Exam Preparation : How to Crack CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2025-26
The academic year 2025-26 is a landmark year for CBSE students. With the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the board has introduced significant changes, including a two-phase exam system and a massive shift toward competency-based questions.
Whether you are aiming for 95%+ or looking to strengthen your basics, this guide provides the roadmap, schedule, and strategy you need to succeed.
1. Key Changes in the 2025-26 Exam Pattern
Before you pick up a book, you must understand how you will be tested. For the 2025-26 session:
- Two Board Exams: CBSE will conduct exams in two phases (typically February and May). This reduces pressure and gives you a second chance to improve.
- Competency-Based Questions: 50% of your paper will now consist of MCQs, case studies, and assertion-reasoning questions designed to test your understanding, not just your memory.
- Internal Assessment: This now carries 20 marks (up from 20 in previous years), emphasizing the importance of school projects and periodic tests.
2. Subject-Wise Strategy
Mathematics: Practice is Power
- Focus Areas: Algebra (20 marks) and Geometry (15 marks) carry the highest weightage.
- The Secret: Don’t just solve NCERT questions; solve the NCERT Exemplar. Most “tricky” board questions are picked from there.
- Formula Book: Maintain a small diary for all theorems and formulas. Review it every night before sleep.
Science: Conceptual Clarity
- Physics: Practice numericals for “Electricity” and “Light” daily.
- Chemistry: Write down every chemical reaction from the NCERT chapters. Focus on “Carbon and its Compounds.”
- Biology: Diagrams are your best friends. Neatly labeled diagrams of the human heart, excretory system, and plant reproduction can bag you full marks.
Social Science: The Storytelling Method
- History: Create a timeline of dates for “Nationalism in India.”
- Geography: Map work is a “free” 5 marks. Practice locating dams, power plants, and airports twice a month.
3. The 9-Week Master Study Plan
To cover the syllabus effectively, follow this structured countdown:
| Weeks | Focus Area | Goal |
| Week 1-3 | NCERT Deep Dive | Complete all chapters and in-text questions. |
| Week 4-5 | Weak Spot Killing | Focus only on chapters you find difficult. |
| Week 6-7 | PYQs (Previous Year Questions) | Solve papers from the last 5 years. |
| Week 8-9 | Mock Tests | Simulate real exam conditions (3 hours, no phone). |
4. Top Resources for 2026 Preparation
- NCERT Textbooks: Your primary “Bible.” Every line is a potential question.
- CBSE Official Website: Download the latest sample papers and marking schemes from cbse.gov.in.
- Active Recall & Spaced Repetition: Use flashcards for definitions and dates to ensure you don’t forget old chapters.
5. Pro-Tips for the Exam Hall
- The 15-Minute Rule: Use the reading time to categorize questions into “Easy,” “Manageable,” and “Difficult.” Start with what you know best to build confidence.
- Presentation Matters: Use a black pen for headings and a blue pen for the body. Underline keywords in your long answers.
- Word Limits: Do not exceed them. CBSE rewards precision, not length.
Conclusion
Success in the 2025-26 Board Exams isn’t about studying 15 hours a day; it’s about studying smart. Understand the new pattern, stick to your schedule, and keep your mental health a priority.
