analytical depth, the overall Class 10 Science paper was fair, balanced, and accessible, offering well-prepared students ample opportunity to score well.
