For thousands of Class 10 students, February 17, 2026, isn’t just another day—it’s the pivotal moment when their understanding of mathematics will be rigorously tested in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) exams. Mathematics, a foundational subject, is vital not only for academic success but also for developing critical everyday problem-solving skills and expanding future career opportunities.
To accommodate diverse learning paths, CBSE offers two distinct exam formats: Mathematics Standard and Mathematics Basic. The Standard paper, scheduled from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, is designed to challenge students with a broader and deeper exploration of mathematical concepts. In contrast, the Basic paper focuses on core fundamental skills, ideal for students who prefer a less intensive approach.
Both papers are meticulously aligned with the 2024-25 syllabus, ensuring a fair and accurate assessment based on each student’s chosen learning level.
Effective Preparation with Official Resources
To prepare effectively, students are strongly encouraged to utilize the official sample question papers and detailed marking schemes provided by CBSE. A thorough understanding of the marking scheme is paramount, as it clearly outlines how marks are distributed across various questions. This knowledge empowers students to strategically prioritize their answers and manage their time efficiently during the exam.
Consistent practice with sample question papers allows students to simulate exam conditions, pinpoint their weaker areas, and significantly improve both accuracy and speed. Becoming familiar with the exam pattern, the types of questions asked, and the general difficulty level through these resources can greatly reduce exam-day anxiety and boost overall confidence. Furthermore, analyzing the marking scheme helps students grasp the examiner’s expectations, enabling them to formulate their answers precisely for maximum scores. This integrated approach is crucial for focused and strategic exam preparation.
Exam Format and Structure of the Mathematics Standard Paper
The Mathematics Standard exam is a three-hour paper carrying a maximum of 80 marks. The question paper comprises 38 questions, meticulously 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, each valued at five marks.
- Section E: Contains three case study-based questions, carrying a total of four marks, further subdivided into parts worth one, one, and two marks respectively.
While all questions are compulsory, internal choices are thoughtfully provided in two questions each within Sections B, C, and D, and in all two-mark questions in Section E, offering students some flexibility.
Marking Scheme and Important Exam Instructions
The marking scheme directly corresponds to the division of questions and marks detailed above. Students must attempt all compulsory questions but can exercise their option in questions where internal choices are available. For clarity and precision, candidates are required to draw neat and accurate figures wherever necessary. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the value of π (pi) should be taken as 22/7.
It is crucial to note that calculators are strictly prohibited during the examination. Candidates should meticulously adhere to all general instructions provided in the question paper to avoid common errors and optimize their overall performance.
Availability of Sample Question Papers and Marking Schemes
CBSE has officially released both the Sample Question Papers (SQP) and Marking Schemes (MS) for Mathematics Standard and Mathematics Basic. Additionally, specialized versions tailored for visually impaired students are also available. These invaluable resources can be accessed directly from the official CBSE academic website.
The table below summarizes the available documents:
| Paper type | Sample question paper (SQP) | Marking scheme (MS) |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics Basic | MathsBasic-SQP.pdf | MathsBasic-MS.pdf |
| Mathematics Standard | MathsStandard-SQP.pdf | MathsStandard-MS.pdf |
| Mathematics Basic (visually impaired) | MathsBasicVIC-SQP.pdf | MathsBasicVIC-MS.pdf |
| Mathematics Standard (visually impaired) | MathsStandardVIC-SQP.pdf | MathsStandardVIC-MS.pdf |
These documents offer an extensive overview of question types, mark distribution, and anticipated answer formats, providing indispensable aid for comprehensive exam preparation.
Essential Tips for CBSE Class 10 Maths 2026 Exam Preparation:
- Understand the exam pattern thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with the five sections and the types of questions asked to manage time effectively during the exam.
- Practice with sample papers: Utilize 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.