For thousands of Class 10 students, February 17, 2026, is more than just a date—it’s the day their understanding of mathematics will be put to the test in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) exams. Mathematics, often regarded as a fundamental subject, plays a crucial role not only in academics but also in everyday problem-solving and future career options.
To cater to diverse learning needs, CBSE offers two exam formats: Mathematics Standard and Mathematics Basic. The Standard paper, scheduled from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, challenges students with a broader and deeper set of concepts. In contrast, the Basic paper focuses on fundamental skills for those seeking a less rigorous approach. Both formats align with the 2024-25 syllabus and are designed to assess students fairly based on their chosen level.
To prepare effectively, students can leverage the official sample question papers and marking schemes released by CBSE. Understanding the marking scheme is crucial as it clearly shows how marks are distributed across questions, helping students prioritize their responses and allocate time wisely during the exam. Regularly solving these sample papers allows students to practice under exam-like conditions, identify weak areas, and significantly improve accuracy and speed. Familiarity with the exam pattern, question types, and difficulty level gained through these resources reduces exam-day anxiety and boosts confidence. Moreover, analyzing the marking scheme helps students understand the examiner’s expectations, guiding them to structure their answers appropriately for maximum marks. This combined approach is essential for strategic and focused preparation.
Exam format and structure of the Mathematics Standard paper
The Mathematics Standard exam lasts three hours and carries a maximum of 80 marks. The question paper contains 38 questions, carefully divided into five sections: A, B, C, D, and E. Section A consists of 18 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and two assertion-reason questions, each worth one mark. Section B features five very short answer questions, each carrying two marks. Section C comprises six short answer questions, with three marks assigned to each.
Section D includes four long answer questions valued at five marks each. Finally, Section E has three case study-based questions carrying a total of four marks, subdivided into parts worth one, one, and two marks respectively. All questions are compulsory, but internal choices are offered in two questions each in Sections B, C, and D, and in all two-mark questions in Section E.
Marking scheme and important exam instructions
The marking scheme directly reflects the division of questions and marks detailed above. Students must answer all compulsory questions but may choose between alternatives where internal choices are provided. The examination requires neat and clean figures wherever necessary, with the value of π (pi) taken as 22/7 unless otherwise stated.
Calculators are strictly not permitted during the exam. Candidates should carefully follow all general instructions provided in the question paper to avoid errors and maximize their performance.
Availability of sample question papers and marking schemes
CBSE has made available both the Sample Question Papers (SQP) and Marking Schemes (MS) for Mathematics Standard and Basic, including versions tailored for visually impaired students. These essential resources can be accessed through the official CBSE academic website.
Sample question papers and marking schemes include:
These documents provide comprehensive details on the types of questions asked, the marking distribution, and expected answers, assisting students in thorough exam preparation.
Here are some important tips for students preparing for the CBSE Class 10 Maths 2026 exam:
- Understand the exam pattern thoroughly: Familiarise yourself with the five sections and the types of questions asked to manage time effectively during the exam.
- Practice with sample papers: Use the official CBSE sample question papers and marking schemes to get accustomed to the question style and marking criteria.
- Focus on neat and clear diagrams: Drawing accurate figures can earn valuable marks, especially in geometry-related questions.
- Avoid using calculators: Since calculators are not allowed, practice calculations manually to improve speed and accuracy.
- Revise key formulas and concepts: Keep important formulas handy and revise them regularly to solve problems confidently during the exam.